The Poems of John Donne, Volume 1 (of 2) (part 3 of 3)
[291 Pedantery] Pedantry 1650-69]
[292 taught] thought 1612-25]
[300 shalt] shall 1612-25, 1669]
[308 all] aie 1612-21: are 1625]
[314 print,] point, 1612-33]
[323 earthly] early 1625]
[324 there.] there, 1633-39]
[326 choose 1612-25: chose 1633-69]
[327 will not] will nor 1612-25]
[328 Divine 1612-25: Divine, 1633-69]
[329 Great 1612-25: great 1633-69]
[333 wits 1612-25: wits, 1633-69]
[336 some] some, 1633]
[338 lyes] wise 1612-25]
[353 thought] thoughts 1612-25]
[366 rebellious] rebellions 1635-69]
[369 impressions 1612-25: rest impression]
[378 ill,)] last bracket dropped 1612-33]
[380 whither] spelt whether 1612-33]
[383 study, 1635-69: study 1612-33]
[391 that ... that] no italics 1612-25]
[397 eies, 1612-21: eyes 1625: eyes; 1633-69, Chambers. See note]
[398 Saint, 1612-25: Saint 1633-69
vow] row 1612-25]
[399 remaines;] remaines, 1612-25]
[402 that] in italics 1633-69]
[404 Creatures 1612-25: creatures 1633-69]
[416 Thinks] Thinke 1612-25]
[420 enow] enough 1633]
[421 this 1612: his 1621-69]
[421-2 place, ... little, 1612: place ... little, 1621-33]
[423 affords] affoords 1612-25
world, foundation 1633-69: worlds, foundatione 1612-25]
[426 Benefits ... Rods] capitals from 1612-25]
[428 Warre] no capital 1612-39]
[429 that] the 1625]
[433 much] much, 1633-39]
[435 up] upon 1612-25]
[449 Here 1612-25: here 1633-69]
[463 cleare,] cleane, 1635]
[475 My Lord] no italics 1612-25]
[477 redresse] Reders 1612-25]
[482 What e'r] What eye 1612-25]
[500 where] waere 1612]
[501 even] ever 1625]
[506: within; Ed: within, 1612-39: within. 1650-69]
[516: invoke] inroque 1612-25]
[518 French 1635-69: french 1612-33]
[520 Rent] Rent. 1633]
* * * * *
EPICEDES AND OBSEQVIES
Vpon
The deaths of sundry Personages.
* * * * *
Elegie upon the untimely death of the incomparable Prince Henry.
Looke to mee faith, and looke to my faith, God; For both my centers feele this period. Of waight one center, one of greatnesse is; And Reason is that center, Faith is this; For into'our reason flow, and there do end 5 All, that this naturall world doth comprehend: Quotidian things, and equidistant hence, Shut in, for man, in one circumference. But for th'enormous greatnesses, which are So disproportion'd, and so angulare, 10 As is Gods essence, place and providence, Where, how, when, what soules do, departed hence, These things (eccentrique else) on faith do strike; Yet neither all, nor upon all, alike. For reason, put to'her best extension, 15 Almost meetes faith, and makes both centers one. And nothing ever came so neare to this, As contemplation of that Prince, wee misse. For all that faith might credit mankinde could, Reason still seconded, that this prince would. 20 If then least moving of the center, make More, then if whole hell belch'd, the world to shake, What must this do, centers distracted so, That wee see not what to beleeve or know? Was it not well beleev'd till now, that hee, 25 Whose reputation was an extasie On neighbour States, which knew not why to wake, Till hee discover'd what wayes he would take; For whom, what Princes angled, when they tryed, Met a Torpedo, and were stupified; 30 And others studies, how he would be bent; Was his great fathers greatest instrument, And activ'st spirit, to convey and tie This soule of peace, through Christianity? Was it not well beleev'd, that hee would make 35 This generall peace, th'Eternall overtake, And that his times might have stretch'd out so farre, As to touch those, of which they emblems are? For to confirme this just beleefe, that now The last dayes came, wee saw heav'n did allow, 40 That, but from his aspect and exercise, In peacefull times, Rumors of war did rise. But now this faith is heresie: we must Still stay, and vexe our great-grand-mother, Dust. Oh, is God prodigall? hath he spent his store 45 Of plagues, on us; and onely now, when more Would ease us much, doth he grudge misery; And will not let's enjoy our curse; to dy? As, for the earth throwne lowest downe of all, T'were an ambition to desire to fall, 50 So God, in our desire to dye, doth know Our plot for ease, in being wretched so. Therefore we live; though such a life wee have, As but so many mandrakes on his grave. What had his growth, and generation done, 55 When, what we are, his putrefaction Sustaines in us; Earth, which griefes animate? Nor hath our world now, other Soule then that. And could griefe get so high as heav'n, that Quire, Forgetting this their new joy, would desire 60 (With griefe to see him) hee had staid below, To rectifie our errours, They foreknow. Is th'other center, Reason, faster then? Where should we looke for that, now we'are not men? For if our Reason be'our connexion 65 Of causes, now to us there can be none. For, as, if all the substances were spent, 'Twere madnesse, to enquire of accident, So is't to looke for reason, hee being gone, The onely subject reason wrought upon. 70 If Fate have such a chaine, whose divers links Industrious man discerneth, as hee thinks; When miracle doth come, and so steale in A new linke, man knowes not, where to begin: At a much deader fault must reason bee, 75 Death having broke off such a linke as hee. But now, for us, with busie proofe to come, That we'have no reason, would prove wee had some. So would just lamentations: Therefore wee May safelyer say, that we are dead, then hee. 80 So, if our griefs wee do not well declare, We'have double excuse; he'is not dead; and we are. Yet I would not dy yet; for though I bee Too narrow, to thinke him, as hee is hee, (Our Soules best baiting, and midd-period, 85 In her long journey, of considering God) Yet, (no dishonour) I can reach him thus, As he embrac'd the fires of love, with us. Oh may I, (since I live) but see, or heare, That she-Intelligence which mov'd this spheare, 90 I pardon Fate, my life: Who ere thou bee, Which hast the noble conscience, thou art shee, I conjure thee by all the charmes he spoke, By th'oathes, which onely you two never broke, By all the soules yee sigh'd, that if you see 95 These lines, you wish, I knew your history. So much, as you, two mutuall heav'ns were here, I were an Angell, singing what you were.
[Epicedes &c. 1635-69: Elegie upon &c. 1613, in the Lachrymae Lachrymarum &c. of Joshua Sylvester. See note: Elegie on Prince Henry. 1633-54, O'F: similarly, Cy, N, TCD: An Elegie on the untimely &c. 1669]
[8 man 1633-69: men 1613]
[17 neare] nere 1633]
[18 that 1633-69: the 1613]
[19 might credit 1633-69: could credit 1613]
[21 moving 1633-69: movings 1613]
[22 shake, 1650-69: shake. 1633-39]
[26 extasie Ed: exstasie, 1633-69]
[31 bent; Ed: bent, 1613, 1633-69]
[34 through 1613-33: to 1635-69
Christianity? 1669: Christianity: 1633-54]
[42 did 1633: should 1613, 1635-69]
[44 great-grand-mother, 1613: great grand mother, 1633: great grand-mother, 1635-69]
[46 us;] us, 1633]
[48 to dy? Ed: to dy. 1633: to die! 1635-54: no stop, 1669]
[57 animate?] animate; 1633]
[66 Of 1633-69: With 1613]
[67 as, 1613: as 1633-69]
[69 So is't to] So is' to 1669]
[71 Fate 1633-69: Faith 1613]
[72 thinks; Ed: thinks, 1613, 1633-69]
[73 come, 1633-69: joine; 1613
so steale in 1633-69: to steal-in 1613]
[77 proofe 1633-69: proofes 1613]
[78 some. 1633: some, 1635-69]
[80 hee. 1633: hee, 1635-69]
[82 and we are. 1633-54: we are. 1613, 1669]
[83 I would not 1633-54: would not I 1669]
[91 Who Ed: who 1633-69]
[92 shee, 1633-69: she. Chambers]
[97 So much, as you, 1633-69: So, much as you Chambers]
To the Countesse of Bedford.
MADAME,
I have learn'd by those lawes wherein I am a[1] little conversant, that hee which bestowes any cost upon the dead, obliges him which is dead, but not the[2] heire; I do not therefore send this paper to your Ladyship, that you should thanke mee for it, or thinke that I thanke you in it; your favours and benefits to mee are so much above my merits, that they are even above my gratitude, if that were to be judged by words which must expresse it: But, Madame, since your noble brothers fortune being yours, the evidences also concerning it are yours,[3] so his vertue[4] being yours, the evidences concerning it,[5] belong also to you, of which by your acceptance this may be one peece, in which quality I humbly present it, and as a testimony how intirely your familie possesseth
Your Ladiships most humble and thankfull servant
JOHN DONNE.
[To the Countesse &c. 1633-69, and in most of the MSS. as next page]
[Footnote 1: a 1633-54: om. 1669]
[Footnote 2: the] his 1669]
[Footnote 3: yours, 1633: yours: 1635-69]
[Footnote 4: vertue 1633: vertues 1635-69]
[Footnote 5: it, 1633: that 1635-69]
_Obsequies to the Lord Harrington, brother to the Lady Lucy, Countesse of Bedford._
Faire soule, which wast, not onely, as all soules bee, Then when thou wast infused, harmony, But did'st continue so; and now dost beare A part in Gods great organ, this whole Spheare: If looking up to God; or downe to us, 5 Thou finde that any way is pervious, Twixt heav'n and earth, and that mans actions doe Come to your knowledge, and affections too, See, and with joy, mee to that good degree Of goodnesse growne, that I can studie thee, 10 And, by these meditations refin'd, Can unapparell and enlarge my minde, And so can make by this soft extasie, This place a map of heav'n, my selfe of thee. Thou seest mee here at midnight, now all rest; 15 Times dead-low water; when all mindes devest To morrows businesse, when the labourers have Such rest in bed, that their last Church-yard grave, Subject to change, will scarce be'a type of this, Now when the clyent, whose last hearing is 20 To morrow, sleeps, when the condemned man, (Who when hee opes his eyes, must shut them than Againe by death,) although sad watch hee keepe, Doth practice dying by a little sleepe, Thou at this midnight seest mee, and as soone 25 As that Sunne rises to mee, midnight's noone, All the world growes transparent, and I see Through all, both Church and State, in seeing thee; And I discerne by favour of this light, My selfe, the hardest object of the sight. 30 God is the glasse; as thou when thou dost see Him who sees all, seest all concerning thee, So, yet unglorified, I comprehend All, in these mirrors of thy wayes, and end. Though God be our true glasse, through which we see 35 All, since the beeing of all things is hee, Yet are the trunkes which doe to us derive Things, in proportion fit, by perspective, Deeds of good men; for by their living here, Vertues, indeed remote, seeme to be neare. 40 But where can I affirme, or where arrest My thoughts on his deeds? which shall I call best? For fluid vertue cannot be look'd on, Nor can endure a contemplation. As bodies change, and as I do not weare 45 Those Spirits, humors, blood I did last yeare, And, as if on a streame I fixe mine eye, That drop, which I looked on, is presently Pusht with more waters from my sight, and gone, So in this sea of vertues, can no one 50 Bee'insisted on; vertues, as rivers, passe, Yet still remaines that vertuous man there was. And as if man feed on mans flesh, and so Part of his body to another owe, Yet at the last two perfect bodies rise, 55 Because God knowes where every Atome lyes; So, if one knowledge were made of all those, Who knew his minutes well, hee might dispose His vertues into names, and ranks; but I Should injure Nature, Vertue, and Destinie, 60 Should I divide and discontinue so, Vertue, which did in one intirenesse grow. For as, hee that would say, spirits are fram'd Of all the purest parts that can be nam'd, Honours not spirits halfe so much, as hee 65 Which sayes, they have no parts, but simple bee; So is't of vertue; for a point and one Are much entirer then a million. And had Fate meant to have his vertues told, It would have let him live to have beene old; 70 So, then that vertue in season, and then this, We might have seene, and said, that now he is Witty, now wise, now temperate, now just: In good short lives, vertues are faine to thrust, And to be sure betimes to get a place, 75 When they would exercise, lacke time, and space. So was it in this person, forc'd to bee For lack of time, his owne epitome: So to exhibit in few yeares as much, As all the long breath'd Chronicles can touch. 80 As when an Angell down from heav'n doth flye, Our quick thought cannot keepe him company, Wee cannot thinke, now hee is at the Sunne, Now through the Moon, now he through th'aire doth run, Yet when he's come, we know he did repaire 85 To all twixt Heav'n and Earth, Sunne, Moon, and Aire; And as this Angell in an instant knowes, And yet wee know, this sodaine knowledge growes By quick amassing severall formes of things, Which he successively to order brings; 90 When they, whose slow-pac'd lame thoughts cannot goe So fast as hee, thinke that he doth not so; Just as a perfect reader doth not dwell, On every syllable, nor stay to spell, Yet without doubt, hee doth distinctly see 95 And lay together every A, and B; So, in short liv'd good men, is'not understood Each severall vertue, but the compound good; For, they all vertues paths in that pace tread, As Angells goe, and know, and as men read. 100 O why should then these men, these lumps of Balme Sent hither, this worlds tempests to becalme, Before by deeds they are diffus'd and spred, And so make us alive, themselves be dead? O Soule, O circle, why so quickly bee 105 Thy ends, thy birth and death, clos'd up in thee? Since one foot of thy compasse still was plac'd In heav'n, the other might securely'have pac'd In the most large extent, through every path, Which the whole world, or man the abridgment hath. 110 Thou knowst, that though the tropique circles have (Yea and those small ones which the Poles engrave,) All the same roundnesse, evennesse, and all The endlesnesse of the equinoctiall; Yet, when we come to measure distances, 115 How here, how there, the Sunne affected is, When he doth faintly worke, and when prevaile, Onely great circles, than can be our scale: So, though thy circle to thy selfe expresse All, tending to thy endlesse happinesse, 120 And wee, by our good use of it may trye, Both how to live well young, and how to die, Yet, since we must be old, and age endures His Torrid Zone at Court, and calentures Of hot ambitions, irrelegions ice, 125 Zeales agues, and hydroptique avarice, Infirmities which need the scale of truth, As well as lust, and ignorance of youth; Why did'st thou not for these give medicines too, And by thy doing tell us what to doe? 130 Though as small pocket-clocks, whose every wheele Doth each mismotion and distemper feele, Whose hand gets shaking palsies, and whose string (His sinewes) slackens, and whose Soule, the spring, Expires, or languishes, whose pulse, the flye, 135 Either beates not, or beates unevenly, Whose voice, the Bell, doth rattle, or grow dumbe, Or idle,'as men, which to their last houres come, If these clockes be not wound, or be wound still, Or be not set, or set at every will; 140 So, youth is easiest to destruction, If then wee follow all, or follow none. Yet, as in great clocks, which in steeples chime, Plac'd to informe whole towns, to'imploy their time, An error doth more harme, being generall, 145 When, small clocks faults, only'on the wearer fall; So worke the faults of age, on which the eye Of children, servants, or the State relie. Why wouldst not thou then, which hadst such a soule, A clock so true, as might the Sunne controule, 150 And daily hadst from him, who gave it thee, Instructions, such as it could never be Disordered, stay here, as a generall And great Sun-dyall, to have set us All? O why wouldst thou be any instrument 155 To this unnaturall course, or why consent To this, not miracle, but Prodigie, That when the ebbs, longer then flowings be, Vertue, whose flood did with thy youth begin, Should so much faster ebb out, then flow in? 160 Though her flood was blowne in, by thy first breath, All is at once sunke in the whirle-poole death. Which word I would not name, but that I see Death, else a desert, growne a Court by thee. Now I grow sure, that if a man would have 165 Good companie, his entry is a grave. Mee thinkes all Cities, now, but Anthills bee, Where, when the severall labourers I see, For children, house, Provision, taking paine, They'are all but Ants, carrying eggs, straw, and grain; 170 And Church-yards are our cities, unto which The most repaire, that are in goodnesse rich. There is the best concourse, and confluence, There are the holy suburbs, and from thence Begins Gods City, New Jerusalem, 175 Which doth extend her utmost gates to them. At that gate then Triumphant soule, dost thou Begin thy Triumph; But since lawes allow That at the Triumph day, the people may, All that they will, 'gainst the Triumpher say, 180 Let me here use that freedome, and expresse My griefe, though not to make thy Triumph lesse. By law, to Triumphs none admitted bee, Till they as Magistrates get victorie; Though then to thy force, all youthes foes did yield, 185 Yet till fit time had brought thee to that field, To which thy ranke in this state destin'd thee, That there thy counsailes might get victorie, And so in that capacitie remove All jealousies 'twixt Prince and subjects love, 190 Thou could'st no title, to this triumph have, Thou didst intrude on death, usurp'dst a grave. Then (though victoriously) thou hadst fought as yet But with thine owne affections, with the heate Of youths desires, and colds of ignorance, 195 But till thou should'st successefully advance Thine armes 'gainst forraine enemies, which are Both Envy, and acclamations popular, (For, both these engines equally defeate, Though by a divers Mine, those which are great,) 200 Till then thy War was but a civill War, For which to Triumph, none admitted are. No more are they, who though with good successe, In a defensive war, their power expresse; Before men triumph, the dominion 205 Must be enlarg'd and not preserv'd alone; Why should'st thou then, whose battailes were to win Thy selfe, from those straits nature put thee in, And to deliver up to God that state, Of which he gave thee the vicariate, 210 (Which is thy soule and body) as intire As he, who takes endeavours, doth require, But didst not stay, t'enlarge his kingdome too, By making others, what thou didst, to doe; Why shouldst thou Triumph now, when Heav'n no more 216 Hath got, by getting thee, then't had before? For, Heav'n and thou, even when thou livedst here, Of one another in possession were. But this from Triumph most disables thee, That, that place which is conquered, must bee 220 Left safe from present warre, and likely doubt Of imminent commotions to breake out: And hath he left us so? or can it bee His territory was no more then Hee? No, we were all his charge, the Diocis 225 Of ev'ry exemplar man, the whole world is, And he was joyned in commission With Tutelar Angels, sent to every one. But though this freedome to upbraid, and chide Him who Triumph'd, were lawfull, it was ty'd 230 With this, that it might never reference have Unto the Senate, who this triumph gave; Men might at Pompey jeast, but they might not At that authoritie, by which he got Leave to Triumph, before, by age, he might; 235 So, though, triumphant soule, I dare to write, Mov'd with a reverentiall anger, thus, That thou so earely wouldst abandon us; Yet I am farre from daring to dispute With that great soveraigntie, whose absolute 240 Prerogative hath thus dispens'd with thee, 'Gainst natures lawes, which just impugners bee Of early triumphs; And I (though with paine) Lessen our losse, to magnifie thy gaine Of triumph, when I say, It was more fit, 245 That all men should lacke thee, then thou lack it. Though then in our time, be not suffered That testimonie of love, unto the dead, To die with them, and in their graves be hid, As Saxon wives, and French soldurii did; 250 And though in no degree I can expresse Griefe in great Alexanders great excesse, Who at his friends death, made whole townes devest Their walls and bullwarks which became them best: Doe not, faire soule, this sacrifice refuse, 255 That in thy grave I doe interre my Muse, Who, by my griefe, great as thy worth, being cast Behind hand, yet hath spoke, and spoke her last.
[Obsequies to &c. B, S96 and similarly A25, C, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, TCD: Obsequies to the Lord Harringtons brother. To the Countesse of Bedford. 1633-54: Obsequies on the Lord Harrington, &c. To the Countess of Bedford. 1669]
[7 mans 1633, D, H49: mens 1635-69 and most MSS.]
[11 these 1633-69: those B, D, H49, JC, O'F, S, TCD]
[15 midnight, now 1633-69: midnight; now Chambers: midnight now, Grolier]
[26 that Sunne] this Sunne N, TCD]
[30 hardest] hardyest 1669]
[34 end. D: end; 1633-69]
[35 our true glasse, 1633-69 (glass, 1633): truly our glass A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD
see] see. 1633 some copies, 1635]
[38 Things, in proportion fit, by perspective, D: Things, in proportion fit by perspective, 1633: Things, in proportion, fit by perspective, 1635-54, Chambers: Things in proportion, fit by perspective, 1669. See note]
[39 men; D: men, 1633: men: 1635-69]
living 1633: beeing 1635-69, Chambers and Grolier]
[40 neare. 1635-69: nere; 1633]
[44 contemplation. Ed: contemplation; 1633-69]
[51 on; Ed: on, 1633-69]
[52 was. Ed: was; 1633-69]
[53 feed 1635-69 and MSS.: feeds 1633]
[63 would 1633: should 1635-69]
[69 to have his 1633, A25, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, S, S96, TCD: to'have had his 1635-69, O'F, Chambers]
[70 old; Ed: old, 1633-39: old. 1650-69]
[71 So, then that Ed: So then, that 1633: So, then, that 1635-69]
[76 exercise] exercse 1633 some copies: encrease D, H49, Lec: exercise: they S
lacke 1633-54: last 1669
time] room A25, B, JC, O'F, S, S96, TCD]
[78 epitome: D: epitome. 1633-69]
[80 Chronicles] Chroniclers 1669
can touch.] can touch; 1633]
[84 he] om. 1669, O'F]
[86 Aire; 1669: Aire. 1633-35: Air, 1639-54]
[87 instant] instant, 1633]
[98 good; Ed: good. 1633-69]
[102 this A25, B, C, D, H49, JC, N, O'F, S, TCD: the 1633-69
tempests A25, D, H49, JC, N, S96, TCD: tempest 1633-69, O'F, S]
[106 death, Ed: death 1633-69]
[110 man] man, 1633
hath.] hath, 1633 some copies, 1633-39]
[117 When ... when 1633-69, D, H49, Lec: Where ... where rest of MSS.]
[118 circles, than can D: circles, then, can 1633-69]
[121 it] that many MSS.]
[125 ambitions,] ambition, 1669]
[126 agues, Ed: agues; 1633-69]
[127-8 in brackets 1635-69]
[128 As well as lust, 1669: As well, as lust 1633-54]
[130 tell us 1633, 1669, A25, D, H49, N, S, TCD: set us 1635-54, B, O'F, S96, and Chambers]
[133 hand gets A25, B, C, D, H49, JC, N, S, TCD: hands get 1633-54: hands gets 1669. See note]
[135 flye, 1633: flee, 1635-69]
[138 houres come, 1633-54: hour come, 1669: hours are come, Chambers]
[142 none. 1635-69: none; 1633]
[146 fall; Ed: fall. 1633-69]
[154 great] grave A25, C]
[155 wouldst] wouldest 1639-54
any 1633-35, and MSS.: an 1639-69, Chambers]
[158 when 1633-69: where C, D, H49, N, O'F, S, TCD: whereas B]
[161 was 1633: were 1635-69]
[165 grow sure, 1633, D, H49, Lec: am sure, 1635-69]
[170 and 1633-69: or A25, B, C, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD]
[176 them. D: them; 1633, 1639-69: them, 1635]
[178 Triumph; 1633: Triumph. 1635-69]
[184 victorie; Ed: victorie, 1633-69]
[186 brought] wrought 1639, Chambers]
[192 usurp'dst B, D, H49, N, TCD: usurp'st 1633, Lec, S96: usurpe 1635-69, A25, JC, O'F, Chambers]
[193 Then 1635-69: That 1633]
[198 acclamations 1669, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD: acclamation 1633-54]
[202 are. D: are; 1633-69]
[204 expresse; Ed: expresse. 1633-69]
[212 endeavours, 1633-54, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD: Indentours, 1669, Chambers]
[216 'thad] t'had 1633-39]
[218 were. D: were; 1633-69]
[222 out: 1635-69: out. 1633]
[224 His 1633-54: This 1669
then 1633-69: but D, H49, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD]
[231 reference] reverence 1650-54]
[239 I am] am I B, O'F, S, S96]
[241 with 1633-69, O'F: for A25, D, H49, Lec, N, TCD]
[247 time,] times, 1669, B, JC, O'F, N, S, S96, TCD]
[250 soldurii D, H49, Lec: soldarii 1633-69]
[251 expresse] expresse, 1633]
[257 Who, 1633: Which, 1639-69]
Elegie on the Lady Marckham.
Man is the World, and death th'Ocean, To which God gives the lower parts of man. This Sea invirons all, and though as yet God hath set markes, and bounds, twixt us and it, Yet doth it rore, and gnaw, and still pretend, 5 And breaks our bankes, when ere it takes a friend. Then our land waters (teares of passion) vent; Our waters, then, above our firmament, (Teares which our Soule doth for her sins let fall) Take all a brackish taft, and Funerall, 10 And even these teares, which should wash sin, are sin. We, after Gods Noe, drowne our world againe. Nothing but man of all invenom'd things Doth worke upon itselfe, with inborne stings. Teares are false Spectacles, we cannot see 15 Through passions mist, what wee are, or what shee. In her this sea of death hath made no breach, But as the tide doth wash the slimie beach, And leaves embroder'd workes upon the sand, So is her flesh refin'd by deaths cold hand. 20 As men of China,'after an ages stay, Do take up Porcelane, where they buried Clay; So at this grave, her limbecke, which refines The Diamonds, Rubies, Saphires, Pearles, and Mines, Of which this flesh was, her soule shall inspire 25 Flesh of such stuffe, as God, when his last fire Annuls this world, to recompence it, shall, Make and name then, th'Elixar of this All. They say, the sea, when it gaines, loseth too; If carnall Death (the yonger brother) doe 30 Usurpe the body,'our soule, which subject is To th'elder death, by sinne, is freed by this; They perish both, when they attempt the just; For, graves our trophies are, and both deaths dust. So, unobnoxious now, she'hath buried both; 35 For, none to death sinnes, that to sinne is loth, Nor doe they die, which are not loth to die; So hath she this, and that virginity. Grace was in her extremely diligent, That kept her from sinne, yet made her repent. 40 Of what small spots pure white complaines! Alas, How little poyson cracks a christall glasse! She sinn'd, but just enough to let us see That God's word must be true, All, sinners be. Soe much did zeale her conscience rarefie 45 That, extreme truth lack'd little of a lye, Making omissions, acts; laying the touch Of sinne, on things that sometimes may be such. As Moses Cherubines, whose natures doe Surpasse all speed, by him are winged too: 50 So would her soule, already'in heaven, seeme then, To clyme by teares, the common staires of men. How fit she was for God, I am content To speake, that Death his vaine hast may repent. How fit for us, how even and how sweet, 55 How good in all her titles, and how meet, To have reform'd this forward heresie, That women can no parts of friendship bee; How Morall, how Divine shall not be told, Lest they that heare her vertues, thinke her old: 60 And lest we take Deaths part, and make him glad Of such a prey, and to his tryumph adde.
[Elegie &c. 1633-54: An Elegie &c. 1669: similarly, A18, A25, B, C, Cy, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, S96, TC]
[6 And breaks 1633-54: To break 1669
bankes D, Cy, H40, H49, JC, Lec, O'F, P, TCC: bounds A25, C: banke, 1633-69, N (s added), TCD]
[8 firmament,] firmament. 1633]
[10 Funerall, Ed: Funerall. 1633-69]
[11 these D, H49, Lec: those 1633-69]
[12 after Gods Noe, drowne 1633-54 (No, 1633-54): after God, new drown 1669
our world 1669, B, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD: the world 1633-54, A18, A25, JC, TCC]
[16 mist] mistes Cy, L74, N, TCD]
[19 embroder'd 1635-54: embroderd 1633: embroider'd 1669]
[21 stay, Ed: stay 1633-69]
[25 which Ed: which, 1633-69]
[28 then, 1633: then 1635-39: them 1650-69]
[34 and both deaths dust. Ed: and both Deaths' dust. Grolier: and both, deaths dust. 1633: and both death's dust. 1635-69 and Chambers: and both dead dust. D, Cy, H40, H49, JC, Lec, S96. See note]
[36 loth, Ed: loth. 1633-69]
[37 die; Ed: die, 1633-69]
[42 cracks 1633-69, A25, Cy, P (crackt): breakes A18, D, H40, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, O'F, S96, TC
glasse! Ed: glasse? 1633-69]
[44-5 omitted in 1633 between foot of one page and top of next]
[45 rarefie,] rectify, D, H40, H49, JC, Lec, S96]
[48 sometimes 1633 and MSS.: sometime 1635-69, _and Chambers_]
[52 teares,] tears Chambers
the ... men in brackets A18, N, TC]
[54 Death D: death 1633-69]
[58 women 1635-69, A18, A25, D, H49, JC, L74, Lec, N, P, TC: woman 1633, Cy
parts] parte Cy, JC. This line written in large letters in several MSS.]
[60 vertues, 1633-35, 1669: vertue, 1639-54
thinke] thinks 1639
old: Ed: old. 1633-69]
[62 tryumph 1633-69, A25, D, H40, Lec: triumphes A18, B, H49, JC, L74, N, O'F, P, S96, TC]
Elegie on M^{ris} Boulstred.
Death I recant, and say, unsaid by mee What ere hath slip'd, that might diminish thee. Spirituall treason, atheisme 'tis, to say, That any can thy Summons disobey. Th'earths face is but thy Table; there are set 5 Plants, cattell, men, dishes for Death to eate. In a rude hunger now hee millions drawes Into his bloody, or plaguy, or sterv'd jawes. Now hee will seeme to spare, and doth more wast, Eating the best first, well preserv'd to last. 10 Now wantonly he spoiles, and eates us not, But breakes off friends, and lets us peecemeale rot. Nor will this earth serve him; he sinkes the deepe Where harmelesse fish monastique silence keepe, Who (were Death dead) by Roes of living sand, 15 Might spunge that element, and make it land. He rounds the aire, and breakes the hymnique notes In birds (Heavens choristers,) organique throats, Which (if they did not dye) might seeme to bee A tenth ranke in the heavenly hierarchie. 20 O strong and long-liv'd death, how cam'st thou in? And how without Creation didst begin? Thou hast, and shalt see dead, before thou dyest, All the foure Monarchies, and Antichrist. How could I thinke thee nothing, that see now 25 In all this All, nothing else is, but thou. Our births and lives, vices, and vertues, bee Wastfull consumptions, and degrees of thee. For, wee to live, our bellowes weare, and breath, Nor are wee mortall, dying, dead, but death. 30 And though thou beest, O mighty bird of prey, So much reclaim'd by God, that thou must lay All that thou kill'st at his feet, yet doth hee Reserve but few, and leaves the most to thee. And of those few, now thou hast overthrowne 35 One whom thy blow makes, not ours, nor thine own. She was more stories high: hopelesse to come To her Soule, thou'hast offer'd at her lower roome. Her Soule and body was a King and Court: But thou hast both of Captaine mist and fort. 40 As houses fall not, though the King remove, Bodies of Saints rest for their soules above. Death gets 'twixt soules and bodies such a place As sinne insinuates 'twixt just men and grace, Both worke a separation, no divorce. 45 Her Soule is gone to usher up her corse Which shall be'almost another soule, for there Bodies are purer, then best Soules are here, Because in her, her virtues did outgoe Her yeares, would'st thou, O emulous death, do so? 50 And kill her young to thy losse? must the cost Of beauty,'and wit, apt to doe harme, be lost? What though thou found'st her proofe 'gainst sins of youth? Oh, every age a diverse sinne pursueth. Thou should'st have stay'd, and taken better hold, 55 Shortly, ambitious; covetous, when old, She might have prov'd: and such devotion Might once have stray'd to superstition. If all her vertues must have growne, yet might Abundant virtue'have bred a proud delight. 60 Had she persever'd just, there would have bin Some that would sinne, mis-thinking she did sinne. Such as would call her friendship, love, and faine To sociablenesse, a name profane; Or sinne, by tempting, or, not daring that, 65 By wishing, though they never told her what. Thus might'st thou'have slain more soules, had'st thou not crost Thy selfe, and to triumph, thine army lost. Yet though these wayes be lost, thou hast left one, Which is, immoderate griefe that she is gone. 70 But we may scape that sinne, yet weepe as much, Our teares are due, because we are not such. Some teares, that knot of friends, her death must cost, Because the chaine is broke, though no linke lost.
[Elegie on M^{ris} Boulstred. 1633-69, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H40, H49, L74, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, TCC, TCD: in Cy, O'F, P this and the Elegie, Death, be not proud (p. 416) are given as one poem. _See note_]
[5 there are set] and the meate A18, L74, N, TC]
[6 dishes 1633, 1650-69: dished 1635-39, A18, L74, N, O'F, S96, TC]
[10 first,] fruite or fruites A18, H49, L74, N, TC: first fruit P]
[14 keepe, 1635-39: keepe. 1633, 1650-69]
[15 by Roes 1633: the Roes 1635-54: the Rows 1669: by rows A18, N, O'F, P, S96, TC]
[18 birds Ed: birds, 1633-69 (Heavens choristers)] brackets from HN]
[27 lives, 1635-69, A25, Cy, O'F, P, S: lifes, HN: life, 1633, A18, D, H49, L74, Lec, N, TC]
[34 to thee. 1633: for thee. 1635-69]
[35 thou hast 1633-69: hast thou HN]
[36 blow] blow, 1633]
[41 King 1633, A18, A25, B, Cy, D, H49, HN, Lec, N, O'F, P, TC: Kings 1635-69]
[45 worke 1633-69, HN, O'F, S: workes A18, Cy, D, H49, L74, N, P, TC: makes Lec. See note]
[56 Shortly,] Shortly 1633
ambitious; 1635-69: ambitious, 1633]
[62 mis-thinking] mistaking Cy, HN, O'F (but altered to text)]
[64 profane; 1669: profane, 1635-54: profane. 1633]
[74 though 1635-69, A18, A25, HN, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TC: but 1633, D, H40, H49, Lec]
[Here follow in 1635-54 By our first strange (p. 111), Madame, That I (p. 291), and Death be not proud, (p. 422). In 1669 My Fortune and (p. 292) precedes Madame, That I]
ELEGIE.
Death.
Language thou art too narrow, and too weake To ease us now; great sorrow cannot speake; If we could sigh out accents, and weepe words, Griefe weares, and lessens, that tears breath affords. Sad hearts, the lesse they seeme the more they are, 5 (So guiltiest men stand mutest at the barre) Not that they know not, feele not their estate, But extreme sense hath made them desperate. Sorrow, to whom we owe all that we bee; Tyrant, in the fift and greatest Monarchy, 10 Was't, that she did possesse all hearts before, Thou hast kil'd her, to make thy Empire more? Knew'st thou some would, that knew her not, lament, As in a deluge perish th'innocent? Was't not enough to have that palace wonne, 15 But thou must raze it too, that was undone? Had'st thou staid there, and look'd out at her eyes, All had ador'd thee that now from thee flies, For they let out more light, then they tooke in, They told not when, but did the day beginne. 20 She was too Saphirine, and cleare for thee; Clay, flint, and jeat now thy fit dwellings be; Alas, shee was too pure, but not too weake; Who e'r saw Christall Ordinance but would break? And if wee be thy conquest, by her fall 25 Th'hast lost thy end, for in her perish all; Or if we live, we live but to rebell, They know her better now, that knew her well. If we should vapour out, and pine, and die; Since, shee first went, that were not miserie. 30 Shee chang'd our world with hers; now she is gone, Mirth and prosperity is oppression; For of all morall vertues she was all, The Ethicks speake of vertues Cardinall. Her soule was Paradise; the Cherubin 35 Set to keepe it was grace, that kept out sinne. Shee had no more then let in death, for wee All reape consumption from one fruitfull tree. God tooke her hence, lest some of us should love Her, like that plant, him and his lawes above, 40 And when wee teares, hee mercy shed in this, To raise our mindes to heaven where now she is; Who if her vertues would have let her stay Wee'had had a Saint, have now a holiday. Her heart was that strange bush, where, sacred fire, 45 Religion, did not consume, but'inspire Such piety, so chast use of Gods day, That what we turne to feast, she turn'd to pray, And did prefigure here, in devout tast, The rest of her high Sabaoth, which shall last. 50 Angels did hand her up, who next God dwell, (For she was of that order whence most fell) Her body left with us, lest some had said, Shee could not die, except they saw her dead; For from lesse vertue, and lesse beautiousnesse, 55 The Gentiles fram'd them Gods and Goddesses. The ravenous earth that now wooes her to be Earth too, will be a Lemnia; and the tree That wraps that christall in a wooden Tombe, Shall be tooke up spruce, fill'd with diamond; 60 And we her sad glad friends all beare a part Of griefe, for all would waste a Stoicks heart.
[Elegie. 1633: Elegie XI. Death. 1635-54 (being places among the Elegies): Elegie XI. 1669: An Elegie upon the death of M^{ris} Boulstred. A18, B, Cy, H40, L74, N, O'F, P, S, TCC, TCD: no title, HN]
[2 sorrow 1633, B, Cy, H40, HN, L74, N, P, TC: sorrowes 1635-69, O'F, S]
[8 desperate. Ed: desperate; 1633-69]
[10 Tyrant, 1633, 1669 (no comma): Tyran, 1635-54]
[20 beginne. Ed: beginne; 1633-69]
[21 for 1635-69: to 1633]
[26 for in her 1633 and all the MSS.: in her we 1635-69, Chambers]
[28 They ... that ... well; 1633, Cy, H40, HN, L74, N, S, TC: That know her better now, who knew her well. 1635-69, B, O'F, P, S96]
[29 and pine, and] or pine, or Cy, H40, HN, O'F, P, S, S96: or pine, and L74, TCC]
[30 miserie. Ed: miserie; 1633-69]
[34 The Ethicks speake 1633, A18, Cy, H40, L74, N, P, TC: That Ethickes speake 1635-69, B, O'F, S: The ethenickes spake HN
Cardinall. Ed: Cardinall; 1633-69]
[36 that kept out] to keep out HN, P
sinne. Ed: sinne; 1633-69]
[37 She had no more; then let in death for we 1669]
[38 tree. Ed: tree; 1633-69]
[41-2 And when we see his mercy shewne in this 'Twill &c. S]
[44 holiday. Ed: holiday; 1633-69
All the MSS. omit have, but O'F inserts it later]
[48 That what 1633-69: That when HN
turne] turn'd Cy, HN, P, S96
to feast, Ed: to feast, 1633-69
feast] feasts L74, N, O'F, TC
to pray, Ed: to pray, 1633-69]
[50 last.] last; 1633]
[53 Her body left 1633, A18, HN, N, TC: Her bodie's left 1635-69]
[56 fram'd] fain'd Cy, P: form'd H40, HN]
[57 wooes] woes 1633
be] be, 1633]
[58 All the MSS. omit a before Lemnia, but O'F inserts]
[61 sad glad 1633-69: glad sad B, Cy, L74, N, O'F, P, S, S96]
[62 waste 1633, A18, Cy, H40, HN, L74, N, P, TC: breake 1635-69, B, O'F]
Elegie on the L. C.
Sorrow, who to this house scarce knew the way: Is, Oh, heire of it, our All is his prey. This strange chance claimes strange wonder, and to us Nothing can be so strange, as to weepe thus. 'Tis well his lifes loud speaking workes deserve, 5 And give praise too, our cold tongues could not serve: 'Tis well, hee kept teares from our eyes before, That to fit this deepe ill, we might have store. Oh, if a sweet briar, climbe up by'a tree, If to a paradise that transplanted bee, 10 Or fell'd, and burnt for holy sacrifice, Yet, that must wither, which by it did rise, As we for him dead: though no familie Ere rigg'd a soule for heavens discoverie With whom more Venturers more boldly dare 15 Venture their states, with him in joy to share. Wee lose what all friends lov'd, him; he gaines now But life by death, which worst foes would allow, If hee could have foes, in whose practise grew All vertues, whose names subtile Schoolmen knew. 20 What ease, can hope that wee shall see'him, beget, When wee must die first, and cannot dye yet? His children are his pictures, Oh they bee Pictures of him dead, senselesse, cold as he. Here needs no marble Tombe, since hee is gone, 25 He, and about him, his, are turn'd to stone.
[Elegie &c. 1635-69, following Death be not proud (p. 422): Elegie, Funerall Elegie, or no title, B, Cy, HN, O'F, S96: Elegie VI. (being placed among the Elegies) 1633: Elegie. (being eighth among Elegies) D, H49, Lec: Elegia tercia. S: Elegie XIII^a. JC, W]
[1 who 1633-39: that 1650-69]
[2 prey. 1633: prey, 1633-54: Pay. 1669]
[4 thus. 1669: thus; 1633-54]
[13 dead: 1633-69: dead. HN, Grolier]
[16 Venture their states] Venter estates B
share. D, H49, Lec, W: share 1633: share, 1635-69, Chambers and Grolier. See note]
[17 him;] him, 1633]
[20 names] name 1635-69
knew. Ed: knew; 1635-69]
[24 he. 1650-69: he, 1633-39]
An hymne to the Saints, and to Marquesse Hamylton.
To Sir Robert Carr.
SIR,
I Presume you rather try what you can doe in me, then what I can doe in verse; you know my uttermost when it was best, and even then I did best when I had least truth for my subjects. In this present case there is so much truth as it defeats all Poetry. Call therefore this paper by what name you will, and, if it bee not worthy of him, nor of you, nor of mee, smother it, and bee that the sacrifice. If you had commanded mee to have waited on his body to Scotland and preached there, I would have embraced the obligation with more alacrity; But, I thanke you that you would command me that which I was loath to doe, for, even that hath given a tincture of merit to the obedience of
Your poore friend and servant in Christ Jesus
I. D.
[2 verse; 1635-69: verse, 1633]
[3 best] at the best A18, TCC
subjects. 1635-69: subjects, 1633: subject, A18, TCC]
[6-7 of him ... sacrifice. 1635-69: of you nor of him, we will smother it, and be it your sacrifice. 1633: of him, nor of you, nor of anye; smother it, and bee that the sacrifice. A18, TCC]
[9 the 1635-69: your 1633, A18, TCC
more] much 1633]
[10 loath] loather 1633]
in Christ Jesus] om. A18, TCC]
Whether that soule which now comes up to you Fill any former ranke or make a new; Whether it take a name nam'd there before, Or be a name it selfe, and order more Then was in heaven till now; (for may not hee 5 Bee so, if every severall Angell bee A kind alone?) What ever order grow Greater by him in heaven, wee doe not so. One of your orders growes by his accesse; But, by his losse grow all our orders lesse; 10 The name of Father, Master, Friend, the name Of Subject and of Prince, in one are lame; Faire mirth is dampt, and conversation black, The household widdow'd, and the garter slack; The Chappell wants an eare, Councell a tongue; 15 Story, a theame; and Musicke lacks a song; Blest order that hath him! the losse of him Gangreend all Orders here; all lost a limbe. Never made body such hast to confesse What a soule was; All former comelinesse 20 Fled, in a minute, when the soule was gone, And, having lost that beauty, would have none; So fell our Monasteries, in one instant growne Not to lesse houses, but, to heapes of stone; So sent this body that faire forme it wore, 25 Unto the spheare of formes, and doth (before His soule shall fill up his sepulchrall stone,) Anticipate a Resurrection; For, as in his fame, now, his soule is here, So, in the forme thereof his bodie's there. 30 And if, faire soule, not with first Innocents Thy station be, but with the Pænitents, (And, who shall dare to aske then when I am Dy'd scarlet in the blood of that pure Lambe, Whether that colour, which is scarlet then, 35 Were black or white before in eyes of men?) When thou rememb'rest what sins thou didst finde Amongst those many friends now left behinde, And seest such sinners as they are, with thee Got thither by repentance, Let it bee 40 Thy wish to wish all there, to wish them cleane; Wim him a David, her a Magdalen.
[An hymne &c. 1633-69, in all of which it is classed with the Divine Poems, following Resurrection. In 1635-69 it is preceded by the letter To Sir Robert Carr.: in 1633 the letter follows, and has no heading: similarly in A18, O'F, TCC. See note]
[1 Whether] Whither 1633, and so in 3]
[2 new; Ed: new, 1633-69]
[6 so,] so? 1633]
[7 alone?) 1635-54: alone;) 1633: alone) 1669]
[8 so. Ed: so; 1633-69]
[12 are 1633, A18, TCC: is 1635-69, O'F]
[16 song; 1633: song. 1635-69]
[17 him! Ed: him, 1633-69]
[18 Gangreend 1635-69: Gangred 1633
limbe. 1633-35: limbe: 1639-69]
[22 none; Ed: none: 1650-69: none, 1633-39]
[23 one instant 1633: an instant 1635-69]
[25 this 1633, A18, TCC: his 1635-69]
[29 For, as in his 1633-39: For, as it his 1650-54: For, as it is his 1669]
[30 there. Ed: there; 1633-39: there, 1650-69]
[36 in eyes] in the eyes A18, O'F, TCC]
EPITAPHS.
EPITAPH ON HIMSELFE.
To the Countesse of Bedford.
MADAME,
That I might make your Cabinet my tombe, And for my fame which I love next my soule, Next to my soule provide the happiest roome, Admit to that place this last funerall Scrowle. Others by Wills give Legacies, but I 5 Dying, of you doe beg a Legacie.
My fortune and my will this custome breake, When we are senselesse grown to make stones speak, Though no stone tell thee what I was, yet thou In my graves inside see what thou art now: 10 Yet th'art not yet so good; till us death lay To ripe and mellow there, w'are stubborne clay, Parents make us earth, and soules dignifie Vs to be glasse, here to grow gold we lie; Whilst in our soules sinne bred and pampered is, 15 Our soules become worme-eaten Carkasses.
[Epitaph. B, D, H40, H49
On himselfe. 1635-69
To the Countesse of Bedford. O'F, S96: no heading, and epistle only, A25, C The introductory epistle, and the first ten lines of the epitaph, the whole with heading Elegie., is printed 1635-54 among the Funerall Elegies. The full epitaph without epistle and with heading On himselfe. is included among the Divine Poems, where it follows the Lamentations of Jeremy. In his note Chambers (II. 234) reverses these facts. In 1669 On himselfe. is transferred to the Funerall Elegies and is followed immediately by the Elegie, i.e. the epistle and incomplete epitaph. They are here given for the first time in a separate group]
[5 Others by Wills 1635-69: Others by testaments A25, C, O'F (altered to wills), S96: Men by testament B: Then by testament H40: O then by testament D, H49]
[10 now: 1650-69: now, 1635-39]
[12 there, 1635, 1669: thee, 1639-54]
Omnibus.
My Fortune and my choice this custome break, When we are speechlesse grown, to make stones speak, Though no stone tell thee what I was, yet thou In my graves inside seest what thou art now: Yet thou'art not yet so good, till death us lay 5 To ripe and mellow here, we are stubborne Clay. Parents make us earth, and soules dignifie Vs to be glasse; here to grow gold we lie. Whilst in our soules sinne bred and pamper'd is, Our soules become wormeaten carkases; 10 So we our selves miraculously destroy. Here bodies with lesse miracle enjoy Such priviledges, enabled here to scale Heaven, when the Trumpets ayre shall them exhale. Heare this, and mend thy selfe, and thou mendst me, 15 By making me being dead, doe good to thee, And thinke me well compos'd, that I could now A last-sicke houre to syllables allow.
[Omnibus. D, H49: To all. H40, RP31: Another on the same. (i.e. M^{rs} Boulstred) P: On himselfe. 1635-69: no title, B, S96: in MSS. this complete epitaph follows the epistle (p. 291); but in B they are separated by various poems and in P the epistle is not given]
[3 tell] tel 1635]
[4 seest] see D, H49: compare incomplete version.]
[5 Yet 1635-69: Nay S96
thou'art Ed: thou art 1635-69]
[8 lie. Ed: lie; 1635-69]
[14 them] then 1669]
[16 to thee, B, D, H40, H49, O'F, S96: for thee, 1635-69]
INFINITATI SACRUM,
16. Augusti 1601.
METEMPSYCHOSIS.
Poêma Satyricon.
* * * * *
EPISTLE.
Others at the Porches and entries of their Buildings set their Armes; I, my picture; if any colours can deliver a minde so plaine, and flat, and through light as mine. Naturally at a new Author, I doubt, and sticke, and doe not say quickly, good. I censure much and taxe; And this liberty costs mee more then others, by how much my owne things are worse then others. Yet I would not be so rebellious against my selfe, as not to doe it, since I love it; nor so unjust to others, to do it sine talione. As long as I give them as good hold upon mee, they must pardon mee my bitings. I forbid no reprehender, but him that like the Trent Councell forbids not bookes, but Authors, damning what ever such a name hath or shall write. None writes so ill, that he gives not some thing exemplary, to follow, or flie. Now when I beginne this booke, I have no purpose to come into any mans debt[1]; how my stocke will hold out I know not; perchance waste, perchance increase in use; if I doe borrow any thing of Antiquitie, besides that I make account that I pay it to posterity, with as much and as good: You shall still finde mee to acknowledge it, and to thanke not him onely that hath digg'd out treasure for mee, but that hath lighted mee a candle to the place. All which I will bid you remember, (for I will have no such Readers as I can teach) is, that the Pithagorian doctrine doth not onely carry one soule from man to man, nor man to beast, but indifferently to plants also: and therefore you must not grudge to finde the same soule in an Emperour, in a Post-horse, and in a Mucheron,[2] since no unreadinesse in the soule, but an indisposition in the organs workes this. And therefore though this soule could not move when it was a Melon, yet it may remember, and now tell mee,[3] at what lascivious banquet it was serv'd. And though it could not speake, when it was a spider, yet it can remember and now tell me, who used it for poyson to attaine dignitie. How ever the bodies have dull'd her other faculties, her memory hath ever been her owne, which makes me so seriously deliver you by her relation all her passages from her first making when shee was that apple[4] which Eve eate,[5] to this time when shee is hee,[6] whose life you shall finde in the end of this booke.
[Infinitati &c. 1633-69: (in 1633 it is the first poem; in 1633-69 it follows the Funerall Elegies, from which it is separated by some prose letters, and precedes Divine Poems as here), A18, G, N, TCC, TCD
Metempsychosis. 1650-69: Metempsycosis. 1633-39]
[Footnote 1: debt; Ed: debt, 1633-69]
[Footnote 2: Mucheron, 1633, N, TC: Mushrome, G: Maceron, 1635-69, O'F]
[Footnote 3: and can now tell mee, 1635-69]
[Footnote 4: apple] aple 1633]
[Footnote 5: eate, 1633-69: ate, O'F: eat, mod. editors]
[Footnote 6: shee is hee, 1633, A18, G, N, TC: shee is shee, 1635-69]
THE PROGRESSE OF THE SOULE.
First Song.
I.
I sing the progresse of a deathlesse soule, Whom Fate, which God made, but doth not controule, Plac'd in most shapes; all times before the law Yoak'd us, and when, and since, in this I sing. And the great world to his aged evening; 5 From infant morne, through manly noone I draw. What the gold Chaldee, or silver Persian saw, Greeke brasse, or Roman iron, is in this one; A worke t'outweare Seths pillars, bricke and stone, And (holy writt excepted) made to yeeld to none. 10
II.
Thee, eye of heaven, this great Soule envies not, By thy male force, is all wee have, begot. In the first East, thou now beginst to shine, Suck'st early balme, and Iland spices there, And wilt anon in thy loose-rein'd careere 15 At Tagus, Po, Sene, Thames, and Danow dine, And see at night thy Westerne land of Myne, Yet hast thou not more nations seene then shee, That before thee, one day beganne to bee, And thy fraile light being quench'd, shall long, long out live thee. 20
III.
Nor, holy Ianus, in whose soveraigne boate The Church, and all the Monarchies did floate; That swimming Colledge, and free Hospitall Of all mankinde, that cage and vivarie Of fowles, and beasts, in whose wombe, Destinie 25 Us, and our latest nephewes did install (From thence are all deriv'd, that fill this All,) Did'st thou in that great stewardship embarke So diverse shapes into that floating parke, As have beene moved, and inform'd by this heavenly sparke. 30
IV.
Great Destiny the Commissary of God, That hast mark'd out a path and period For every thing; who, where wee of-spring tooke, Our wayes and ends seest at one instant; Thou Knot of all causes, thou whose changelesse brow 35 Ne'r smiles nor frownes, O vouch thou safe to looke And shew my story, in thy eternall booke: That (if my prayer be fit) I may'understand So much my selfe, as to know with what hand, How scant, or liberall this my lifes race is spand. 40
V.
To my sixe lustres almost now outwore, Except thy booke owe mee so many more, Except my legend be free from the letts Of steepe ambition, sleepie povertie, Spirit-quenching sicknesse, dull captivitie, 45 Distracting businesse, and from beauties nets, And all that calls from this, and to others whets, O let me not launch out, but let mee save Th'expense of braine and spirit; that my grave His right and due, a whole unwasted man may have. 50
VI.
But if my dayes be long, and good enough, In vaine this sea shall enlarge, or enrough It selfe; for I will through the wave, and fome, And shall, in sad lone wayes a lively spright, Make my darke heavy Poëm light, and light. 55 For though through many streights, and lands I roame, I launch at paradise, and I saile towards home; The course I there began, shall here be staid, Sailes hoised there, stroke here, and anchors laid In Thames, which were at Tigrys, and Euphrates waide. 60
VII.
For the great soule which here amongst us now Doth dwell, and moves that hand, and tongue, and brow, Which, as the Moone the sea, moves us; to heare Whose story, with long patience you will long; (For 'tis the crowne, and last straine of my song) 65 This soule to whom Luther, and Mahomet were Prisons of flesh; this soule which oft did teare, And mend the wracks of th'Empire, and late Rome, And liv'd when every great change did come, Had first in paradise, a low, but fatall roome. 70
VIII.
Yet no low roome, nor then the greatest, lesse, If (as devout and sharpe men fitly guesse) That Crosse, our joy, and griefe, where nailes did tye That All, which alwayes was all, every where; Which could not sinne, and yet all sinnes did beare; 75 Which could not die, yet could not chuse but die; Stood in the selfe same roome in Calvarie, Where first grew the forbidden learned tree, For on that tree hung in security This Soule, made by the Makers will from pulling free. 80
IX.
Prince of the orchard, faire as dawning morne, Fenc'd with the law, and ripe as soone as borne That apple grew, which this Soule did enlive, Till the then climing serpent, that now creeps For that offence, for which all mankinde weepes, 85 Tooke it, and t'her whom the first man did wive (Whom and her race, only forbiddings drive) He gave it, she, t'her husband, both did eate; So perished the eaters, and the meate: And wee (for treason taints the blood) thence die and sweat. 90
X.
Man all at once was there by woman slaine, And one by one we'are here slaine o'er againe By them. The mother poison'd the well-head, The daughters here corrupt us, Rivolets; No smalnesse scapes, no greatnesse breaks their nets; 95 She thrust us out, and by them we are led Astray, from turning, to whence we are fled. Were prisoners Judges, 'twould seeme rigorous, Shee sinn'd, we beare; part of our paine is, thus To love them, whose fault to this painfull love yoak'd us. 100
XI.
So fast in us doth this corruption grow, That now wee dare aske why wee should be so. Would God (disputes the curious Rebell) make A law, and would not have it kept? Or can His creatures will, crosse his? Of every man 105 For one, will God (and be just) vengeance take? Who sinn'd? t'was not forbidden to the snake Nor her, who was not then made; nor is't writ That Adam cropt, or knew the apple; yet The worme and she, and he, and wee endure for it. 110
XII.
But snatch mee heavenly Spirit from this vaine Reckoning their vanities, lesse is their gaine Then hazard still, to meditate on ill, Though with good minde; their reasons, like those toyes Of glassie bubbles, which the gamesome boyes 115 Stretch to so nice a thinnes through a quill That they themselves breake, doe themselves spill: Arguing is heretiques game, and Exercise As wrastlers, perfects them; Not liberties Of speech, but silence; hands, not tongues, end heresies. 120
XIII.
Just in that instant when the serpents gripe, Broke the slight veines, and tender conduit-pipe, Through which this soule from the trees root did draw Life, and growth to this apple, fled away This loose soule, old, one and another day. 125 As lightning, which one scarce dares say, he saw, 'Tis so soone gone, (and better proofe the law Of sense, then faith requires) swiftly she flew To a darke and foggie Plot; Her, her fates threw There through th'earths pores, and in a Plant hous'd her anew. 130
XIV.
The plant thus abled, to it selfe did force A place, where no place was; by natures course As aire from water, water fleets away From thicker bodies, by this root thronged so His spungie confines gave him place to grow: 135 Just as in our streets, when the people stay To see the Prince, and have so fill'd the way That weesels scarce could passe, when she comes nere They throng and cleave up, and a passage cleare, As if, for that time, their round bodies flatned were. 140
XV.
His right arme he thrust out towards the East, West-ward his left; th'ends did themselves digest Into ten lesser strings, these fingers were: And as a slumberer stretching on his bed, This way he this, and that way scattered 145 His other legge, which feet with toes upbeare. Grew on his middle parts, the first day, haire, To show, that in loves businesse hee should still A dealer bee, and be us'd well, or ill: His apples kindle, his leaves, force of conception kill. 150
XVI.
A mouth, but dumbe, he hath; blinde eyes, deafe eares, And to his shoulders dangle subtile haires; A young Colossus there hee stands upright, And as that ground by him were conquered A leafie garland weares he on his head 155 Enchas'd with little fruits, so red and bright That for them you would call your Loves lips white; So, of a lone unhaunted place possest, Did this soules second Inne, built by the guest, This living buried man, this quiet mandrake, rest. 160
XVII.
No lustfull woman came this plant to grieve, But 'twas because there was none yet but Eve: And she (with other purpose) kill'd it quite; Her sinne had now brought in infirmities, And so her cradled child, the moist red eyes 165 Had never shut, nor slept since it saw light; Poppie she knew, she knew the mandrakes might, And tore up both, and so coold her childs blood; Unvirtuous weeds might long unvex'd have stood; But hee's short liv'd, that with his death can doe most good. 170
XVIII.
To an unfetterd soules quick nimble hast Are falling stars, and hearts thoughts, but slow pac'd: Thinner then burnt aire flies this soule, and she Whom foure new comming, and foure parting Suns Had found, and left the Mandrakes tenant, runnes 175 Thoughtlesse of change, when her firme destiny Confin'd, and enjayld her, that seem'd so free, Into a small blew shell, the which a poore Warme bird orespread, and sat still evermore, Till her inclos'd child kickt, and pick'd it selfe a dore. 180
XIX.
Outcrept a sparrow, this soules moving Inne, On whose raw armes stiffe feathers now begin, As childrens teeth through gummes, to breake with paine, His flesh is jelly yet, and his bones threds, All a new downy mantle overspreads, 185 A mouth he opes, which would as much containe As his late house, and the first houre speaks plaine, And chirps alowd for meat. Meat fit for men His father steales for him, and so feeds then One, that within a moneth, will beate him from his hen. 190
XX.
In this worlds youth wise nature did make hast, Things ripened sooner, and did longer last; Already this hot cocke, in bush and tree, In field and tent, oreflutters his next hen; He asks her not, who did so tast, nor when, 195 Nor if his sister, or his neece shee be; Nor doth she pule for his inconstancie If in her sight he change, nor doth refuse The next that calls; both liberty doe use; Where store is of both kindes, both kindes may freely chuse. 200
XXI.
Men, till they tooke laws which made freedome lesse, Their daughters, and their sisters did ingresse; Till now unlawfull, therefore ill, 'twas not. So jolly, that it can move, this soule is, The body so free of his kindnesses, 205 That selfe-preserving it hath now forgot, And slackneth so the soules, and bodies knot, Which temperance streightens; freely on his she friends He blood, and spirit, pith, and marrow spends, Ill steward of himself, himselfe in three yeares ends. 210
XXII.
Else might he long have liv'd; man did not know Of gummie blood, which doth in holly grow, How to make bird-lime, nor how to deceive With faind calls, hid nets, or enwrapping snare, The free inhabitants of the Plyant aire. 215 Man to beget, and woman to conceive Askt not of rootes, nor of cock-sparrowes, leave: Yet chuseth hee, though none of these he feares, Pleasantly three, then streightned twenty yeares To live, and to encrease his race, himselfe outweares. 220
XXIII.
This cole with overblowing quench'd and dead, The Soule from her too active organs fled T'a brooke. A female fishes sandie Roe With the males jelly, newly lev'ned was, For they had intertouch'd as they did passe, 225 And one of those small bodies, fitted so, This soule inform'd, and abled it to rowe It selfe with finnie oares, which she did fit: Her scales seem'd yet of parchment, and as yet Perchance a fish, but by no name you could call it. 230
XXIV.
When goodly, like a ship in her full trim, A swan, so white that you may unto him Compare all whitenesse, but himselfe to none, Glided along, and as he glided watch'd, And with his arched necke this poore fish catch'd. 235 It mov'd with state, as if to looke upon Low things it scorn'd, and yet before that one Could thinke he sought it, he had swallowed cleare This, and much such, and unblam'd devour'd there All, but who too swift, too great, or well armed were. 240
XXV.
Now swome a prison in a prison put, And now this Soule in double walls was shut, Till melted with the Swans digestive fire, She left her house the fish, and vapour'd forth; Fate not affording bodies of more worth 245 For her as yet, bids her againe retire T'another fish, to any new desire Made a new prey; For, he that can to none Resistance make, nor complaint, sure is gone. Weaknesse invites, but silence feasts oppression. 250
XXVI.
Pace with her native streame, this fish doth keepe, And journeyes with her, towards the glassie deepe, But oft retarded, once with a hidden net Though with greate windowes, for when Need first taught These tricks to catch food, then they were not wrought 255 As now, with curious greedinesse to let None scape, but few, and fit for use, to get, As, in this trap a ravenous pike was tane, Who, though himselfe distrest, would faine have slain This wretch; So hardly are ill habits left again. 260
XXVII.
Here by her smallnesse shee two deaths orepast, Once innocence scap'd, and left the oppressor fast. The net through-swome, she keepes the liquid path, And whether she leape up sometimes to breath And suck in aire, or finde it underneath, 265 Or working parts like mills or limbecks hath To make the water thinne, and airelike faith Cares not; but safe the Place she's come unto Where fresh, with salt waves meet, and what to doe She knowes not, but betweene both makes a boord or two. 270
XXVIII.
So farre from hiding her guests, water is, That she showes them in bigger quantities Then they are. Thus doubtfull of her way, For game and not for hunger a sea Pie Spied through this traiterous spectacle, from high, 275 The seely fish where it disputing lay, And t'end her doubts and her, beares her away: Exalted she'is, but to the exalters good, As are by great ones, men which lowly stood. It's rais'd, to be the Raisers instrument and food. 280
XXIX.
Is any kinde subject to rape like fish? Ill unto man, they neither doe, nor wish: Fishers they kill not, nor with noise awake, They doe not hunt, nor strive to make a prey Of beasts, nor their yong sonnes to beare away; 285 Foules they pursue not, nor do undertake To spoile the nests industrious birds do make; Yet them all these unkinde kinds feed upon, To kill them is an occupation, And lawes make Fasts, and Lents for their destruction. 290
XXX.
A sudden stiffe land-winde in that selfe houre To sea-ward forc'd this bird, that did devour The fish; he cares not, for with ease he flies, Fat gluttonies best orator: at last So long hee hath flowen, and hath flowen so fast 295 That many leagues at sea, now tir'd hee lyes, And with his prey, that till then languisht, dies: The soules no longer foes, two wayes did erre, The fish I follow, and keepe no calender Of the other; he lives yet in some great officer. 300
XXXI.
Into an embrion fish, our Soule is throwne, And in due time throwne out againe, and growne To such vastnesse as, if unmanacled From Greece, Morea were, and that by some Earthquake unrooted, loose Morea swome, 305 Or seas from Africks body had severed And torne the hopefull Promontories head, This fish would seeme these, and, when all hopes faile, A great ship overset, or without faile Hulling, might (when this was a whelp) be like this whale. 310
XXXII.
At every stroake his brazen finnes do take, More circles in the broken sea they make Then cannons voices, when the aire they teare: His ribs are pillars, and his high arch'd roofe Of barke that blunts best steele, is thunder-proofe: 315 Swimme in him swallow'd Dolphins, without feare, And feele no sides, as if his vast wombe were Some Inland sea, and ever as hee went Hee spouted rivers up, as if he ment To joyne our seas, with seas above the firmament. 320
XXXIII.
He hunts not fish, but as an officer, Stayes in his court, at his owne net, and there All suitors of all sorts themselves enthrall; So on his backe lyes this whale wantoning, And in his gulfe-like throat, sucks every thing 325 That passeth neare. Fish chaseth fish, and all, Flyer and follower, in this whirlepoole fall; O might not states of more equality Consist? and is it of necessity That thousand guiltlesse smals, to make one great, must die? 330
XXXIV.
Now drinkes he up seas, and he eates up flocks, He justles Ilands, and he shakes firme rockes. Now in a roomefull house this Soule doth float, And like a Prince she sends her faculties To all her limbes, distant as Provinces. 335 The Sunne hath twenty times both crab and goate Parched, since first lanch'd forth this living boate; 'Tis greatest now, and to destruction Nearest; There's no pause at perfection; Greatnesse a period hath, but hath no station. 340
XXXV.
Two little fishes whom hee never harm'd, Nor fed on their kinde, two not throughly arm'd With hope that they could kill him, nor could doe Good to themselves by his death (they did not eate His flesh, nor suck those oyles, which thence outstreat) 345 Conspir'd against him, and it might undoe The plot or all, that the plotters were two, But that they fishes were, and could not speake. How shall a Tyran wife strong projects breake, If wreches can on them the common anger wreake? 350
XXXVI.
The flaile-finn'd Thresher, and steel-beak'd Sword-fish Onely attempt to doe, what all doe wish. The Thresher backs him, and to beate begins; The sluggard Whale yeelds to oppression, And t'hide himselfe from shame and danger, downe 355 Begins to sinke; the Swordfish upward spins, And gores him with his beake; his staffe-like finnes, So well the one, his sword the other plyes, That now a scoffe, and prey, this tyran dyes, And (his owne dole) feeds with himselfe all companies. 360
XXXVII.
Who will revenge his death? or who will call Those to account, that thought, and wrought his fall? The heires of slaine kings, wee see are often so Transported with the joy of what they get, That they, revenge and obsequies forget, 365 Nor will against such men the people goe, Because h'is now dead, to whom they should show Love in that act; Some kings by vice being growne So needy of subjects love, that of their own They thinke they lose, if love be to the dead Prince shown. 370
XXXVIII.
This Soule, now free from prison, and passion, Hath yet a little indignation That so small hammers should so soone downe beat So great a castle. And having for her house Got the streight cloyster of a wreched mouse 375 (As basest men that have not what to eate, Nor enjoy ought, doe farre more hate the great Then they, who good repos'd estates possesse) This Soule, late taught that great things might by lesse Be slain, to gallant mischiefe doth herselfe addresse. 380
XXXIX.
Natures great master-peece, an Elephant, The onely harmlesse great thing; the giant Of beasts; who thought, no more had gone, to make one wise But to be just, and thankfull, loth to offend, (Yet nature hath given him no knees to bend) 385 Himselfe he up-props, on himselfe relies, And foe to none, suspects no enemies, Still sleeping stood; vex't not his fantasie Blacke dreames; like an unbent bow, carelesly His sinewy Proboscis did remisly lie: 390
XL.
In which as in a gallery this mouse Walk'd, and surveid the roomes of this vast house, And to the braine, the soules bedchamber, went, And gnaw'd the life cords there; Like a whole towne Cleane undermin'd, the slaine beast tumbled downe; 395 With him the murtherer dies, whom envy sent To kill, not scape, (for, only hee that ment To die, did ever kill a man of better roome,) And thus he made his foe, his prey, and tombe: Who cares not to turn back, may any whither come. 400
XLI.
Next, hous'd this Soule a Wolves yet unborne whelp, Till the best midwife, Nature, gave it helpe, To issue. It could kill, as soone as goe. Abel, as white, and milde as his sheepe were, (Who, in that trade, of Church, and kingdomes, there 405 Was the first type) was still infested soe, With this wolfe, that it bred his losse and woe; And yet his bitch, his sentinell attends The flocke so neere, so well warnes and defends, That the wolfe, (hopelesse else) to corrupt her, intends. 410
XLII.
Hee tooke a course, which since, succesfully, Great men have often taken, to espie The counsels, or to breake the plots of foes. To Abels tent he stealeth in the darke, On whose skirts the bitch slept; ere she could barke, 415 Attach'd her with streight gripes, yet hee call'd those, Embracements of love; to loves worke he goes, Where deeds move more then words; nor doth she show, Nor <make> resist, nor needs hee streighten so His prey, for, were shee loose, she would nor barke, nor goe. 420
XLIII.
Hee hath engag'd her; his, she wholy bides; Who not her owne, none others secrets hides. If to the flocke he come, and Abell there, She faines hoarse barkings, but she biteth not, Her faith is quite, but not her love forgot. 425 At last a trap, of which some every where Abell had plac'd, ends all his losse, and feare, By the Wolves death; and now just time it was That a quicke soule should give life to that masse Of blood in Abels bitch, and thither this did passe. 430
XLIV.
Some have their wives, their sisters some begot, But in the lives of Emperours you shall not Reade of a lust the which may equall this; This wolfe begot himselfe, and finished What he began alive, when hee was dead; 435 Sonne to himselfe, and father too, hee is A ridling lust, for which Schoolemen would misse A proper name. The whelpe of both these lay In Abels tent, and with soft Moaba, His sister, being yong, it us'd to sport and play. 440
XLV.
Hee soone for her too harsh, and churlish grew, And Abell (the dam dead) would use this new For the field. Being of two kindes thus made, He, as his dam, from sheepe drove wolves away, And as his Sire, he made them his owne prey. 445 Five yeares he liv'd, and cosened with his trade, Then hopelesse that his faults were hid, betraid Himselfe by flight, and by all followed, From dogges, a wolfe; from wolves, a dogge he fled; And, like a spie to both sides false, he perished. 450
XLVI.
It quickned next a toyfull Ape, and so Gamesome it was, that it might freely goe From tent to tent, and with the children play. His organs now so like theirs hee doth finde, That why he cannot laugh, and speake his minde, 455 He wonders. Much with all, most he doth stay With Adams fift daughter Siphatecia, Doth gaze on her, and, where she passeth, passe, Gathers her fruits, and tumbles on the grasse, And wisest of that kinde, the first true lover was. 460
XLVII.
He was the first that more desir'd to have One then another; first that ere did crave Love by mute signes, and had no power to speake; First that could make love faces, or could doe The valters sombersalts, or us'd to wooe 465 With hoiting gambolls, his owne bones to breake To make his mistresse merry; or to wreake Her anger on himselfe. Sinnes against kinde They easily doe, that can let feed their minde With outward beauty; beauty they in boyes and beasts do find 470
XLVIII.
By this misled, too low things men have prov'd, And too high; beasts and angels have beene lov'd. This Ape, though else through-vaine, in this was wise, He reach'd at things too high, but open way There was, and he knew not she would say nay; 475 His toyes prevaile not, likelier meanes he tries, He gazeth on her face with teare-shot eyes, And up lifts subtly with his russet pawe Her kidskinne apron without feare or awe Of nature; nature hath no gaole, though shee hath law. 480
XLIX.
First she was silly and knew not what he ment. That vertue, by his touches, chaft and spent, Succeeds an itchie warmth, that melts her quite; She knew not first, nowe cares not what he doth, And willing halfe and more, more then halfe <loth>, 485 She neither puls nor pushes, but outright Now cries, and now repents; when Tethlemite Her brother, entred, and a great stone threw After the Ape, who, thus prevented, flew. This house thus batter'd downe, the Soule possest a new. 490
L.
And whether by this change she lose or win, She comes out next, where the Ape would have gone in. Adam and Eve had mingled bloods, and now Like Chimiques equall fires, her temperate wombe Had stew'd and form'd it: and part did become 495 A spungie liver, that did richly allow, Like a free conduit, on a high hils brow, Life-keeping moisture unto every part; Part hardned it selfe to a thicker heart, Whose busie furnaces lifes spirits do impart. 500
LI.
Another part became the well of sense, The tender well-arm'd feeling braine, from whence, Those sinowie strings which do our bodies tie, Are raveld out; and fast there by one end, Did this Soule limbes, these limbes a soule attend; 505 And now they joyn'd: keeping some quality Of every past shape, she knew treachery, Rapine, deceit, and lust, and ills enow To be a woman. Themech she is now, Sister and wife to Caine, Caine that first did plow. 510
LII.
Who ere thou beest that read'st this sullen Writ, Which just so much courts thee, as thou dost it, Let me arrest thy thoughts; wonder with mee, Why plowing, building, ruling and the rest, Or most of those arts, whence our lives are blest, 515 By cursed Cains race invented be, And blest Seth vext us with Astronomie. Ther's nothing simply good, nor ill alone, Of every quality comparison, The onely measure is, and judge, opinion. 520
The end of the Progresse of the Soule.
[7 gold] cold 1635-54]
[10 writt 1635-69, G: writs 1633, A18, N, TC: Writ's Chambers]
[12 begot.] begot, 1633]
[13 East] east 1633 some copies
beginst] begins 1633]
[16 Danow dine,] Danon dine, 1633]
[17 Myne, 1633 (but mine, in some copies): Mine, 1635-69]
[19 one day before thee O'F]
[21 Nor, holy Ianus, Ed: Nor holy Ianus 1633-69]
[27 From thence] For, thence G
All,)] All) 1633-69]
[31 Commissary] commissary 1633 some copies]
[33 every thing; Ed: every thing, 1633-69]
[34 instant; 1633: instant. 1635-69]
[36 vouch thou safe A18, G, N, O'F, TC: vouch safe thou 1633-69]
[37 booke: Ed: booke. 1633-69]
[45 Spirit-quenching] Spright-quenching G]
[54 shall, Ed: shall 1633: hold 1635-69
lone 1635-69: love 1633, A18, G, N, TC
wayes Ed: wayes, 1633-69
spright, Ed: spright 1633-69]
[59 hoised] hoisted G]
[61 For the] For this G, N, TCD: For that O'F]
[63 Which, Ed: Which 1633-69]
us; Ed: us, 1633-69]
[69 when] where A18, G, N, O'F, TC]
[71 no low] nor low Chambers]
[74 every where; Ed: every where 1633: every where, 1635-69]
[83 enlive, G: enlive 1633-69: om. 1633 some copies, and A18, N, TC]
[93 poyson'd 1669: poisoned 1633-54]
[94 corrupt us, 1635-69: corrupts us, 1633: corrupt as G
Rivolets; Ed: Rivolets, 1635-69: om. 1633, A18, N, TC]
[95 breaks] breake 1633 some copies
nets; Ed: nets, 1633-69]
[96 thrust] thrusts 1633 (thrust in some copies)]
[97 fled.] fled, 1633]
[99 beare; 1635-69, G: here, 1633: heare, A18, N, TC]
[108 is't] i'st 1633]
[112 vanities, 1633, G: vanitie, 1635-69]
[114 minde; Ed: minde, 1633-69 reasons, Ed: reasons 1633: reason's 1635-69, Chambers and Grolier]
[115 which] with 1633 some copies]
[117 breake, doe 1633, A18, G, N, TC: breake, and doe 1635-69, Chambers
spill: Ed: spill, 1633-69]
[119 perfects] perfect 1633 some copies]
[125 day. 1635-69: day, 1633 (corrected in some copies)]
[126 dares] dare 1669]
[127 proofe] proofes O'F]
[130 earths pores, 1669, A18, G, N: earths-pores, 1633: earth-pores, 1633 (some copies), 1635-54
anew] a new 1633]
[135 grow: 1650-69: grow, 1633-39]
[137 the Prince, and have so fill'd G: the Princesse, and so fill'd 1633 (but some copies read the Prince, and so fill'd): the Prince, and so fill up 1635-69: the Prince, and so fill'd A18, N, TC]
[144 bed, Ed: bed; 1633-69]
[146 upbeare. Ed: upbeare; 1633: up beare; 1635-69]
[147 middle parts 1633, G, O'F: middle part 1635-69: mid-parts A18, N, TC]
[150 kindle, G: kinde, 1633, A18, N, O'F, TC: kindle; 1635-69]
[157 white; 1633: white, 1635-69]
[159 guest, Ed: guest 1633-69. See note]
[165 moist red 1633-35: moist-red 1639-69]
[166 slept] sleept 1633-35
light; Ed: light, 1633-69]
[167 mandrakes might, Ed: mandrakes might; 1633-54: mandrakes-might: 1669]
[180 inclos'd 1635-69, G: encloth'd A18, N, TC: encloth'd altered to unclothed then to enclosed O'F: uncloath'd 1633
pick'd] peck'd A18, G, TC]
[181 Outcrept 1633-35: Out crept 1639-69]
[185 a new downy 1635-69, A18, G, TC: downy a new 1633
overspreades, 1633-39: overspreads 1650-69]
[193 cocke, Ed: cocke 1633-69
tree,] tree 1633]
[194 tent, Ed: tent 1633-69
hen; Ed: hen, 1633-69]
[196 be; Ed: be, 1633-69]
[202 ingresse; Ed: ingresse, 1633-69]
[203-5
Till now unlawfull, therefore ill; 'twas not So jolly, that it can move this soule; Is The body so free of his kindnesses,
1633, and 1669 (Till now,):
Till now, unlawfull, therefore ill 'twas not So jolly, that it can more this soule. Is The body, so free of his kindnesses,
1635-54
Till now, unlawful, therefore ill 'twas not. So jolly, that it can move this soul, is The body, so free of his kindnesses,
Chambers, and Grolier but 203 not; and no commas in 204. See note]
[206 selfe-preserving] no hyphen 1633-39]
[207 soules,] souls 1669]
[208 temperance] têperance 1633-39]
[212 grow,] grow 1633-39]
[214 hid G: his 1633-69, A18, N, TC
snare,] snare 1633-69]
[220 encrease his race,] encrease, 1633]
[223 brooke. A Ed: brooke; a 1633-69]
[225 they had intertouch'd 1635-69, G, O'F: they intertouched 1633: they intertouch'd A18, N, TC]
[227 abled] able 1669
rowe] roe 1633]
[228 fit: Ed: fit, 1633-69]
[240 armed were.] arm'd were 1633]
[249 sure is gone, 1633-39: is sure gone. 1650-54: is sure gone, 1669]
[251 her A18, G, N, O'F, TC: the 1633-69]
[254-7 for when ... use, to get,] in brackets 1635-69]
[254 Need G: need 1633-69]
[255 then] thê 1633]
[257 use, Ed: use 1633-69]
[262 fast. Ed: fast; 1633-69]
[266 mills Ed: mills, 1633-69]
[267 water 1635-69, G: wether 1633, A18, TC
airelike 1633-35: ayre like 1639-69 and Chambers
faith 1633-69: faith, Chambers. See note]
[268 not; Ed: not, 1633-69]
[270 two.] two 1633]
[271 is,] is 1633]
[273 Thus doubtfull 1633, A18, G, N, TC: Thus her doubtfull 1635-69]
[277 away: Ed: away, 1633-69]
[279 in brackets 1635-69
stood. 1633-39: stood, 1650-69]
[280 It's rais'd 1633-69: It rais'd some copies of 1633, A18, G, N, TC]
[287 industrious] industruous 1633]
[290 Fasts, and Lents 1635-69: fasts, and lents 1633]
[296 That many leagues at sea, G: That leagues o'er-past at sea, 1633-69: That leagues at sea, A18, N, O'F (which inserts o'r past), TC. See note]
[297 dies:] dies, 1633]
[301 throwne,] throwne 1633]
[303 vastnesse as, if Grolier: vastnesse, as if 1633-69, Chambers]
[307 head, 1633: head; 1635-69: head. Chambers. See note]
[311 take,] take 1633]
[315 thunder-proofe: Ed: thunder-proofe, 1633-69]
[316 swallow'd] swallowed 1633]
[322 at] as A18, G, TCC]
[337 this 1633: his 1635-69
boate; Ed: boate, 1635-69: boate. 1633]
[339 perfection; Ed: perfection. 1633-35: perfection, 1639-69]
[344-5 brackets, 1719: death: ... outstreat, 1633-69
did not eate] doe not eate G]
[349 Tyran] Tyrant 1669]
[351 flaile-finn'd] flaile-find 1633: flaile-finnd 1635-39]
[358 well] were 1633]
[359 tyran] tyrant 1669]
[365 they, revenge 1635-69: they revenge, 1633: they, revenge, 1633 some copies]
[367 h'is 1633: he's 1635-69]
[368 act; Ed: act. 1633-69]
[383 who thought, no more had gone, to make one wise 1633, G, A18, N, TC (the last four MSS. all drop more, N and TCD leaving a space): who thought none had, to make him wise, 1635-69]
[386 relies,] relies 1633]
[389 dreames; Ed: dreames, 1633-69]
[390: lie: 1635: lie. 1633, 1639-69]
[395 downe; Ed: downe, 1633-69]
[396 dies,] dies 1633]
[397-8 brackets, Ed: scape, ... roome, 1633: scape; ... roome, 1635-69
ment] went A18, N, TC]
[403 goe. Ed: goe, 1633: goe: 1635-69]
[405 Who,] Who 1633
trade, 1635-69: trade 1633]
[413 foes. Ed: foes, 1633-69]
[419 Nor <make> resist, Ed: Nor much resist, 1633-69: Nowe must resist N: Nowe much resist A18, G, TC: Resistance much O'F
needs] need O'F]
[420 nor barke, 1633-39: not barke 1650-69, A18, N, TC]
[422 hides.] hides, 1633]
[427 plac'd, ends] plac'd end 1633 some copies]
[435 dead; Ed: dead, 1633-39: dead. 1650-69]
[443 field. Being Ed: field, being 1633-69
thus] om. 1633]
[453 play. Ed: play, 1633-69]
[470 beauty; Ed: beauty, 1633-69]
[472 lov'd. Ed: lov'd; 1633-69]
[479 or] of 1669]
[480 shee hath] shee have A18, N, TC]
[481 ment. Ed: ment, 1633-69]
483 quite; Ed: quite, 1633-69]
[484 nowe 1633, G: nor 1635-69, Chambers: then A18, TC]
[485 <loth>, Ed: Tooth 1633, G: A18, N, TC leave a blank space: in TCC a later hand has inserted loath: wroth, 1635-69]
[487 Tethlemite A18, G, N, O'F, TC: Tethelemite 1633: Thelemite 1635-69]
[489 flew. 1635-69: flew, 1633]
[492 in. 1650-69: in, 1633-39]
[498 Life-keeping] Life keeping 1633
part; Ed: part, 1633-69]
[502 well-arm'd 1669: well arm'd 1633-54]
[503 sinowie] sinewy 1639-54: sinew 1669]
[504 out; Ed: out, 1633-69]
[505 this Soule] a Soule A18, N, TC attend; Ed: attend, 1633-69]
[506-7 joyn'd: ... past shape, 1633: joyn'd, ... past shape; 1635-69, Chambers, Grolier. See note]
[513 thoughts; 1650-69: thoughts, 1633-39]
[517 Astronomie.] Astronomie, 1633]
[519 comparison, 1633, 1669 (no comma): Comparison, 1635-54]
[520 opinion. 1633: Opinion. 1635-69]
[The end &c. 1635-69: om. 1633]
DIVINE POEMS.
To E. of D. with six holy Sonnets.
See Sir, how as the Suns hot Masculine flame Begets strange creatures on Niles durty slime, In me, your fatherly yet lusty Ryme (For, these songs are their fruits) have wrought the same; But though the ingendring force from whence they came 5 Bee strong enough, and nature doe admit Seaven to be borne at once, I send as yet But six; they say, the seaventh hath still some maime. I choose your judgement, which the same degree Doth with her sister, your invention, hold, 10 As fire these drossie Rymes to purifie, Or as Elixar, to change them to gold; You are that Alchimist which alwaies had Wit, whose one spark could make good things of bad.
[Divine Poems. A18, N, TC: In 1635-69 this is the title at head of each page, but the new section is headed Holy Sonnets.
To E. of D. &c. so headed 1633-69 but placed among Letters &c., and so in O'F and (but L. of D.) W: removed hither by Grosart.]
[4 their fruits] the fruit W]
[6 doe 1633: doth 1635-69]
[8 six;] six, 1633
maime. W: maime; 1633-69]
[11 drossie] drosse 1650-54]
To the Lady Magdalen Herbert: of St. Mary Magdalen.
Her of your name, whose fair inheritance Bethina was, and jointure Magdalo: An active faith so highly did advance, That she once knew, more than the Church did know, The Resurrection; so much good there is 5 Deliver'd of her, that some Fathers be Loth to believe one Woman could do this; But, think these Magdalens were two or three. Increase their number, Lady, and their fame: To their Devotion, add your Innocence; 10 Take so much of th'example, as of the name; The latter half; and in some recompence That they did harbour Christ himself, a Guest, Harbour these Hymns, to his dear name addrest.
J.D.
[To the Lady Magdalen Herbert: &c. Ed: To the Lady Magdalen Herbert, of &c. Walton's The Life of M^r George Herbert. (1670, pp. 25-6.) See note]
[4 know, 1675: know 1670]
HOLY SONNETS.
La Corona.
1. Deigne at my hands this crown of prayer and praise, Weav'd in my low devout melancholie, Thou which of good, hast, yea art treasury, All changing unchang'd Antient of dayes; But doe not, with a vile crowne of fraile bayes, 5 Reward my muses white sincerity, But what thy thorny crowne gain'd, that give mee, A crowne of Glory, which doth flower alwayes; The ends crowne our workes, but thou crown'st our ends, For, at our end begins our endlesse rest; 10 The first last end, now zealously possest, With a strong sober thirst, my soule attends. 'Tis time that heart and voice be lifted high, Salvation to all that will is nigh.
[HOLY SONNETS. 1633-69, being general title to the two groups: Holy Sonnets written 20 years since. H49.]
[La Corona. 1633-69, A18, D, H49, N, S, TCC, TCD, W: The Crowne. B, O'F, S96]
[2 low 1633, A18, D, H49, N, TC, W (spelt lowe in MSS.): lone 1635-69, B, O'F, S: loves S96]
[3 treasury, 1633-69: a Treasurie, B, O'F, S, S96]
[4 dayes; Ed: dayes, 1633-69]
[10 For] So W end 1633, A18, B, D, H49, N, O'F, TC, W: ends 1635-69, S96
rest; Ed: rest, 1633-69]
[11 The] This B, S, S96, W
zealously] soberly B, S96, W: O'F corrects]
[13 heart and voice] voice and heart B, O'F, S, S96, W]
[14 nigh.] nigh, 1633]
ANNVNCIATION.
2. Salvation to all that will is nigh; That All, which alwayes is All every where, Which cannot sinne, and yet all sinnes must beare, Which cannot die, yet cannot chuse but die, Loe, faithfull Virgin, yeelds himselfe to lye 5 In prison, in thy wombe; and though he there Can take no sinne, nor thou give, yet he'will weare Taken from thence, flesh, which deaths force may trie. Ere by the spheares time was created, thou Wast in his minde, who is thy Sonne, and Brother; 10 Whom thou conceiv'st, conceiv'd; yea thou art now Thy Makers maker, and thy Fathers mother; Thou'hast light in darke; and shutst in little roome, Immensity cloysterd in thy deare wombe.
[Annunciation.]
[1 nigh; 1669: nigh, 1633-54]
[9 created,] begotten, B, S, S96, W: O'F corrects]
[10 Brother; Ed: Brother, 1633-69]
[11 conceiv'st, 1633: conceiv'st 1635-69: conceiv'dst, O'F, S, W, and Grolier conceiv'd;] conceived; 1635-69]
[12 mother; Ed: mother, 1633-69]
NATIVITIE.
3. Immensitie cloysterd in thy deare wombe, Now leaves his welbelov'd imprisonment, There he hath made himselfe to his intent Weake enough, now into our world to come; But Oh, for thee, for him, hath th'Inne no roome? 5 Yet lay him in this stall, and from the Orient, Starres, and wisemen will travell to prevent Th'effect of Herods jealous generall doome. Seest thou, my Soule, with thy faiths eyes, how he Which fils all place, yet none holds him, doth lye? 10 Was not his pity towards thee wondrous high, That would have need to be pittied by thee? Kisse him, and with him into Egypt goe, With his kinde mother, who partakes thy woe.
[Nativitie.]
[6 this] his 1669]
[7 will] shall B, O'F, S, S96, W]
[8 effect 1669, A18, B, N, O'F, S, S96, TC, W: effects 1633-54, D, H49 jealous] dire and B, O'F, S, S96, W: zealous A18, N, TC
doome.] doome; 1633]
[9 eyes, 1633, B, D, H49, O'F, S, S96, W: eye, 1635-69, A18, N, TC]
TEMPLE.
4. With his kinde mother who partakes thy woe, Ioseph turne backe; see where your child doth sit, Blowing, yea blowing out those sparks of wit, Which himselfe on the Doctors did bestow; The Word but lately could not speake, and loe, 5 It sodenly speakes wonders, whence comes it, That all which was, and all which should be writ, A shallow seeming child, should deeply know? His Godhead was not soule to his manhood, Nor had time mellowed him to this ripenesse, 10 But as for one which hath a long taske, 'tis good, With the Sunne to beginne his businesse, He in his ages morning thus began By miracles exceeding power of man.
[Temple.]
[5 loe, Ed: loe 1633-69]
[6 wonders, 1633-39: wonders: 1650-69]
[11 for] to W
a long taske, 1633-69, D, H49: long taskes B, N, O'F, S, S96, TCD, W: longe taske A18, TCC
'tis] 'Tis 1633: thinks W]
CRVCIFYING.
5. By miracles exceeding power of man, Hee faith in some, envie in some begat, For, what weake spirits admire, ambitious, hate; In both affections many to him ran, But Oh! the worst are most, they will and can, 5 Alas, and do, unto the immaculate, Whose creature Fate is, now prescribe a Fate, Measuring selfe-lifes infinity to'a span, Nay to an inch. Loe, where condemned hee Beares his owne crosse, with paine, yet by and by 10 When it beares him, he must beare more and die. Now thou art lifted up, draw mee to thee, And at thy death giving such liberall dole, Moyst, with one drop of thy blood, my dry soule.
[Crucifying.]
[3 weake] meeke B, O'F, S, S96, W]
[8 to'a span, B, N, O'F, S, S96, TC, W: to span, 1633-69, A18, D, H49]
[9 inch. Loe, 1635-69: inch, loe, 1633]
[11 die. 1635-69: die; 1633]
RESVRRECTION.
6. Moyst with one drop of thy blood, my dry soule Shall (though she now be in extreme degree Too stony hard, and yet too fleshly,) bee Freed by that drop, from being starv'd, hard, or foule, And life, by this death abled, shall controule 5 Death, whom thy death slue; nor shall to mee Feare of first or last death, bring miserie, If in thy little booke my name thou enroule, Flesh in that long sleep is not putrified, But made that there, of which, and for which 'twas; 10 Nor can by other meanes be glorified. May then sinnes sleep, and deaths soone from me passe, That wak't from both, I againe risen may Salute the last, and everlasting day.
[Resurrection.]
[1 soule 1635: soule, 1633, 1639-69]
[5 this] thy B, O'F, S, S96, W]
[6 shall to] shall nowe to A18, N, O'F, TC]
[8 little 1633, A18, D, H49, TC: life 1635-69, B, O'F, S, S96, W]
[9 that long] that last long O'F, S, S96, W: that D, H49]
[11 glorified] purified S, S96, W, and O'F (which corrects to glorified)]
[12 deaths A18, N, S96, TC, W: death 1633-69, D, H49]
ASCENTION.
7. Salute the last and everlasting day, Joy at the uprising of this Sunne, and Sonne, Yee whose just teares, or tribulation Have purely washt, or burnt your drossie clay; Behold the Highest, parting hence away, 5 Lightens the darke clouds, which hee treads upon, Nor doth hee by ascending, show alone, But first hee, and hee first enters the way. O strong Ramme, which hast batter'd heaven for mee, Mild Lambe, which with thy blood, hast mark'd the path; 10 Bright Torch, which shin'st, that I the way may see, Oh, with thy owne blood quench thy owne just wrath, And if thy holy Spirit, my Muse did raise, Deigne at my hands this crowne of prayer and praise.
[Ascention.]
[3 just 1633, A18, D, H49, N, TC: true 1635-69, B, S, S96, W]
[8 way.] way, 1633]
[10 Lambe, D, W: lambe 1633-69]
[11 Torch, D, W: torch, 1633-69
the way] thy wayes B, S, S96, W: thee A18, TCC]
Holy Sonnets.
I.
Thou hast made me, And shall thy worke decay? Repaire me now, for now mine end doth haste, I runne to death, and death meets me as fast, And all my pleasures are like yesterday; I dare not move my dimme eyes any way, 5 Despaire behind, and death before doth cast Such terrour, and my feeble flesh doth waste By sinne in it, which it t'wards hell doth weigh; Onely thou art above, and when towards thee By thy leave I can looke, I rise againe; 10 But our old subtle foe so tempteth me, That not one houre my selfe I can sustaine; Thy Grace may wing me to prevent his art, And thou like Adamant draw mine iron heart.
[Holy Sonnets. 1633-69 (following La Corona as second group under the same general title), W: Devine Meditations. B, O'F, S96: no title, A18, D, H49, N, TCC, TCD. See note]
[I. 1635-69, B, O'F, S96, W: omitted 1633, A18, D, H49, N, TCC, TCD]
[4 yesterday; Ed: yesterday, 1635-69]
[7 feeble 1635-69: febled B, O'F, S96, W]
[12 my selfe I can 1635-69: I can myself B, S96, W
sustaine; 1669: sustaine, 1635-54]
II.
As due by many titles I resigne My selfe to thee, O God, first I was made By thee, and for thee, and when I was decay'd Thy blood bought that, the which before was thine; I am thy sonne, made with thy selfe to shine, 5 Thy servant, whose paines thou hast still repaid, Thy sheepe, thine Image, and, till I betray'd My selfe, a temple of thy Spirit divine; Why doth the devill then usurpe on mee? Why doth he steale, nay ravish that's thy right? 10 Except thou rise and for thine owne worke fight, Oh I shall soone despaire, when I doe see That thou lov'st mankind well, yet wilt'not chuse me, And Satan hates mee, yet is loth to lose mee.
[II. 1635-69, B, O'F, S96, W: I. 1633, A18, D, H49, N, TCC, TCD]
[2 God, first 1633: God. First 1635-69]
[4 thine; 1650-69: thine, 1633-39: thine. W]
[7 and, Ed: and 1633-69]
[9 on 1633-69, D, H49: in A18, B, N, S96, TC, W]
[10 steale,] steale 1633-39
that's] what's A18, TCC]
[12 doe 1633 and most MSS.: shall 1635-69, O'F, S96]
[13 me,] me. 1633]
III.
O might those sighes and teares returne againe Into my breast and eyes, which I have spent, That I might in this holy discontent Mourne with some fruit, as I have mourn'd in vaine; In mine Idolatry what showres of raine 5 Mine eyes did waste? what griefs my heart did rent? That sufferance was my sinne; now I repent; 'Cause I did suffer I must suffer paine. Th'hydroptique drunkard, and night-scouting thiefe, The itchy Lecher, and selfe tickling proud 10 Have the remembrance of past joyes, for reliefe Of comming ills. To (poore) me is allow'd No ease; for, long, yet vehement griefe hath beene Th'effect and cause, the punishment and sinne.
[III. 1635-69, B, O'F, S96, W: omitted 1633, A18, D, &c.]
[7 sinne; now I Ed: sinne, now I B, W: sinne I now 1635-69
repent; Ed: repent, 1633-69]
IV.
Oh my blacke Soule! now thou art summoned By sicknesse, deaths herald, and champion; Thou art like a pilgrim, which abroad hath done Treason, and durst not turne to whence hee is fled, Or like a thiefe, which till deaths doome be read, 5 Wisheth himselfe delivered from prison; But damn'd and hal'd to execution, Wisheth that still he might be imprisoned. Yet grace, if thou repent, thou canst not lacke; But who shall give thee that grace to beginne? 10 Oh make thy selfe with holy mourning blacke, And red with blushing, as thou art with sinne; Or wash thee in Christs blood, which hath this might That being red, it dyes red soules to white.
[IV. 1635-69: II. 1633, A18, D, &c.: V. B, O'F, S96, W]
[1 Soule! 1633: Soule 1635-69]
[8 imprisoned. W: imprisoned; 1633-69]
V.
I am a little world made cunningly Of Elements, and an Angelike spright, But black sinne hath betraid to endlesse night My worlds both parts, and (oh) both parts must die. You which beyond that heaven which was most high 5 Have found new sphears, and of new lands can write, Powre new seas in mine eyes, that so I might Drowne my world with my weeping earnestly, Or wash it, if it must be drown'd no more: But oh it must be burnt! alas the fire 10 Of lust and envie have burnt it heretofore, And made it fouler; Let their flames retire, And burne me ô Lord, with a fiery zeale Of thee and thy house, which doth in eating heale.
[V. 1635-69: omitted 1633, A18, D, &c.: VII. B, O'F, S96, W]
[6 lands B, S96, W: land 1635-69, O'F]
[7 I 1635-54: he 1669]
[9 it, Ed: it: W: it 1635-69]
[10 burnt! Ed: burnt, 1635-69]
[11 have B, S96, W: hath O'F: om. 1635-69]
[12 fouler; W: fouler, 1635-69
their] those W]
[13 Lord] God W]
VI.
This is my playes last scene, here heavens appoint My pilgrimages last mile; and my race Idly, yet quickly runne, hath this last pace, My spans last inch, my minutes latest point, And gluttonous death, will instantly unjoynt 5 My body, and soule, and I shall sleepe a space, But my'ever-waking part shall see that face, Whose feare already shakes my every joynt: Then, as my soule, to'heaven her first seate, takes flight, And earth-borne body, in the earth shall dwell, 10 So, fall my sinnes, that all may have their right, To where they'are bred, and would presse me, to hell. Impute me righteous, thus purg'd of evill, For thus I leave the world, the flesh, the devill.
[VI. 1635-69, B, O'F, S96, W: III. 1633, A18, D, &c.]
[6 and soule, 1635-69: and my soule, 1633]
[7 Or presently, I know not, see that Face, B, D, H49, O'F, S, S96, W]
[10 earth-borne 1635-69: earth borne 1633]
[14 flesh,] flesh 1633
the devill.] and devill. A18, B, D, H49, N, O'F, S96, TC, W]
VII.
At the round earths imagin'd corners, blow Your trumpets, Angells, and arise, arise From death, you numberlesse infinities Of soules, and to your scattred bodies goe, All whom the flood did, and fire shall o'erthrow, 5 All whom warre, dearth, age, agues, tyrannies, Despaire, law, chance, hath slaine, and you whose eyes, Shall behold God, and never tast deaths woe. But let them sleepe, Lord, and mee mourne a space, For, if above all these, my sinnes abound, 10 'Tis late to aske abundance of thy grace, When wee are there; here on this lowly ground, Teach mee how to repent; for that's as good As if thou'hadst seal'd my pardon, with thy blood.
[VII. 1635-69: IV. 1633, A18, D, &c.: VIII. B, O'F, S96, W]
[5 o'erthrow] overthrow 1669]
[6 dearth, W: death, 1633-69, A18, B, D, H49, N, O'F, S96, TC]
[8 woe. W: woe, 1633-54: owe; 1669]
[12 lowly] holy 1669]
[14 thy] my 1669]
VIII.
If faithfull soules be alike glorifi'd As Angels, then my fathers soule doth see, And adds this even to full felicitie, That valiantly I hels wide mouth o'rstride: But if our mindes to these soules be descry'd 5 By circumstances, and by signes that be Apparent in us, not immediately, How shall my mindes white truth by them be try'd? They see idolatrous lovers weepe and mourne, And vile blasphemous Conjurers to call 10 On Iefus name, and Pharisaicall Dissemblers feigne devotion. Then turne O pensive soule, to God, for he knowes best Thy true griefe, for he put it in my breast.
[VIII. 1635-69: omitted 1633, A18, D, &c.: X. B, O'F, S96, W]
[7 in us, W: in us 1635-69. See note]
[8 by] to B, S96, W]
[10 vile W: vilde B, O'F, S96: stile 1635-69]
[14 true W: om. 1635-69, B, S96 in W: into 1635-69, B, O'F, S96
my] thy B, S96]
IX.
If poysonous mineralls, and if that tree, Whose fruit threw death on else immortall us, If lecherous goats, if serpents envious Cannot be damn'd; Alas; why should I bee? Why should intent or reason, borne in mee, 5 Make sinnes, else equall, in mee more heinous? And mercy being easie, and glorious To God; in his sterne wrath, why threatens hee? But who am I, that dare dispute with thee O God? Oh! of thine onely worthy blood, 10 And my teares, make a heavenly Lethean flood, And drowne in it my sinnes blacke memorie; That thou remember them, some claime as debt, I thinke it mercy, if thou wilt forget.
[IX. 1635-69, B, O'F, S96, W: V. 1633, A18, D, &c.]
[1 poysonous] poysons 1639-54
and if that] or if the B, O'F, S96]
[2 (else immortal) 1635-69]
[5 or] and B, O'F, S96]
[6 mee] mee, 1633]
[8 God;] God, 1633]
[9-10 thee O God? W: thee? O God, 1633-69]
[12 memorie;] memorie, 1633]
[14 forget.] forget, 1633]
X.
Death be not proud, though some have called thee Mighty and dreadfull, for, thou art not soe, For, those, whom thou think'st, thou dost overthrow, Die not, poore death, nor yet canst thou kill mee. From rest and sleepe, which but thy pictures bee, 5 Much pleasure, then from thee, much more must flow, And soonest our best men with thee doe goe, Rest of their bones, and soules deliverie. Thou art slave to Fate, Chance, kings, and desperate men, And dost with poyson, warre, and sicknesse dwell, 10 And poppie, or charmes can make us sleepe as well, And better then thy stroake; why swell'st thou then? One short sleepe past, wee wake eternally, And death shall be no more; death, thou shalt die.
[X. 1635-69: VI. 1633, A18, D, &c.: XI. B, O'F, S96, W]
[4 mee.] mee; 1633]
[5 pictures 1633 and MSS.: picture 1635-69]
[8 deliverie.] deliverie 1633-69]
[9 Chance, W: chance, 1633-69]
[10 dost] doth 1633
dwell,] dwell. 1633]
[12 better] easier B, O'F, S96, W]
[13 wake] live B, S96, W]
[14 more; death, Ed: more, death 1633-69]
XI.
Spit in my face you Jewes, and pierce my side, Buffet, and scoffe, scourge, and crucifie mee, For I have sinn'd, and sinn'd, and onely hee, Who could do no iniquitie, hath dyed: But by my death can not be satisfied 5 My sinnes, which passe the Jewes impiety: They kill'd once an inglorious man, but I Crucifie him daily, being now glorified. Oh let mee then, his strange love still admire: Kings pardon, but he bore our punishment. 10 And Iacob came cloth'd in vile harsh attire But to supplant, and with gainfull intent: God cloth'd himselfe in vile mans flesh, that so Hee might be weake enough to suffer woe.
[XI. 1635-69: VII. 1633, A18, D, &c.: omitted B, S96: added among Other Meditations. O'F: XIII. W]
[3 onely] humbly W]
[6 impiety] iniquitye D, H49]
[8 glorified.] glorified; 1633]
[12 intent:] intent 1633]
XII.
Why are wee by all creatures waited on? Why doe the prodigall elements supply Life and food to mee, being more pure then I, Simple, and further from corruption? Why brook'st thou, ignorant horse, subjection? 5 Why dost thou bull, and bore so seelily Dissemble weaknesse, and by'one mans stroke die, Whose whole kinde, you might swallow and feed upon? Weaker I am, woe is mee, and worse then you, You have not sinn'd, nor need be timorous. 10 But wonder at a greater wonder, for to us Created nature doth these things subdue, But their Creator, whom sin, nor nature tyed, For us, his Creatures, and his foes, hath dyed.
[XII. 1635-69: VIII. 1633, A18, D, &c.: omitted B, S96: among Other Meditations. O'F: XIV. W]
[1 are wee] ame I W]
[4 Simple, 1633, D, H49, W: Simpler 1635-69, A18, N, O'F, TC, Chambers]
[9 Weaker I am,] Alas I am weaker, W]
[10 timorous. W: timorous, 1633-69]
[11 a greater wonder, 1633, D, H49, N, O'F (greate), TC, W: a greater, 1635-69]
XIII.
What if this present were the worlds last night? Marke in my heart, O Soule, where thou dost dwell, The picture of Christ crucified, and tell Whether that countenance can thee affright, Teares in his eyes quench the amasing light, 5 Blood fills his frownes, which from his pierc'd head fell. And can that tongue adjudge thee unto hell, Which pray'd forgivenesse for his foes fierce spight? No, no; but as in my idolatrie I said to all my profane mistresses, 10 Beauty, of pitty, foulnesse onely is A signe of rigour: so I say to thee, To wicked spirits are horrid shapes assign'd, This beauteous forme assures a pitious minde.
[XIII 1635-69: IX. 1633, A18, D, &c.: om. B, S96: among Other Meditations. O'F: XV. W]
[2 Marke] Looke W]
[4 that A18, N, O'F, TC, W: his 1633-69, D, H49]
[6 fell. 1639-69: fell 1633-35]
[8 fierce] ranck W]
[14 assures A18, D, H49, N, O'F, TC, W: assumes 1633-69]
XIV.
Batter my heart, three person'd God; for, you As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend; That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow mee,'and bend Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new. I, like an usurpt towne, to'another due, 5 Labour to'admit you, but Oh, to no end, Reason your viceroy in mee, mee should defend, But is captiv'd, and proves weake or untrue. Yet dearely'I love you,'and would be loved faine, But am betroth'd unto your enemie: 10 Divorce mee,'untie, or breake that knot againe, Take mee to you, imprison mee, for I Except you'enthrall mee, never shall be free, Nor ever chast, except you ravish mee.
[XIV. 1635-69: X. 1633, A18, D, &c.: om. B, O'F, S96: XVI. W]
[7 mee should] wee should 1669]
[8 untrue. W: untrue, 1633-69]
[9 loved MSS.: lov'd 1633-69]
[10 enemie: W: enemie, 1633-69]
XV.
Wilt thou love God, as he thee! then digest, My Soule, this wholsome meditation, How God the Spirit, by Angels waited on In heaven, doth make his Temple in thy brest. The Father having begot a Sonne most blest, 5 And still begetting, (for he ne'r begonne) Hath deign'd to chuse thee by adoption, Coheire to'his glory,'and Sabbaths endlesse rest. And as a robb'd man, which by search doth finde His stolne stuffe sold, must lose or buy'it againe: 10 The Sonne of glory came downe, and was slaine, Us whom he'had made, and Satan stolne, to unbinde. 'Twas much, that man was made like God before, But, that God should be made like man, much more.
[XV. 1635-69: XI. 1633, A18, D, &c.: XII. B, O'F, S96, W]
[4 brest. W: brest, 1633-69]
[8 rest.] rest; 1633]
[11 Sonne 1633: Sunne 1633-69]
[12 stolne, 1633, A18, D, H49, N, TC: stole, 1635-69, B, O'F, S96, W, Chambers]
XVI.
Father, part of his double interest Unto thy kingdome, thy Sonne gives to mee, His joynture in the knottie Trinitie Hee keepes, and gives to me his deaths conquest. This Lambe, whose death, with life the world hath blest, 5 Was from the worlds beginning slaine, and he Hath made two Wills, which with the Legacie Of his and thy kingdome, doe thy Sonnes invest. Yet such are thy laws, that men argue yet Whether a man those statutes can fulfill; 10 None doth; but all-healing grace and spirit Revive againe what law and letter kill. Thy lawes abridgement, and thy last command Is all but love; Oh let this last Will stand!
[XVI. 1635-69: XII. 1633, A18, D, &c.: IV. B, O'F, S96, W]
[3 Trinitie] Trinitie, 1633]
[8 doe 1633: om. 1635-69: doth A18, B, D, H49, N, O'F, S96, TC, W
invest. W: invest, 1633-39: invest: 1650-69]
[9 thy O'F, S96, W: these 1633-69: those A18, D, H49, N, TC]
[11 doth;] doth, 1633
but all-healing A18, D, H49, N, TC, W: but thy all-healing 1633-69. See note
spirit] Spirit, 1633-69]
[12 Revive againe] Revive and quicken B, O'F, S96, W
kill. 1635-69: kill, 1633]
[14 this 1633-69: that A18, D, H49, N, TC, W: thy B, O'F, S96]
XVII.
Since she whom I lov'd hath payd her last debt To Nature, and to hers, and my good is dead, And her Soule early into heaven ravished, Wholly on heavenly things my mind is sett. Here the admyring her my mind did whett 5 To seeke thee God; so streames do shew their head; But though I have found thee, and thou my thirst hast fed, A holy thirsty dropsy melts mee yett. But why should I begg more Love, when as thou Dost wooe my soule for hers; offring all thine: 10 And dost not only feare least I allow My Love to Saints and Angels things divine, But in thy tender jealosy dost doubt Least the World, Fleshe, yea Devill putt thee out.
[XVII. W: first printed in Gosse's Life and Letters of John Donne, 1899]
[2 dead,] dead W]
[6 their] y^r W
head;] head, W]
[10 wooe] spelt woe W]
[12 divine,] divine W]
XVIII.
Show me deare Christ, thy spouse, so bright and clear. What! is it She, which on the other shore Goes richly painted? or which rob'd and tore Laments and mournes in Germany and here? Sleepes she a thousand, then peepes up one yeare? 5 Is she selfe truth and errs? now new, now outwore? Doth she, and did she, and shall she evermore On one, on seaven, or on no hill appeare? Dwells she with us, or like adventuring knights First travaile we to seeke and then make Love? 10 Betray kind husband thy spouse to our sights, And let myne amorous soule court thy mild Dove, Who is most trew, and pleasing to thee, then When she'is embrac'd and open to most men.
[XVIII. W: first printed in Gosse's Life &c.]
[2 What!] What W]
[3 tore] so I read W: lore Gosse]
XIX.
Oh, to vex me, contraryes meet in one: Inconstancy unnaturally hath begott A constant habit; that when I would not I change in vowes, and in devotione. As humorous is my contritione 5 As my prophane Love, and as soone forgott: As ridlingly distemper'd, cold and hott, As praying, as mute; as infinite, as none. I durst not view heaven yesterday; and to day In prayers, and flattering speaches I court God: 10 To morrow I quake with true feare of his rod. So my devout fitts come and go away Like a fantastique Ague: save that here Those are my best dayes, when I shake with feare.
[XIX. W: first printed in Gosse's Life &c.]
[3 that] y^t W, so always]
[4 and] & W, so always]
The Crosse.
Since Christ embrac'd the Crosse it selfe, dare I His image, th'image of his Crosse deny? Would I have profit by the sacrifice, And dare the chosen Altar to despise? It bore all other sinnes, but is it fit 5 That it should beare the sinne of scorning it? Who from the picture would avert his eye, How would he flye his paines, who there did dye? From mee, no Pulpit, nor misgrounded law, Nor scandall taken, shall this Crosse withdraw, 10 It shall not, for it cannot; for, the losse Of this Crosse, were to mee another Crosse; Better were worse, for, no affiction, No Crosse is so extreme, as to have none. Who can blot out the Crosse, which th'instrument 15 Of God, dew'd on mee in the Sacrament? Who can deny mee power, and liberty To stretch mine armes, and mine owne Crosse to be? Swimme, and at every stroake, thou art thy Crosse; The Mast and yard make one, where seas do tosse; 20 Looke downe, thou spiest out Crosses in small things; Looke up, thou seest birds rais'd on crossed wings; All the Globes frame, and spheares, is nothing else But the Meridians crossing Parallels. Materiall Crosses then, good physicke bee, 25 But yet spirituall have chiefe dignity. These for extracted chimique medicine serve, And cure much better, and as well preserve; Then are you your own physicke, or need none, When Still'd, or purg'd by tribulation. 30 For when that Crosse ungrudg'd, unto you stickes, Then are you to your selfe, a Crucifixe. As perchance, Carvers do not faces make, But that away, which hid them there, do take; Let Crosses, soe, take what hid Christ in thee, 35 And be his image, or not his, but hee. But, as oft Alchimists doe coyners prove, So may a selfe-dispising, get selfe-love, And then as worst surfets, of best meates bee, Soe is pride, issued from humility, 40 For, 'tis no child, but monster; therefore Crosse Your joy in crosses, else, 'tis double losse. And crosse thy senses, else, both they, and thou Must perish soone, and to destruction bowe. For if the'eye seeke good objects, and will take 45 No crosse from bad, wee cannot scape a snake. So with harsh, hard, sowre, stinking, crosse the rest, Make them indifferent all; call nothing best. But most the eye needs crossing, that can rome, And move; To th'other th'objects must come home. 50 And crosse thy heart: for that in man alone Points downewards, and hath palpitation. Crosse those dejections, when it downeward tends, And when it to forbidden heights pretends. And as the braine through bony walls doth vent 55 By sutures, which a Crosses forme present, So when thy braine workes, ere thou utter it, Crosse and correct concupiscence of witt. Be covetous of Crosses, let none fall. Crosse no man else, but crosse thy selfe in all. 60 Then doth the Crosse of Christ worke fruitfully Within our hearts, when wee love harmlesly That Crosses pictures much, and with more care That Crosses children, which our Crosses are.
[The Crosse. 1633-69 (following, 1635-69, In that, ô Queene &c. p. 427): similarly, A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, TCC, TCD]
[8 paines] pangs JC]
[12 Crosse; 1635-69: Crosse. 1633]
[13 affliction, Ed: affliction 1633-69]
[14 none. Ed: none; 1633-54: none: 1669]
[19 Crosse; Ed: Crosse, 1633: Crosse, 1635-69]
[20 make] makes B, D, H49, Lec, S
where] when O'F
tosse; 1635-69: tosse. 1633]
[21 out] our 1669]
[23 is] are A25, B]
[26 But yet] And yet A18, D, JC, N, TC]
[27 medicine] medicines A25, B, JC]
[33 make, 1635-69: make: 1633]
[34 take; Ed: take. 1633: take: 1635-69]
[37 oft Ed: oft, 1633-69]
[38 selfe-love, D: selfe-love. 1633-69]
[42 losse. Ed: losse, 1633-69]
[44 destruction] corruption O'F]
[45 seeke] see 1650-69]
[48 all; call nothing best. Ed: indifferent; call nothing best. 1633 and MSS: indifferent; all, nothing best. 1635-69]
[50 To th'other th'objects 1633: To th'others objects 1635-69]
[52 Points A18, A25, N, P, S, TC: Pants 1633-69, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, O'F]
[53 dejections 1633: detorsions 1635-69, O'F]
[55 the] thy A18, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, TC]
[61 fruitfully A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, TC: faithfully 1633-69]
[63 That A18, A25, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, P, S, TC: The 1633-69]
Resurrection, imperfect.
Sleep sleep old Sun, thou canst not have repast As yet, the wound thou took'st on friday last; Sleepe then, and rest; The world may beare thy stay, A better Sun rose before thee to day, Who, not content to'enlighten all that dwell 5 On the earths face, as thou, enlightned hell, And made the darke fires languish in that vale, As, at thy presence here, our fires grow pale. Whose body having walk'd on earth, and now Hasting to Heaven, would, that he might allow 10 Himselfe unto all stations, and fill all, For these three daies become a minerall; Hee was all gold when he lay downe, but rose All tincture, and doth not alone dispose Leaden and iron wills to good, but is 15 Of power to make even sinfull flesh like his. Had one of those, whose credulous pietie Thought, that a Soule one might discerne and see Goe from a body,'at this sepulcher been, And, issuing from the sheet, this body seen, 20 He would have justly thought this body a soule, If not of any man, yet of the whole. Desunt cætera.
[Resurrection, imperfect. 1633-69 (following By Euphrates &c. p. 424), A18, N, O'F, TCC, TCD]
[15 good, 1633-69 and MSS.: Chambers queries gold]
[22 If] If, 1633-69]
The Annuntiation and Passion.
Tamely, fraile body,'abstaine to day; to day My soule eates twice, Christ hither and away. She sees him man, so like God made in this, That of them both a circle embleme is, Whose first and last concurre; this doubtfull day 5 Of feast or fast, Christ came, and went away. Shee sees him nothing twice at once, who'is all; Shee sees a Cedar plant it selfe, and fall, Her Maker put to making, and the head Of life, at once, not yet alive, yet dead. 10 She sees at once the virgin mother stay Reclus'd at home, Publique at Golgotha; Sad and rejoyc'd shee's seen at once, and seen At almost fiftie, and at scarce fifteene. At once a Sonne is promis'd her, and gone, 15 Gabriell gives Christ to her, He her to John; Not fully a mother, Shee's in Orbitie, At once receiver and the legacie. All this, and all betweene, this day hath showne, Th'Abridgement of Christs story, which makes one 20 (As in plaine Maps, the furthest West is East) Of the'Angels Ave,'and Consummatum est. How well the Church, Gods Court of faculties Deales, in some times, and seldome joyning these! As by the selfe-fix'd Pole wee never doe 25 Direct our course, but the next starre thereto, Which showes where the'other is, and which we say (Because it strayes not farre) doth never stray; So God by his Church, neerest to him, wee know, And stand firme, if wee by her motion goe; 30 His Spirit, as his fiery Pillar doth Leade, and his Church, as cloud; to one end both. This Church, by letting these daies joyne, hath shown Death and conception in mankinde is one; Or'twas in him the same humility, 35 That he would be a man, and leave to be: Or as creation he hath made, as God, With the last judgement, but one period, His imitating Spouse would joyne in one Manhoods extremes: He shall come, he is gone: 40 Or as though one blood drop, which thence did fall, Accepted, would have serv'd, he yet shed all; So though the least of his paines, deeds, or words, Would busie a life, she all this day affords; This treasure then, in grosse, my Soule uplay, 45 And in my life retaile it every day.
[The Annuntiation and Passion. 1633-69: Upon the Annuntiation and Passion falling upon one day. Anno D[^n]i 1608. B, O'F, S, S96: similarly, N, TCD: The Annuntiation. D, H49, Lec: no title, P]
[1 Tamely, fraile body, Ed: Tamely fraile body 1633: Tamely fraile flesh, 1635-69, O'F, S96 (1650-69 accidentally drop second to day)]
[6 away.] away; 1633: away, 1635-39]
[10 yet dead. Ed: yet dead; 1633, B, P, S: and dead; 1635-69, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, TCD (full stop, MSS.)]
[12 at Golgotha; Ed: at Golgotha. 1633-69]
[13 Sad and rejoyc'd] Rejoyc'd and sad B, O'F, P, S, S96]
[18 legacie. Ed: legacie; 1633-69]
[24 these! Ed: these? D, TCD: these; 1633: these. 1635-69]
[31 as 1633: and 1635-69]
[32 both. 1635-69: both: 1633]
[33 these B, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, P, S96, TCD: those 1633-69
daies 1633, D, H49, Lec, N, TCD: feasts 1635-69, O'F, P, S, S96]
[34 one; Ed: one. 1633: are one. 1635-69 (one 1669)]
[37 hath] had B, N, O'F, P, S, S96, TCD]
Goodfriday, 1613. Riding Westward.
Let mans Soule be a Spheare, and then, in this, The intelligence that moves, devotion is, And as the other Spheares, by being growne Subject to forraigne motions, lose their owne, And being by others hurried every day, 5 Scarce in a yeare their naturall forme obey: Pleasure or businesse, so, our Soules admit For their first mover, and are whirld by it. Hence is't, that I am carryed towards the West This day, when my Soules forme bends toward the East. 10 There I should see a Sunne, by rising set, And by that setting endlesse day beget; But that Christ on this Crosse, did rise and fall, Sinne had eternally benighted all. Yet dare I'almost be glad, I do not see 15 That spectacle of too much weight for mee. Who sees Gods face, that is selfe life, must dye; What a death were it then to see God dye? It made his owne Lieutenant Nature shrinke, It made his footstoole crack, and the Sunne winke. 20 Could I behold those hands which span the Poles, And turne all spheares at once, peirc'd with those holes? Could I behold that endlesse height which is Zenith to us, and our Antipodes, Humbled below us? or that blood which is 25 The seat of all our Soules, if not of his, Made durt of dust, or that flesh which was worne By God, for his apparell, rag'd, and torne? If on these things I durst not looke, durst I Upon his miserable mother cast mine eye, 30 Who was Gods partner here, and furnish'd thus Halfe of that Sacrifice, which ransom'd us? Though these things, as I ride, be from mine eye, They'are present yet unto my memory, For that looks towards them; and thou look'st towards mee, 35 O Saviour, as thou hang'st upon the tree; I turne my backe to thee, but to receive Corrections, till thy mercies bid thee leave. O thinke mee worth thine anger, punish mee, Burne off my rusts, and my deformity, 40 Restore thine Image, so much, by thy grace, That thou may'st know mee, and I'll turne my face.
[Goodfriday, &c. 1633-69: Good Friday (with or without date and Riding &c.) A18, B, Cy, N, S, S96, TCC, TCD: Good Friday. 1613. Riding towards Wales. D, Lec, O'F: Good Friday. 1613. Riding to S^r Edward Harbert in Wales. H49: M^r J. Duñ goeing from Sir H. G. on good friday sent him back this meditation on the way. A25]
[4 motions A18, B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TC: motion, 1633-69]
[8 and] bis 1650-54]
[10 toward 1633: do. or towards MSS.: to 1635-69, O'F]
[12 beget 1633: beget. 1635-69, Chambers]
[13 this Crosse, 1633, A18, D, H49, Lec, O'F, S, S96, TCC: his Crosse, 1635-69, B, Cy, N, TCD]
[16 too] two 1639-69]
[22 turne A18, B, Cy, N, S, TC: tune 1633-69, D, H49, Lec, O'F, S96
once,] once 1633]
[30 Upon his miserable 1633, A18, B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TC:
On his distressed 1635-69]
[40 rusts, 1633, B, Cy, D, H49, Lec, N, O'F, S96, TCD: rust, 1635-69, A18, S, TCC]
THE LITANIE.
I.
The FATHER.
Father of Heaven, and him, by whom It, and us for it, and all else, for us Thou madest, and govern'st ever, come And re-create mee, now growne ruinous: My heart is by dejection, clay, 5 And by selfe-murder, red. From this red earth, O Father, purge away All vicious tinctures, that new fashioned I may rise up from death, before I'am dead.
II.
The SONNE.
O Sonne of God, who seeing two things, 10 Sinne, and death crept in, which were never made, By bearing one, tryed'st with what stings The other could thine heritage invade; O be thou nail'd unto my heart, And crucified againe, 15 Part not from it, though it from thee would part, But let it be, by applying so thy paine, Drown'd in thy blood, and in thy passion slaine.
III.
The HOLY GHOST.
O Holy Ghost, whose temple I Am, but of mudde walls, and condensed dust, 20 And being sacrilegiously Halfe wasted with youths fires, of pride and lust, Must with new stormes be weatherbeat; Double in my heart thy flame, Which let devout sad teares intend; and let 25 (Though this glasse lanthorne, flesh, do suffer maime) Fire, Sacrifice, Priest, Altar be the same.
IV.
The TRINITY.
O Blessed glorious Trinity, Bones to Philosophy, but milke to faith, Which, as wise serpents, diversly 30 Most slipperinesse, yet most entanglings hath, As you distinguish'd undistinct By power, love, knowledge bee, Give mee a such selfe different instinct Of these; let all mee elemented bee, 35 Of power, to love, to know, you unnumbred three.
V.
The Virgin MARY.
For that faire blessed Mother-maid, Whose flesh redeem'd us; That she-Cherubin, Which unlock'd Paradise, and made One claime for innocence, and disseiz'd sinne, 40 Whose wombe was a strange heav'n, for there God cloath'd himselfe, and grew, Our zealous thankes wee poure. As her deeds were Our helpes, so are her prayers; nor can she sue In vaine, who hath such titles unto you. 45
VI.
The Angels.
And since this life our nonage is, And wee in Wardship to thine Angels be, Native in heavens faire Palaces, Where we shall be but denizen'd by thee, As th'earth conceiving by the Sunne, 50 Yeelds faire diversitie, Yet never knowes which course that light doth run, So let mee study, that mine actions bee Worthy their sight, though blinde in how they see.
VII.
The Patriarches.
And let thy Patriarches Desire 55 (Those great Grandfathers of thy Church, which saw More in the cloud, then wee in fire, Whom Nature clear'd more, then us Grace and Law, And now in Heaven still pray, that wee May use our new helpes right,) 60 Be satisfy'd, and fructifie in mee; Let not my minde be blinder by more light Nor Faith, by Reason added, lose her sight.
VIII.
The Prophets.
Thy Eagle-sighted Prophets too, Which were thy Churches Organs, and did sound 65 That harmony, which made of two One law, and did unite, but not confound; Those heavenly Poëts which did see Thy will, and it expresse In rythmique feet, in common pray for mee, 70 That I by them excuse not my excesse In seeking secrets, or Poëtiquenesse.
IX.
The Apostles.
And thy illustrious Zodiacke Of twelve Apostles, which ingirt this All, (From whom whosoever do not take 75 Their light, to darke deep pits, throw downe, and fall,) As through their prayers, thou'hast let mee know That their bookes are divine; May they pray still, and be heard, that I goe Th'old broad way in applying; O decline 80 Mee, when my comment would make thy word mine.
X.
The Martyrs.
And since thou so desirously Did'st long to die, that long before thou could'st, And long since thou no more couldst dye, Thou in thy scatter'd mystique body wouldst 85 In Abel dye, and ever since In thine; let their blood come To begge for us, a discreet patience Of death, or of worse life: for Oh, to some Not to be Martyrs, is a martyrdome. 90
XI.
The Confessors.
Therefore with thee triumpheth there A Virgin Squadron of white Confessors, Whose bloods betroth'd, not marryed were, Tender'd, not taken by those Ravishers: They know, and pray, that wee may know, 95 In every Christian Hourly tempestuous persecutions grow; Tentations martyr us alive; A man Is to himselfe a Dioclesian.
XII.
The Virgins.
The cold white snowie Nunnery, 100 Which, as thy mother, their high Abbesse, sent Their bodies backe againe to thee, As thou hadst lent them, cleane and innocent, Though they have not obtain'd of thee, That or thy Church, or I, 105 Should keep, as they, our first integrity; Divorce thou sinne in us, or bid it die, And call chast widowhead Virginitie.
XIII.
The Doctors.
Thy sacred Academic above Of Doctors, whose paines have unclasp'd, and taught 110 Both bookes of life to us (for love To know thy Scriptures tells us, we are wrote In thy other booke) pray for us there That what they have misdone Or mis-said, wee to that may not adhere; 115 Their zeale may be our sinne. Lord let us runne Meane waies, and call them stars, but not the Sunne.
XIV.
And whil'st this universall Quire, That Church in triumph, this in warfare here, Warm'd with one all-partaking fire 120 Of love, that none be lost, which cost thee deare, Prayes ceaslesly,'and thou hearken too, (Since to be gratious Our taske is treble, to pray, beare, and doe) Heare this prayer Lord: O Lord deliver us 125 From trusting in those prayers, though powr'd out thus.
XV.
From being anxious, or secure, Dead clods of sadnesse, or light squibs of mirth, From thinking, that great courts immure All, or no happinesse, or that this earth 130 Is only for our prison fram'd, Or that thou art covetous To them whom thou lovest, or that they are maim'd From reaching this worlds sweet, who seek thee thus, With all their might, Good Lord deliver us. 135
XVI.
From needing danger, to bee good, From owing thee yesterdaies teares to day, From trusting so much to thy blood, That in that hope, wee wound our soule away, From bribing thee with Almes, to excuse 140 Some sinne more burdenous, From light affecting, in religion, newes, From thinking us all soule, neglecting thus Our mutuall duties, Lord deliver us.
XVII.
From tempting Satan to tempt us, 145 By our connivence, or slack companie, From measuring ill by vitious, Neglecting to choake sins spawne, Vanitie, From indiscreet humilitie, Which might be scandalous, 150 And cast reproach on Christianitie, From being spies, or to spies pervious, From thirst, or scorne of fame, deliver us.
XVIII.
Deliver us for thy descent Into the Virgin, whose wombe was a place 155 Of middle kind; and thou being sent To'ungratious us, staid'st at her full of grace; And through thy poore birth, where first thou Glorifiedst Povertie, And yet soone after riches didst allow, 160 By accepting Kings gifts in the Epiphanie, Deliver, and make us, to both waies free.
XIX.
And through that bitter agonie, Which is still the agonie of pious wits, Disputing what distorted thee, 165 And interrupted evennesse, with fits; And through thy free confession Though thereby they were then Made blind, so that thou might'st from them have gone, Good Lord deliver us, and teach us when 170 Wee may not, and we may blinde unjust men.
XX.
Through thy submitting all, to blowes Thy face, thy clothes to spoile; thy fame to scorne, All waies, which rage, or Justice knowes, And by which thou could'st shew, that thou wast born; 175 And through thy gallant humblenesse Which thou in death did'st shew, Dying before thy soule they could expresse, Deliver us from death, by dying so, To this world, ere this world doe bid us goe. 180
XXI.
When senses, which thy souldiers are, Wee arme against thee, and they fight for sinne, When want, sent but to tame, doth warre And worke despaire a breach to enter in, When plenty, Gods image, and seale 185 Makes us Idolatrous, And love it, not him, whom it should reveale, When wee are mov'd to seeme religious Only to vent wit, Lord deliver us.
XXII.
In Churches, when the'infirmitie 190 Of him which speakes, diminishes the Word, When Magistrates doe mis-apply To us, as we judge, lay or ghostly sword, When plague, which is thine Angell, raignes, Or wars, thy Champions, swaie, 195 When Heresie, thy second deluge, gaines; In th'houre of death, the'Eve of last judgement day, Deliver us from the sinister way.
XXIII.
Heare us, O heare us Lord; to thee A sinner is more musique, when he prayes, 200 Then spheares, or Angels praises bee, In Panegyrique Allelujaes; Heare us, for till thou heare us, Lord We know not what to say; Thine eare to'our sighes, teares, thoughts gives voice and word. 205 O Thou who Satan heard'st in Jobs sicke day, Heare thy selfe now, for thou in us dost pray.
XXIV.
That wee may change to evennesse This intermitting aguish Pietie; That snatching cramps of wickednesse 210 And Apoplexies of fast sin, may die; That musique of thy promises, Not threats in Thunder may Awaken us to our just offices; What in thy booke, thou dost, or creatures say, 215 That we may heare, Lord heare us, when wee pray.
XXV.
That our eares sicknesse wee may cure, And rectifie those Labyrinths aright, That wee, by harkning, not procure Our praise, nor others dispraise so invite, 220 That wee get not a slipperinesse And senslesly decline, From hearing bold wits jeast at Kings excesse, To'admit the like of majestie divine, That we may locke our eares, Lord open thine. 225
XXVI.
That living law, the Magistrate, Which to give us, and make us physicke, doth Our vices often aggravate, That Preachers taxing sinne, before her growth, That Satan, and invenom'd men 230 Which well, if we starve, dine, When they doe most accuse us, may see then Us, to amendment, heare them; thee decline: That we may open our eares, Lord lock thine.
XXVII.
That learning, thine Ambassador, 235 From thine allegeance wee never tempt, That beauty, paradises flower For physicke made, from poyson be exempt, That wit, borne apt high good to doe, By dwelling lazily 240 On Natures nothing, be not nothing too, That our affections kill us not, nor dye, Heare us, weake ecchoes, O thou eare, and cry.
XXVIII.
Sonne of God heare us, and since thou By taking our blood, owest it us againe, 245 Gaine to thy self, or us allow; And let not both us and thy selfe be slaine; O Lambe of God, which took'st our sinne Which could not stick to thee, O let it not returne to us againe, 250 But Patient and Physition being free, As sinne is nothing, let it no where be.
[The Litanie. 1633-69: A Letanie. A18, B, D, H49, JC, Lec, N, O'F, S, S96, TCC, TCD]
[17 be, D: be 1633-69]
[30 serpents, Ed: serpents 1633-69]
[34 a such 1633: such 1635-69, JC: such a A18, D, H49, Lec, N, S, TC
instinct 1633: instinct, 1635-69]
[35 these; Ed: these, D, H49, Lec: these 1633-69: thee A18, N, TC]
[48 Native] Natives B, JC, S
in heavens faire Palaces, D: in heavens faire Palaces 1633-39: in heavens Palaces, 1650-69]
[52 which 1633: what 1635-69]
[56 Grandfathers] Grandfathers, 1633]
[58 then] that 1635-39]
[58 Grace and Law, D: grace and law, 1633-69]
[61 satisfy'd, 1635-69, A18, D, H49, JC, N, S96, TC: sanctified, 1633
fructifie] fructified A18, JC]
[63 Faith, D: Faith 1633-69]
[93 were, Ed: were; 1633-69]
[97 grow; Ed: grow, 1633-69]
[100 The] Thy B, D, H49, O'F, S, S96]
[109 Thy] The 1635-69
Academie 1633, D, H49, Lec: Academ 1635-69: Academe N, O'F, S96, TC]
[112 thy] the 1650-69
Scriptures] Scripture 1669
wrote] spelt wrought 1633 and MSS.]
[115 adhere; Ed: adhere, 1633-69]
[122 too, D: too 1633-69]
[125 Lord: Ed: Lord, 1633-69]
[128 clods 1633: clouds 1635-69, B, O'F (which corrects), S96]
[133 whom] om. D, H49, Lec
them] om. A18, N, TC]
[134 sweet, 1633, D, H49, JC, Lec, S96: sweets, 1635-69, A18, N, O'F, S, TC]
[137 owing] owning 1669]
[139 soule] souls 1669, JC, O'F, S]
[153 fame,] flame, 1633]
[154 for 1633, D, H49, N, S, TC: through 1635-69, JC, O'F, S96, Chambers]
[156 middle] midle 1633, D]
[157 grace;] grace, 1633]
[159 Glorifiedst] Glorifiest 1633 some copies, D, H49]
[162 Deliver, and] Deliver us, and Chambers]
[163 through] though, 1633
that] thy B, JC, O'F, S96]
[164 is still] still is 1633 some copies, 1635-69]
[166 fits;] fits, 1633]
[173 clothes 1633, A18, D, H49, Lec, N, S, TC: robes 1635-69, B (robe), JC, O'F, S96]
[175 born; Ed: born, 1633-69]
[196 When] Where many MSS.]
[197 last judgement] the last JC, S: Gods judgement B]
[202 Allelujaes; 1635-69: Allelujaes, 1633]
[204 say; D: say. 1633-69]
[209 Pietie; Ed: Pietie, 1633-69]
[214 offices;] offices, 1633]
[217 wee 1633: me 1635-69]
[219 wee, Ed: wee 1633-69
harkning, not 1633-69: heark'ning not Chambers]
[231 well, 1633 (but altered to will, in some copies), A18, B, D, H49, N, S, TC: will, 1635-69, Lec, Chambers, Grolier]
[233 decline: Ed: decline; 1633-69]
[239 apt ... doe,] apt, ... doe 1633]
[243 weake ecchoes, O thou eare, and cry. 1633-69, A18, D, H49, Lec, N, TC: weake wretches, O thou eare and eye. B, S, S96: Chambers adopts Eye from S, O'F reads eye_, and TCC alters crye to eye, all retaining ecchoes. See note]
[245 againe,] againe 1633]
[246 or us 1633, A18, D, H49, Lec, JC, N, S, TC: and us 1635-69, O'F, S96, Chambers]
[248 O Lambe] O lambe 1633]
Vpon the translation of the Psalmes by Sir Philip Sydney, and the Countesse of Pembroke his Sister.
Eternall God, (for whom who ever dare Seeke new expressions, doe the Circle square, And thrust into strait corners of poore wit Thee, who art cornerlesse and infinite) I would but blesse thy Name, not name thee now; 5 (And thy gifts are as infinite as thou:) Fixe we our prayses therefore on this one, That, as thy blessed Spirit fell upon These Psalmes first Author in a cloven tongue; (For 'twas a double power by which he sung 10 The highest matter in the noblest forme;) So thou hast cleft that spirit, to performe That worke againe, and shed it, here, upon Two, by their bloods, and by thy Spirit one; A Brother and a Sister, made by thee 15 The Organ, where thou art the Harmony. Two that make one Iohn Baptists holy voyce, And who that Psalme, Now let the Iles rejoyce, Have both translated, and apply'd it too, Both told us what, and taught us how to doe. 20 They shew us Ilanders our joy, our King, They tell us why, and teach us how to sing; Make all this All, three Quires, heaven, earth, and sphears; The first, Heaven, hath a song, but no man heares, The Spheares have Musick, but they have no tongue, 25 Their harmony is rather danc'd than sung; But our third Quire, to which the first gives eare, (For, Angels learne by what the Church does here) This Quire hath all. The Organist is hee Who hath tun'd God and Man, the Organ we: 30 The songs are these, which heavens high holy Muse Whisper'd to David, David to the Iewes: And Davids Successors, in holy zeale, In formes of joy and art doe re-reveale To us so sweetly and sincerely too, 35 That I must not rejoyce as I would doe When I behold that these Psalmes are become So well attyr'd abroad, so ill at home, So well in Chambers, in thy Church so ill, As I can scarce call that reform'd untill 40 This be reform'd; Would a whole State present A lesser gift than some one man hath sent? And shall our Church, unto our Spouse and King More hoarse, more harm than any other, sing? For that we pray, we praise thy name for this, 45 Which, by this Moses and this Miriam, is Already done; and as those Psalmes we call (Though some have other Authors) Davids all: So though some have, some may some Psalmes translate, We thy Sydnean Psalmes shall celebrate, 50 And, till we come th'Extemporall song to sing, (Learn'd the first hower, that we see the King, Who hath translated those translators) may These their sweet learned labours, all the way Be as our tuning; that, when hence we part, 55 We may fall in with them, and sing our part.
[Vpon the &c. 1635-69: no extant MSS.]
[17 voyce, 1635-39: voyce; 1650-69]
[22 sing;] sing. 1635-69]
[23 three Quires, 1669: 3 Quires, 1635-54]
[28 here 1669: heare 1635-54 (the same word, not hear as in Chambers' note)]
[46 this Moses Grosart: thy Moses 1635-69]
[55: tuning; 1719: tuning, 1635-69
part, 1719: part 1635-69]
Ode: Of our Sense of Sinne.
1. Vengeance will sit above our faults; but till She there doth sit, We see her not, nor them. Thus, blinde, yet still We leade her way; and thus, whil'st we doe ill, We suffer it. 5
2. Vnhappy he, whom youth makes not beware Of doing ill. Enough we labour under age, and care; In number, th'errours of the last place, are The greatest still. 10
3. Yet we, that should the ill we now begin As soone repent, (Strange thing!) perceive not; our faults are not seen, But past us; neither felt, but onely in The punishment. 15
4. But we know our selves least; Mere outward shews Our mindes so store, That our soules, no more than our eyes disclose But forme and colour. Onely he who knowes Himselfe, knowes more. 20
I. D.
[Ode. 1635-69, O'F: Of our Sense of Sinne. H40, RP31 (in margin, S^{r} Edw. Herbert): no title, B, Cy, P, S]
[2 doth 1635-39: do 1650-69]
[11 now] new B]
[15 The 1635-69, Cy, P: Our B, H40, O'F]
To M^{r} Tilman after he had taken orders.
Thou, whose diviner soule hath caus'd thee now To put thy hand unto the holy Plough, Making Lay-scornings of the Ministry, Not an impediment, but victory; What bringst thou home with thee? how is thy mind 5 Affected since the vintage? Dost thou finde New thoughts and stirrings in thee? and as Steele Toucht with a Loadstone, dost new motions feele? Or, as a Ship after much paine and care, For Iron and Cloth brings home rich Indian ware, 10 Hast thou thus traffiqu'd, but with farre more gaine Of noble goods, and with lesse time and paine? Thou art the same materials, as before, Onely the stampe is changed; but no more. And as new crowned Kings alter the face, 15 But not the monies substance; so hath grace Chang'd onely Gods old Image by Creation, To Christs new stampe, at this thy Coronation; Or, as we paint Angels with wings, because They beare Gods message, and proclaime his lawes, 20 Since thou must doe the like, and so must move, Art thou new feather'd with cœlestiall love? Deare, tell me where thy purchase lies, and shew What thy advantage is above, below. But if thy gainings doe surmount expression, 25 Why doth the foolish world scorne that profession, Whose joyes passe speech? Why do they think unfit That Gentry should joyne families with it? As if their day were onely to be spent In dressing, Mistressing and complement; 30 Alas poore joyes, but poorer men, whose trust Seemes richly placed in sublimed dust; (For, such are cloathes and beauty, which though gay, Are, at the best, but of sublimed clay.) Let then the world thy calling disrespect, 35 But goe thou on, and pitty their neglect. What function is so noble, as to bee Embassadour to God and destinie? To open life, to give kingdomes to more Than Kings give dignities; to keepe heavens doore? 40 Maries prerogative was to beare Christ, so 'Tis preachers to convey him, for they doe As Angels out of clouds, from Pulpits speake; And blesse the poore beneath, the lame, the weake. If then th'Astronomers, whereas they spie 45 A new-found Starre, their Opticks magnifie, How brave are those, who with their Engine, can Bring man to heaven, and heaven againe to man? These are thy titles and preheminences, In whom must meet Gods graces, mens offences, 50 And so the heavens which beget all things here, And the earth our mother, which these things doth beare, Both these in thee, are in thy Calling knit, And make thee now a blest Hermaphrodite.
[To M^{r} Tilman &c. 1635-69: no extant MSS.]
[18 Christs] Chists 1635]
[34 clay.) Ed: clay) 1635-69]
[52 beare, 1650-69: beare 1635-39]
A Hymne to Christ, at the Authors last going into Germany.
In what torne ship soever I embarke, That ship shall be my embleme of thy Arke; What sea soever swallow mee, that flood Shall be to mee an embleme of thy blood; Though thou with clouds of anger do disguise 5 Thy race; yet through that maske I know those eyes, Which, though they turne away sometimes, They never will despise.
I sacrifice this Iland unto thee, And all whom I lov'd there, and who lov'd mee; 10 When I have put our seas twixt them and mee, Put thou thy sea betwixt my sinnes and thee. As the trees sap doth seeke the root below In winter, in my winter now I goe, Where none but thee, th'Eternall root 15 Of true Love I may know.
Nor thou nor thy religion dost controule, The amorousnesse of an harmonious Soule, But thou would'st have that love thy selfe: As thou Art jealous, Lord, so I am jealous now, 20 Thou lov'st not, till from loving more, thou free My soule: Who ever gives, takes libertie: O, if thou car'st not whom I love Alas, thou lov'st not mee.
Seale then this bill of my Divorce to All, 25 On whom those fainter beames of love did fall; Marry those loves, which in youth scattered bee On Fame, Wit, Hopes (false mistresses) to thee. Churches are best for Prayer, that have least light: To see God only, I goe out of sight: 30 And to scape stormy dayes, I chuse An Everlasting night.
[A Hymne &c. 1633-69: A Hymne to Christ. A18, N, TCC, TCD: At his going with my Lord of Doncaster 1619. B, and similarly, O'F, P, S96: in MSS. last two lines of each stanza given as one]
[2 my ... thy] an ... the P]
[3 soever swallow mee, that] soe'er swallows me up, that O'F]
[10 I lov'd there, 1633, A18, N, TCC: I love here, 1635-69: I love there P
who lov'd mee; 1633, A18, N, TC: who love mee; 1635-69, B, O'F, P, S96]
[11 our seas 1633, A18, N, TC: this flood 1635-69: these (or those) seas B, O'F, P, S96]
[12 sea A18, B, N, O'F, S96, TC: seas 1633, P: blood 1635-69]
[15 thee, th'Eternall root] thy eternall work B, O'F (where it is altered to reading of text), P (externall workes), S96]
[28 Fame, 1633, A18, N, TC: Face, 1635-69, B, O'F, P, S96]
_The Lamentations of Ieremy, for the most part according to Tremelius._
CHAP. I.
1 How sits this citie, late most populous, Thus solitary, and like a widdow thus! Amplest of Nations, Queene of Provinces She was, who now thus tributary is!
2 Still in the night shee weepes, and her teares fall 5 Downe by her cheekes along, and none of all Her lovers comfort her; Perfidiously Her friends have dealt, and now are enemie.
3 Unto great bondage, and afflictions Juda is captive led; Those nations 10 With whom shee dwells, no place of rest afford, In streights shee meets her Persecutors sword.
4 Emptie are the gates of Sion, and her waies Mourne, because none come to her solemne dayes. Her Priests doe groane, her maides are comfortlesse, 15 And shee's unto her selfe a bitternesse.
5 Her foes are growne her head, and live at Peace, Because when her transgressions did increase, The Lord strooke her with sadnesse: Th'enemie Doth drive her children to captivitie. 20
6 From Sions daughter is all beauty gone, Like Harts, which seeke for Pasture, and find none, Her Princes are, and now before the foe Which still pursues them, without strength they go.
7 Now in her daies of Teares, Jerusalem 25 (Her men slaine by the foe, none succouring them) Remembers what of old, shee esteemed most, Whilest her foes laugh at her, for what she hath lost.
8 Jerusalem hath sinn'd, therefore is shee Remov'd, as women in uncleannesse bee; 30 Who honor'd, scorne her, for her foulnesse they Have seene; her selfe doth groane, and turne away.
9 Her foulnesse in her skirts was seene, yet she Remembred not her end; Miraculously Therefore shee fell, none comforting: Behold 35 O Lord my affliction, for the Foe growes bold.
10 Upon all things where her delight hath beene, The foe hath stretch'd his hand, for shee hath seene Heathen, whom thou command'st, should not doe so, Into her holy Sanctuary goe. 40
11 And all her people groane, and seeke for bread; And they have given, only to be fed, All precious things, wherein their pleasure lay: How cheape I'am growne, O Lord, behold, and weigh.
12 All this concernes not you, who passe by mee, 45 O see, and marke if any sorrow bee Like to my sorrow, which Jehova hath Done to mee in the day of his fierce wrath?
13 That fire, which by himselfe is governed He hath cast from heaven on my bones, and spred 50 A net before my feet, and mee o'rthrowne, And made me languish all the day alone.
14 His hand hath of my sinnes framed a yoake Which wreath'd, and cast upon my neck, hath broke My strength. The Lord unto those enemies 55 Hath given mee, from whom I cannot rise.
15 He under foot hath troden in my sight My strong men; He did company invite To breake my young men; he the winepresse hath Trod upon Juda's daughter in his wrath. 60
16 For these things doe I weepe, mine eye, mine eye Casts water out; For he which should be nigh To comfort mee, is now departed farre; The foe prevailes, forlorne my children are.
17 There's none, though Sion do stretch out her hand, 65 To comfort her, it is the Lords command That Iacobs foes girt him. Ierusalem Is as an uncleane woman amongst them.
18 But yet the Lord is just, and righteous still, I have rebell'd against his holy will; 70 O heare all people, and my sorrow see, My maides, my young men in captivitie.
19 I called for my lovers then, but they Deceiv'd mee, and my Priests, and Elders lay Dead in the citie; for they sought for meat 75 Which should refresh their soules, they could not get.
20 Because I am in streights, Iehova see My heart o'rturn'd, my bowells muddy bee, Because I have rebell'd so much, as fast The sword without, as death within, doth wast. 80
21 Of all which heare I mourne, none comforts mee, My foes have heard my griefe, and glad they be, That thou hast done it; But thy promis'd day Will come, when, as I suffer, so shall they.
22 Let all their wickednesse appeare to thee, 85 Doe unto them, as thou hast done to mee, For all my sinnes: The sighs which I have had Are very many, and my heart is sad.
CHAP. II.
1 How over Sions daughter hath God hung His wraths thicke cloud! and from heaven hath flung 90 To earth the beauty of Israel, and hath Forgot his foot-stoole in the day of wrath!
2 The Lord unsparingly hath swallowed All Jacobs dwellings, and demolished To ground the strengths of Iuda, and prophan'd 95 The Princes of the Kingdome, and the land.
3 In heat of wrath, the horne of Israel hee Hath cleane cut off, and lest the enemie Be hindred, his right hand he doth retire, But is towards Iacob, All-devouring fire. 100
4 Like to an enemie he bent his bow, His right hand was in posture of a foe, To kill what Sions daughter did desire, 'Gainst whom his wrath, he poured forth, like fire.
5 For like an enemie Iehova is, 105 Devouring Israel, and his Palaces, Destroying holds, giving additions To Iuda's daughters lamentations.
6 Like to a garden hedge he hath cast downe The place where was his congregation, 110 And Sions feasts and sabbaths are forgot; Her King, her Priest, his wrath regardeth not.
7 The Lord forsakes his Altar, and detests His Sanctuary, and in the foes hand rests His Palace, and the walls, in which their cries 115 Are heard, as in the true solemnities.
8 The Lord hath cast a line, so to confound And levell Sions walls unto the ground; He drawes not back his hand, which doth oreturne The wall, and Rampart, which together mourne. 120
9 Their gates are sunke into the ground, and hee Hath broke the barres; their King and Princes bee Amongst the heathen, without law, nor there Unto their Prophets doth the Lord appeare.
10 There Sions Elders on the ground are plac'd, 125 And silence keepe; Dust on their heads they cast, In sackcloth have they girt themselves, and low The Virgins towards ground, their heads do throw.
11 My bowells are growne muddy, and mine eyes Are faint with weeping: and my liver lies 130 Pour'd out upon the ground, for miserie That sucking children in the streets doe die.
12 When they had cryed unto their Mothers, where Shall we have bread, and drinke? they fainted there, And in the streets like wounded persons lay 135 Till 'twixt their mothers breasts they went away.
13 Daughter Ierusalem, Oh what may bee A witnesse, or comparison for thee? Sion, to ease thee, what shall I name like thee? Thy breach is like the sea, what help can bee? 140
14 For thee vaine foolish things thy Prophets sought, Thee, thine iniquities they have not taught, Which might disturne thy bondage: but for thee False burthens, and false causes they would see.
15 The passengers doe clap their hands, and hisse, 145 And wag their head at thee, and say, Is this That citie, which so many men did call Joy of the earth, and perfectest of all?
16 Thy foes doe gape upon thee, and they hisse, And gnash their teeth, and say, Devoure wee this, 150 For this is certainly the day which wee Expected, and which now we finde, and see.
17 The Lord hath done that which he purposed, Fulfill'd his word of old determined; He hath throwne downe, and not spar'd, and thy foe 155 Made glad above thee, and advanc'd him so.
18 But now, their hearts against the Lord do call, Therefore, O walls of Sion, let teares fall Downe like a river, day and night; take thee No rest, but let thine eye incessant be. 160
19 Arise, cry in the night, poure, for thy sinnes, Thy heart, like water, when the watch begins; Lift up thy hands to God, lest children dye, Which, faint for hunger, in the streets doe lye.
20 Behold O Lord, consider unto whom 165 Thou hast done this; what, shall the women come To eate their children of a spanne? shall thy Prophet and Priest be slaine in Sanctuary?
21 On ground in streets, the yong and old do lye, My virgins and yong men by sword do dye; 170 Them in the day of thy wrath thou hast slaine, Nothing did thee from killing them containe.
22 As to a solemne feast, all whom I fear'd Thou call'st about mee; when his wrath appear'd, None did remaine or scape, for those which I 175 Brought up, did perish by mine enemie.
CHAP. III.
1 I am the man which have affliction seene, Under the rod of Gods wrath having beene, 2 He hath led mee to darknesse, not to light, 3 And against mee all day, his hand doth fight. 180
4 Hee hath broke my bones, worne out my flesh and skinne, 5 Built up against mee; and hath girt mee in With hemlocke, and with labour; 6 and set mee In darke, as they who dead for ever bee.
7 Hee hath hedg'd me lest I scape, and added more 185 To my steele fetters, heavier then before. 8 When I crie out, he out shuts my prayer: 9 And hath Stop'd with hewn stone my way, and turn'd my path.
10 And like a Lion hid in secrecie, Or Beare which lyes in wait, he was to mee. 190 11 He stops my way, teares me, made desolate, 12 And hee makes mee the marke he shooteth at.
13 Hee made the children of his quiver passe Into my reines, 14 I with my people was All the day long, a song and mockery. 195 15 Hee hath fill'd mee with bitternesse, and he
Hath made me drunke with wormewood. 16 He hath burst My teeth with stones, and covered mee with dust; 17 And thus my Soule farre off from peace was set, And my prosperity I did forget. 200
18 My strength, my hope (unto my selfe I said) Which from the Lord should come, is perished. 19 But when my mournings I do thinke upon, My wormwood, hemlocke, and affliction,
20 My Soule is humbled in remembring this; 205 21 My heart considers, therefore, hope there is. 22 'Tis Gods great mercy we'are not utterly Consum'd, for his compassions do not die;
23 For every morning they renewed bee, For great, O Lord, is thy fidelity. 210 24 The Lord is, saith my Soule, my portion, And therefore in him will I hope alone.
25 The Lord is good to them, who on him relie, And to the Soule that seeks him earnestly. 26 It is both good to trust, and to attend 215 (The Lords salvation) unto the end:
27 'Tis good for one his yoake in youth to beare; 28 He sits alone, and doth all speech forbeare, Because he hath borne it. 29 And his mouth he layes Deepe in the dust, yet then in hope he stayes. 220
30 He gives his cheekes to whosoever will Strike him, and so he is reproched still. 31 For, not for ever doth the Lord forsake, 32 But when he'hath strucke with sadnes, hee doth take
Compassion, as his mercy'is infinite; 225 33 Nor is it with his heart, that he doth smite; 34 That underfoot the prisoners stamped bee, 35 That a mans right the Judge himselfe doth see
To be wrung from him, 36 That he subverted is In his just cause; the Lord allowes not this. 230 37 Who then will say, that ought doth come to passe, But that which by the Lord commanded was?
38 Both good and evill from his mouth proceeds; 39 Why then grieves any man for his misdeeds? 40 Turne wee to God, by trying out our wayes; 235 41 To him in heaven, our hands with hearts upraise.
42 Wee have rebell'd, and falne away from thee, Thou pardon'st not; 43 Usest no clemencie; Pursuest us, kill'st us, coverest us with wrath, 44 Cover'st thy selfe with clouds, that our prayer hath 240
No power to passe. 45 And thou hast made us fall As refuse, and off-scouring to them all. 46 All our foes gape at us. 47 Feare and a snare With ruine, and with waste, upon us are.
48 With watry rivers doth mine eye oreflow 245 For ruine of my peoples daughter so; 49 Mine eye doth drop downe teares incessantly, 50 Untill the Lord looke downe from heaven to see.
51 And for my citys daughters sake, mine eye Doth breake mine heart. 52 Causles mine enemy, 250 Like a bird chac'd me. 53 In a dungeon They have shut my life, and cast on me a stone.
54 Waters flow'd o'r my head, then thought I, I am Destroy'd; 55 I called Lord, upon thy name Out of the pit. 56 And thou my voice didst heare; 255 Oh from my sigh, and crye, stop not thine eare.
57 Then when I call'd upon thee, thou drew'st nere Unto mee, and said'st unto mee, do not feare. 58 Thou Lord my Soules cause handled hast, and thou Rescud'st my life. 59 O Lord do thou judge now, 260
Thou heardst my wrong. 60 Their vengeance all they have wrought; 61 How they reproach'd, thou hast heard, and what they thought, 62 What their lips uttered, which against me rose, And what was ever whisper'd by my foes.
63 I am their song, whether they rise or sit, 265 64 Give them rewards Lord, for their working fit, 65 Sorrow of heart, thy curse. 66 And with thy might Follow, and from under heaven destroy them quite.
CHAP. IV.
1 How is the gold become so dimme? How is Purest and finest gold thus chang'd to this? 270 The stones which were stones of the Sanctuary, Scattered in corners of each street do lye.
2 The pretious sonnes of Sion, which should bee Valued at purest gold, how do wee see Low rated now, as earthen Pitchers, stand, 275 Which are the worke of a poore Potters hand.
3 Even the Sea-calfes draw their brests, and give Sucke to their young; my peoples daughters live, By reason of the foes great cruelnesse, As do the Owles in the vast Wildernesse. 280
4 And when the sucking child doth strive to draw, His tongue for thirst cleaves to his upper jaw. And when for bread the little children crye, There is no man that doth them satisfie.
5 They which before were delicately fed, 285 Now in the streets forlorne have perished, And they which ever were in scarlet cloath'd, Sit and embrace the dunghills which they loath'd.
6 The daughters of my people have sinned more, Then did the towne of Sodome sinne before; 290 Which being at once destroy'd, there did remaine No hands amongst them, to vexe them againe.
7 But heretofore purer her Nazarite Was then the snow, and milke was not so white; As carbuncles did their pure bodies shine, 295 And all their polish'dnesse was Saphirine.
8 They are darker now then blacknes, none can know Them by the face, as through the streets they goe, For now their skin doth cleave unto the bone, And withered, is like to dry wood growne. 300
9 Better by sword then famine 'tis to dye; And better through pierc'd, then through penury. 10 Women by nature pitifull, have eate Their children drest with their owne hands for meat.
11 Iehova here fully accomplish'd hath 305 His indignation, and powr'd forth his wrath, Kindled a fire in Sion, which hath power To eate, and her foundations to devour.
12 Nor would the Kings of the earth, nor all which live In the inhabitable world beleeve, 310 That any adversary, any foe Into Ierusalem should enter so.
13 For the Priests sins, and Prophets, which have shed Blood in the streets, and the just murthered: 14 Which when those men, whom they made blinde, did stray 315 Thorough the streets, defiled by the way
With blood, the which impossible it was Their garments should scape touching, as they passe, 15 Would cry aloud, depart defiled men, Depart, depart, and touch us not; and then 320
They fled, and strayd, and with the Gentiles were, Yet told their friends, they should not long dwell there; 16 For this they are scattered by Jehovahs face Who never will regard them more; No grace
Unto their old men shall the foe afford, 325 Nor, that they are Priests, redeeme them from the sword. 17 And wee as yet, for all these miseries Desiring our vaine helpe, consume our eyes:
And such a nation as cannot save, We in desire and speculation have. 330 18 They hunt our steps, that in the streets wee feare To goe: our end is now approached neere,
Our dayes accomplish'd are, this the last day. 19 Eagles of heaven are not so swift as they Which follow us, o'r mountaine tops they flye 335 At us, and for us in the desart lye.
20 The annointed Lord, breath of our nostrils, hee Of whom we said, under his shadow, wee Shall with more ease under the Heathen dwell, Into the pit which these men digged, fell. 340
21 Rejoyce O Edoms daughter, joyfull bee Thou which inhabitst Huz, for unto thee This cup shall passe, and thou with drunkennesse Shalt fill thy selfe, and shew thy nakednesse.
22 And then thy sinnes O Sion, shall be spent, 345 The Lord will not leave thee in banishment. Thy sinnes O Edoms daughter, hee will see, And for them, pay thee with captivitie.
CHAP. V.
1 Remember, O Lord, what is fallen on us; See, and marke how we are reproached thus, 350 2 For unto strangers our possession Is turn'd, our houses unto Aliens gone,
3 Our mothers are become as widowes, wee As Orphans all, and without father be; 4 Waters which are our owne, wee drunke, and pay, 355 And upon our owne wood a price they lay.
5 Our persecutors on our necks do sit, They make us travaile, and not intermit, 6 We stretch our hands unto th'Egyptians To get us bread; and to the Assyrians. 360
7 Our Fathers did these sinnes, and are no more, But wee do beare the sinnes they did before. 8 They are but servants, which do rule us thus, Yet from their hands none would deliver us.
9 With danger of our life our bread wee gat; 365 For in the wildernesse, the sword did wait. 10 The tempests of this famine wee liv'd in, Black as an Oven colour'd had our skinne:
11 In Iudaes cities they the maids abus'd By force, and so women in Sion us'd. 370 12 The Princes with their hands they hung; no grace Nor honour gave they to the Elders face.
13 Unto the mill our yong men carried are, And children fell under the wood they bare. 14 Elders, the gates; youth did their songs forbeare, 375 15 Gone was our joy; our dancings, mournings were.
16 Now is the crowne falne from our head; and woe Be unto us, because we'have sinned so. 17 For this our hearts do languish, and for this Over our eyes a cloudy dimnesse is. 380
18 Because mount Sion desolate doth lye, And foxes there do goe at libertie: 19 But thou O Lord art ever, and thy throne From generation, to generation.
20 Why should'st thou forget us eternally? 385 Or leave us thus long in this misery? 21 Restore us Lord to thee, that so we may Returne, and as of old, renew our day.
22 For oughtest thou, O Lord, despise us thus, And to be utterly enrag'd at us? 390
[The Lamentations &c. 1633-69 (Tremellius 1639-69), B, N, O'F, TCD: Tr in the notes stands for Tremellius, Vulg for Vulgate. See note: full-stops after verse-numbers 1635-69]
[2-4 thus! ... is!] thus? ... is? 1633-69]
[22 Harts] hearts 1669]
[25 her O'F: their 1633-69, N, TCD: the B: diebus afflictionis suae et ploratuum suorum Tr]
[28 Whilest B, O'F: Whiles 1633-69]
[32 seene;] seene, 1633]
[43 pleasure] pleasures N]
[53 hand] hands 1650-69: manu ejus Tr]
[56 from whom 1635-69, B, N, O'F, TCD: from whence 1633]
[58 invite 1633, N, TCD: accite 1635-69, B, O'F]
[59 men; Ed: men, 1633-69]
[63 farre;] farre 1633]
[65 hand,] hand 1633-35]
[76 they could not get. 1633: and none could get. 1635-69]
[Norton conjectures that in 75 we should read the sought-for meat: but see note]
[78 o'rturn'd,] return'd, 1633]
[81 heare I mourne, 1633-35, B, O'F, TCD: heare me mourn, N: here I mourn, 1639-69, and mod. edd.: Audientium me in gemitu esse nemo consolatur me. Tr]
[87 sighs] sights 1669]
[90 cloud! Ed: cloud? 1633-69
flung] flung. 1633]
[92 wrath! Ed: wrath? 1633-69]
[95 strengths 1633, N, TCD: strength 1635, B, O'F: munitiones Tr and Vulg]
[110 where] which B, O'F: locum conventus sui Tr]
[112 regardeth] regarded 1669]
[114 hand B, N, O'F, TCD: hands 1633-69: tradit in manum inimici muros, palatia illius Tr]
[118-9 ground; ... hand,] ground, ... hand; 1633]
[121 Their 1633: The 1635-69]
[122 barres; B, O'F: barre; 1633-69, N, TCD: vectes ejus Tr]
[124 their] the 1669]
[134 there,] there 1633-39]
[135 streets, B, O'F: street 1633-69, N, TCD: in plateis civitatis Tr]
[141 For thee 1635-54: For, the 1633: For the 1669]
[143 disturne 1633-54 and MSS.: dis-urn 1669: disturb Chambers: ad avertendum captivitatem tuam Tr]
[145 hisse, Ed: hisse 1633-39]
[157 against 1633: unto 1635-69, and MSS.: clamat cor istorum contra Dominum Tr: ad Dominum Vulg]
[161 poure, for 1633 and MSS.: poure out 1635-69, Chambers]
[174 his, 1633: thy 1635-69]
[CHAP.] ital. 1633]
[182 girt] hemde B, O'F]
[186 before. 1650-69: before, 1633-39]
[187 8 Ed: 8. 1635-69; om. 1633]
[190 mee.] mee, 1633]
[202 perished. 1633: perished, 1635-69]
[203 mournings 1633-69, N, O'F, TCD: mourning B]
[216 (The Lords salvation) 1633: no brackets, 1635-69]
[226 smite; Ed: smite, 1633-69]
[229 wrung] wrong 1633
him, Ed: him. 1633-69]
[230 this.] this: 1633]
[231 doth] will B, O'F]
[238 not; 1650-69: not. 1633-35: not 1639]
[239 coverest us with wrath] coverest with thy wrath B, O'F]
[243 47 Ed: 47, 1633: 47. 1635-69]
[245 watry] water 1633]
[246 daughter B, N, O'F, TCD: daughters 1633-69: propter contritionem filiae populi mei Tr]
[249 citys O'F: city 1633-69: propter omnes filias civitatis meae Tr]
[252 on me B, N, TCD: me on 1633-69: projiciunt lapides in me. Tr: posuerunt lapidem super me. Vulg]
[256 sigh,] sight, 1650-69]
[260 Rescud'st B, O'F: Rescuest 1633-69, N, TCD: vindicabas Tr
now, 1633-39: now. 1650-69, Chambers]
[CHAP.] CAP. 1633]
[270 Purest] P dropped 1650-54]
[274 at 1633-39: as 1650-69, B, N, O'F, TCD: qui taxandi erant auro purgatissimo Tr]
[278 live,] live 1633]
[283 little children] little om. Chambers]
[296 Saphirine. 1635-69: Seraphine. 1633: Sapphirina polities eorum Tr]
[298 streets B, O'F: street 1633-69, N, TCD: in vicis Tr: in plateis Vulg]
[299 the B, O'F: their 1633-69]
[302 through penury.] by penury, 1633, N, TCD: confossi gladio quam confossi fame. Tr See note]
[304 hands B, O'F: hand 1633-69]
[312 so.] so; 1633]
[316 Thorough] Through 1669]
[318 garments 1633: garment 1635-69: quem non possunt quin tangant vestimentis suis Tr]
[320 not; O'F, N, TCD: not, 1633-69]
[322 dwell there; Ed: dwell; there. 1633: dwell there. 1635-39: dwell there 1650-54: dwell there: 1669]
[325 their ... the 1633-39: the ... their 1650-69]
[333-4 day. 19 Eagles Ed: The old editions place a comma after day, and 19 at the beginning of 335, wrongly.]
[335 mountaine tops 1633-39: mountaines tops 1650-69, B]
[340 fell.] fell 1633]
[342 which 1633: that 1635-69
Huz B: Hus N, TCD: her, 1633: Uz, 1635-69: in terra Hutzi Tr]
[345 And then] And om. Chambers]
[CHAP.] CAP. 1633]
[349 us;] us, 1633-35]
[354 father B, O'F: fathers 1633-69: Pupilli sumus ac nullo patre Tr: absque patre Vulg]
[355 drunke, 1633, N, TCD: drinke 1635-69, B, O'F]
[356 lay. 1650-69: lay, 1633-39]
[368 Oven 1635-69: Ocean 1633: Pelles nostrae ut furnus atratae sunt Tr]
[374 fell ... bare. 1633-69: fall ... beare. B, O'F]
[376 15 Gone &c.] Old edd. transfer 15 to next line, wrongly. In consequence, the remaining verses are all a number short, but the complete number of 22 is made up by breaking the last verse, 'For oughtest thou &c.,' into two. I have corrected throughout.]
[389 thus,] thus 1633]
Hymne to God my God, in my sicknesse.
Since I am comming to that Holy roome, Where, with thy Quire of Saints for evermore, I shall be made thy Musique; As I come I tune the Instrument here at the dore, And what I must doe then, thinke here before. 5
Whilst my Physitians by their love are growne Cosmographers, and I their Mapp, who lie Flat on this bed, that by them may be showne That this is my South-west discoverie Per fretum febris, by these streights to die, 10
I joy, that in these straits, I see my West; For, though theire currants yeeld returne to none, What shall my West hurt me? As West and East In all flatt Maps (and I am one) are one, So death doth touch the Resurrection. 15
Is the Pacifique Sea my home? Or are The Easterne riches? Is Ierusalem? Anyan, and Magellan, and Gibraltare, All streights, and none but streights, are wayes to them, Whether where Iaphet dwelt, or Cham, or Sem. 20
We thinke that Paradise and Calvarie, Christs Crosse, and Adams tree, stood in one place; Looke Lord, and finde both Adams met in me; As the first Adams sweat surrounds my face, May the last Adams blood my soule embrace. 25
So, in his purple wrapp'd receive mee Lord, By these his thornes give me his other Crowne; And as to others soules I preach'd thy word, Be this my Text, my Sermon to mine owne, Therfore that he may raise the Lord throws down. 30
[Hymn to God &c. 1635-69, S96, _and in part Walton_ (Life of D^{r} John Donne. 1670), who adds March 23, 1630]
[2 thy 1635 and Walton (1670): the 1639-69]
[4 the Instrument 1635-69: my instrument Walton]
[6 Whilst ... love] Since ... loves Walton]
[10 to die, 1635: to die. 1639-54: to dy^{.} 1669]
[12 theire S96: those 1635-69]
[18 Gibraltare, 1635-54: Gabraltare, 1669: Gibraltar? 1719, Chambers: Gibraltar are Grosart. See note]
[19 but streights, Ed: but streights 1635-69]
[24 first] sist 1669]
[28 others souls] other souls Walton and S96]
[30 That, he may raise; therefore, Walton]
* * * * *
From the frontispiece to Death's Duel, 1632]
* * * * *
A Hymne to God the Father:
I.
Wilt thou forgive that sinne where I begunne, Which was my sin, though it were done before? Wilt thou forgive that sinne; through which I runne, And do run still: though still I do deplore? When thou hast done, thou hast not done, 5 For, I have more.
II.
Wilt thou forgive that sinne which I have wonne Others to sinne? and, made my sinne their doore? Wilt thou forgive that sinne which I did shunne A yeare, or two: but wallowed in, a score? 10 When thou hast done, thou hast not done, For I have more.
III.
I have a sinne of feare, that when I have spunne My last thred, I shall perish on the shore; But sweare by thy selfe, that at my death thy sonne 15 Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore; And, having done that, Thou haste done, I feare no more.
[A Hymne &c. 1633-69: To Christ. A18, N, TCC, TCD: Christo Salvatori. O'F, S96: for the text of the MSS. see next page]
[2 Which] which 1633]
[8 my sin] my sins 1639-69]
[10 two: 1633: two, 1635-69]
To Christ.
Wilt thou forgive that sinn, where I begunn, W^{ch} is my sinn, though it were done before? Wilt thou forgive those sinns through w^{ch} I runn And doe them still, though still I doe deplore? When thou hast done, thou hast not done, 5 for I have more.
Wilt thou forgive that sinn, by w^{ch} I'have wonne Others to sinn, & made my sinn their dore? Wilt thou forgive that sinn w^{ch} I did shunne A yeare or twoe, but wallowed in a score? 10 When thou hast done, thou hast not done, for I have more.
I have a sinn of feare y^t when I have spunn My last thred, I shall perish on the shore; Sweare by thy self that at my Death, thy Sunn 15 Shall shine as it shines nowe, & heretofore; And having done that, thou hast done, I have noe more.
[Christ. A18, N, TCC, TCD: Christo Salvatori. O'F, S96: text from TCD]
[1 begunn, Ed: begunn TCD]
[2 were A18, N, TC: was O'F, S before? Ed: before TCD]
[4 them A18, N, TC: runne O'F, S96]
[5 done, Ed: done TCD: and so 11 and 17]
[14 shore; Ed: shore TCD]
[15 thy Sunne O'F, S: this Sunn A18, N, TC]
[16 heretofore; Ed: heretofore TCD]
* * * * *
ELEGIES UPON THE AUTHOR
TO THE MEMORIE OF MY EVER DESIRED FRIEND
D^r. DONNE.
To have liv'd eminent, in a degree Beyond our lofty'st flights, that is, like Thee, Or t'have had too much merit, is not safe; For, such excesses finde no Epitaph. At common graves we have Poetique eyes 5 Can melt themselves in easie Elegies, Each quill can drop his tributary verse, And pin it, like the Hatchments, to the Hearse: But at Thine, Poeme, or Inscription (Rich soule of wit, and language) we have none. 10 Indeed a silence does that tombe befit, Where is no Herald left to blazon it. Widow'd invention justly doth forbeare To come abroad, knowing Thou art not here, Late her great Patron; Whose Prerogative 15 Maintain'd, and cloth'd her so, as none alive Must now presume, to keepe her at thy rate, Though he the Indies for her dowre estate. Or else that awfull fire, which once did burne In thy cleare Braine, now falne into thy Urne 20 Lives there, to fright rude Empiricks from thence, Which might prophane thee by their Ignorance. Who ever writes of Thee, and in a stile Unworthy such a Theme, does but revile Thy precious Dust, and wake a learned Spirit 25 Which may revenge his Rapes upon thy Merit. For, all a low pitch't phansie can devise, Will prove, at best, but Hallow'd Injuries. Thou, like the dying Swanne, didst lately sing Thy Mournfull Dirge, in audience of the King; 30 When pale lookes, and faint accents of thy breath, Presented so, to life, that peece of death, That it was fear'd, and prophesi'd by all, Thou thither cam'st to preach thy Funerall. O! had'st Thou in an Elegiacke Knell 35 Rung out unto the world thine owne farewell, And in thy High Victorious Numbers beate The solemne measure of thy griev'd Retreat; Thou might'st the Poets service now have mist As well, as then thou did'st prevent the Priest; 40 And never to the world beholding bee So much, as for an Epitaph for thee. I doe not like the office. Nor is't fit Thou, who did'st lend our Age such summes of wit, Should'st now re-borrow from her bankrupt Mine, 45 That Ore to Bury Thee, which once was Thine, Rather still leave us in thy debt; And know (Exalted Soule) more glory 'tis to owe Unto thy Hearse, what we can never pay, Then, with embased Coine those Rites defray. 50 Commit we then Thee to Thy selfe: Nor blame Our drooping loves, which thus to thy owne Fame Leave Thee Executour. Since, but thine owne, No pen could doe Thee Justice, nor Bayes Crowne Thy vast desert; Save that, wee nothing can 55 Depute, to be thy Ashes Guardian. So Jewellers no Art, or Metall trust To forme the Diamond, but the Diamonds dust.
H. K.
[To the &c. Also in Deaths Duell. 1632, Walton's Lives 1670, King's Poems. 1657, 1664, 1700]
[14 here] there 1632]
[31 faint] weak 1632]
[57 or] nor 1632]
To the deceased Author,
Upon the Promiscuous printing of his Poems, the Looser sort, with the Religious.
When thy Loose raptures, Donne, shall meet with Those That doe confine Tuning, unto the Duller line, And sing not, but in Sanctified Prose; How will they, with sharper eyes, 5 The Fore-skinne of thy phansie circumcise? And feare, thy wantonnesse should now, begin Example, that hath ceased to be Sin?
And that Feare fannes their Heat; whilst knowing eyes Will not admire 10 At this Strange Fire, That here is mingled with thy Sacrifice: But dare reade even thy Wanton Story, As thy Confession, not thy Glory. And will so envie Both to future times, 15 That they would buy thy Goodnesse, with thy Crimes.
Tho: Browne.
On the death of D^r DONNE.
I Cannot blame those men, that knew thee well, Yet dare not helpe the world, to ring thy knell In tunefull Elegies; there's not language knowne Fit for thy mention, but 'twas first thy owne; The Epitaphs thou writst, have so bereft 5 Our tongue of wit, there is not phansie left Enough to weepe thee; what henceforth we see Of Art or Nature, must result from thee. There may perchance some busie gathering friend Steale from thy owne workes, and that, varied, lend, 10 Which thou bestow'st on others, to thy Hearse, And so thou shalt live still in thine owne verse; Hee that shall venture farther, may commit A pitied errour, shew his zeale, not wit. Fate hath done mankinde wrong; vertue may aime 15 Reward of conscience, never can, of fame, Since her great trumpet's broke, could onely give Faith to the world, command it to beleeve; Hee then must write, that would define thy parts: Here lyes the best Divinitie, All the Arts. 20
Edw. Hyde.
[On the &c. Also in =Deaths Duell.= 1632]
[4 thy] thine 1632]
[6 tongue] pens 1632]
_On Doctor =Donne=,
By D' =C. B.= of =O.=_
Hee that would write an Epitaph for thee, And do it well, must first beginne to be Such as thou wert; for, none can truly know Thy worth, thy life, but he that hath liv'd so; He must have wit to spare and to hurle downe: 5 Enough, to keepe the gallants of the towne. He must have learning plenty; both the Lawes, Civill, and Common, to judge any cause; Divinity great store, above the rest; Not of the last Edition, but the best. 10 Hee must have language, travaile, all the Arts; Judgement to use; or else he wants thy parts. He must have friends the highest, able to do; Such as Mecœnas, and Augustus too. He must have such a sicknesse, such a death; 15 Or else his vaine descriptions come beneath; Who then shall write an Epitaph for thee, He must be dead first, let'it alone for mee.
[On &c. Also in Corbet's Poems 1647]
An Elegie upon the incomparable D^{r} DONNE.
All is not well when such a one as I Dare peepe abroad, and write an Elegie; When smaller Starres appeare, and give their light, Phœbus is gone to bed: Were it not night, And the world witlesse now that DONNE is dead, 5 You sooner should have broke, then seene my head. Dead did I say? Forgive this Injury I doe him, and his worthes Infinity, To say he is but dead; I dare averre It better may be term'd a Massacre, 10 Then Sleepe or Death; See how the Muses mourne Upon their oaten Reeds, and from his Vrne Threaten the World with this Calamity, They shall have Ballads, but no Poetry. Language lyes speechlesse; and Divinity, 15 Lost such a Trump as even to Extasie Could charme the Soule, and had an Influence To teach best judgements, and please dullest Sense. The Court, the Church, the Vniversitie, Lost Chaplaine, Deane, and Doctor, All these, Three. 20 It was his Merit, that his Funerall Could cause a losse so great and generall.
If there be any Spirit can answer give Of such as hence depart, to such as live: Speake, Doth his body there vermiculate, 25 Crumble to dust, and feele the lawes of Fate? Me thinkes, Corruption, Wormes, what else is foule Should spare the Temple of so faire a Soule. I could beleeve they doe; but that I know What inconvenience might hereafter grow: 30 Succeeding ages would Idolatrize, And as his Numbers, so his Reliques prize.
If that Philosopher, which did avow The world to be but Motes, was living now: He would affirme that th' Atomes of his mould 35 Were they in severall bodies blended, would Produce new worlds of Travellers, Divines, Of Linguists, Poets: sith these severall lines In him concentred were, and flowing thence Might fill againe the worlds Circumference. 40 I could beleeve this too; and yet my faith Not want a President: The Phœnix hath (And such was He) a power to animate Her ashes, and herselfe perpetuate. But, busie Soule, thou dost not well to pry 45 Into these Secrets; Griefe, and Iealousie, The more they know, the further still advance, And finde no way so safe as Ignorance. Let this suffice thee, that his Soule which flew A pitch of all admir'd, known but of few, 50 (Save those of purer mould) is now translated From Earth to Heaven, and there Constellated. For, if each Priest of God shine as a Starre, His Glory is as his Gifts, 'bove others farre.
HEN. VALENTINE.
An Elegie upon D^{r} Donne.
Is Donne, great Donne deceas'd? then England say Thou 'hast lost a man where language chose to stay And shew it's gracefull power. I would not praise That and his vast wit (which in these vaine dayes Make many proud) but as they serv'd to unlock 5 That Cabinet, his minde: where such a stock Of knowledge was repos'd, as all lament (Or should) this generall cause of discontent. And I rejoyce I am not so severe, But (as I write a line) to weepe a teare 10 For his decease; Such sad extremities May make such men as I write Elegies. And wonder not; for, when a generall losse Falls on a nation, and they slight the crosse, God hath rais'd Prophets to awaken them 15 From stupifaction; witnesse my milde pen, Not us'd to upbraid the world, though now it must Freely and boldly, for, the cause is just. Dull age, Oh I would spare thee, but th'art worse, Thou art not onely dull, but hast a curse 20 Of black ingratitude; if not, couldst thou Part with miraculous Donne, and make no vow For thee and thine, successively to pay A sad remembrance to his dying day? Did his youth scatter Poetrie, wherein 25 Was all Philosophie? Was every sinne, Character'd in his Satyres? made so foule That some have fear'd their shapes, and kept their soule Freer by reading verse? Did he give dayes Past marble monuments, to those, whose praise 30 He would perpetuate? Did hee (I feare The dull will doubt:) these at his twentieth yeare? But, more matur'd: Did his full soule conceive, And in harmonious-holy-numbers weave [Sidenote: La Corona.] A Crowne of sacred sonets, fit to adorne 35 A dying Martyrs brow: or, to be worne On that blest head of Mary Magdalen: After she wip'd Christs feet, but not till then? Did hee (fit for such penitents as shee And hee to use) leave us a Litany? 40 Which all devout men love, and sure, it shall, As times grow better, grow more classicall. Did he write Hymnes, for piety and wit Equall to those great grave Prudentius writ? Spake he all Languages? knew he all Lawes? 45 The grounds and use of Physicke; but because 'Twas mercenary wav'd it? Went to see That blessed place of Christs nativity? Did he returne and preach him? preach him so As none but hee did, or could do? They know 50 (Such as were blest to heare him know) 'tis truth. Did he confirme thy age? convert thy youth? Did he these wonders? And is this deare losse Mourn'd by so few? (few for so great a crosse.) But sure the silent are ambitious all 55 To be Close Mourners at his Funerall; If not; In common pitty they forbare By repetitions to renew our care; Or, knowing, griefe conceiv'd, conceal'd, consumes Man irreparably, (as poyson'd fumes 60 Do waste the braine) make silence a safe way To'inlarge the Soule from these walls, mud and clay, (Materialls of this body) to remaine With Donne in heaven, where no promiscuous paine Lessens the joy wee have, for, with him, all 65 Are satisfyed with joyes essentiall. My thoughts, Dwell on this Ioy, and do not call Griefe backe, by thinking of his Funerall; Forget he lov'd mee; Waste not my sad yeares; (Which haste to Davids seventy, fill'd with feares 70 And sorrow for his death;) Forget his parts, Which finde a living grave in good mens hearts; And, (for, my first is daily paid for sinne) Forget to pay my second sigh for him: Forget his powerfull preaching; and forget 75 I am his Convert. Oh my frailtie! let My flesh be no more heard, it will obtrude This lethargie: so should my gratitude, My vowes of gratitude should so be broke; Which can no more be, then Donnes vertues spoke 80 By any but himselfe; for which cause, I Write no Encomium, but an Elegie.
IZ. WA.
[An Elegie &c. See note]
[1-3
Our Donne is dead; England should mourne, may say We had a man where language chose to stay And shew her gracefull power 1635-69 ]
[35 Crowne] Crowme 1633]
An Elegie upon the death of the Deane of Pauls, D^r. Iohn Donne:
By M^r. Tho: Carie.
Can we not force from widdowed Poetry, Now thou art dead (Great DONNE) one Elegie To crowne thy Hearse? Why yet dare we not trust Though with unkneaded dowe-bak't prose thy dust, Such as the uncisor'd Churchman from the flower 5 Of fading Rhetorique, short liv'd as his houre, Dry as the sand that measures it, should lay Upon thy Ashes, on the funerall day? Have we no voice, no tune? Did'st thou dispense Through all our language, both the words and sense? 10 'Tis a sad truth: The Pulpit may her plaine, And sober Christian precepts still retaine, Doctrines it may, and wholesome Uses frame, Grave Homilies, and Lectures, But the flame Of thy brave Soule, that shot such heat and light, 15 As burnt our earth, and made our darknesse bright, Committed holy Rapes upon our Will, Did through the eye the melting heart distill; And the deepe knowledge of darke truths so teach, As sense might judge, what phansie could not reach; 20 Must be desir'd for ever. So the fire, That fills with spirit and heat the Delphique quire, Which kindled first by thy Promethean breath, Glow'd here a while, lies quench't now in thy death; The Muses garden with Pedantique weedes 25 O'rspred, was purg'd by thee; The lazie seeds Of servile imitation throwne away; And fresh invention planted, Thou didst pay The debts of our penurious bankrupt age; Licentious thefts, that make poëtique rage 30 A Mimique fury, when our soules must bee Possest, or with Anacreons Extasie, Or Pindars, not their owne; The subtle cheat Of slie Exchanges, and the jugling feat Of two-edg'd words, or whatsoever wrong 35 By ours was done the Greeke, or Latine tongue, Thou hast redeem'd, and open'd Us a Mine Of rich and pregnant phansie, drawne a line Of masculine expression, which had good Old Orpheus seene, Or all the ancient Brood 40 Our superstitious fooles admire, and hold Their lead more precious, then thy burnish't Gold, Thou hadst beene their Exchequer, and no more They each in others dust, had rak'd for Ore. Thou shalt yield no precedence, but of time, 45 And the blinde fate of language, whose tun'd chime More charmes the outward sense; Yet thou maist claime From so great disadvantage greater fame, Since to the awe of thy imperious wit Our stubborne language bends, made only fit 50 With her tough-thick-rib'd hoopes to gird about Thy Giant phansie, which had prov'd too stout For their soft melting Phrases. As in time They had the start, so did they cull the prime Buds of invention many a hundred yeare, 55 And left the rifled fields, besides the feare To touch their Harvest, yet from those bare lands Of what is purely thine, thy only hands (And that thy smallest worke) have gleaned more Then all those times, and tongues could reape before; 60 But thou art gone, and thy strict lawes will be Too hard for Libertines in Poetrie. They will repeale the goodly exil'd traine Of gods and goddesses, which in thy just raigne Were banish'd nobler Poems, now, with these 65 The silenc'd tales o'th'Metamorphoses Shall stuffe their lines, and swell the windy Page, Till Verse refin'd by thee, in this last Age, Turne ballad rime, Or those old Idolls bee Ador'd againe, with new apostasie; 70 Oh, pardon mee, that breake with untun'd verse The reverend silence that attends thy herse, Whose awfull solemne murmures were to thee More then these faint lines, A loud Elegie, That did proclaime in a dumbe eloquence 75 The death of all the Arts, whose influence Growne feeble, in these panting numbers lies Gasping short winded Accents, and so dies: So doth the swiftly turning wheele not stand In th'instant we withdraw the moving hand, 80 But some small time maintaine a faint weake course By vertue of the first impulsive force: And so whil'st I cast on thy funerall pile Thy crowne of Bayes, Oh, let it crack a while, And spit disdaine, till the devouring flashes 85 Suck all the moysture up, then turne to ashes. I will not draw the envy to engrosse All thy perfections, or weepe all our losse; Those are too numerous for an Elegie, And this too great, to be express'd by mee. 90 Though every pen should share a distinct part, Yet art thou Theme enough to tyre all Art; Let others carve the rest, it shall suffice I on thy Tombe this Epitaph incise.
_Here lies a King, that rul'd as hee thought fit 95 The universall Monarchy of wit; Here lie two Flamens, and both those, the best, Apollo's first, at last, the true Gods Priest_.
[An Elegie &c. _Also in Carew's Poems 1640._ See note]
An Elegie on D^r. DONNE: By Sir Lucius Carie.
Poets attend, the Elegie I sing Both of a doubly-named Priest, and King: In stead of Coates, and Pennons, bring your Verse, For you must bee chiefe mourners at his Hearse, A Tombe your Muse must to his Fame supply, 5 No other Monuments can never die; And as he was a two-fold Priest; in youth, Apollo's; afterwards, the voice of Truth, Gods Conduit-pipe for grace, who chose him for His extraordinary Embassador, 10 So let his Liegiers with the Poets joyne, Both having shares, both must in griefe combine: Whil'st Johnson forceth with his Elegie Teares from a griefe-unknowing Scythians eye, (Like Moses at whose stroke the waters gusht 15 From forth the Rock, and like a Torrent rusht.) Let Lawd his funerall Sermon preach, and shew Those vertues, dull eyes were not apt to know, Nor leave that Piercing Theme, till it appeares To be goodfriday, by the Churches Teares; 20 Yet make not griefe too long oppresse our Powers, Least that his funerall Sermon should prove ours. Nor yet forget that heavenly Eloquence, With which he did the bread of life dispense, Preacher and Orator discharg'd both parts 25 With pleasure for our sense, health for our hearts, And the first such (Though a long studied Art Tell us our soule is all in every part,) None was so marble, but whil'st him he heares, His Soule so long dwelt only in his eares. 30 And from thence (with the fiercenesse of a flood Bearing downe vice) victual'd with that blest food Their hearts; His seed in none could faile to grow, Fertile he found them all, or made them so: No Druggist of the Soule bestow'd on all 35 So Catholiquely a curing Cordiall. Nor only in the Pulpit dwelt his store, His words work'd much, but his example more, That preach't on worky dayes, His Poetrie It selfe was oftentimes divinity, 40 Those Anthemes (almost second Psalmes) he writ To make us know the Crosse, and value it, (Although we owe that reverence to that name Wee should not need warmth from an under flame.) Creates a fire in us, so neare extreme 45 That we would die, for, and upon this theme. Next, his so pious Litany, which none can But count Divine, except a Puritan, And that but for the name, nor this, nor those Want any thing of Sermons, but the prose. 50 Experience makes us see, that many a one Owes to his Countrey his Religion; And in another, would as strongly grow, Had but his Nurse and Mother taught him so, Not hee the ballast on his Judgement hung; 55 Nor did his preconceit doe either wrong; He labour'd to exclude what ever sinne By time or carelessenesse had entred in; Winnow'd the chaffe from wheat, but yet was loath A too hot zeale should force him, burne them both; 60 Nor would allow of that so ignorant gall, Which to save blotting often would blot all; Nor did those barbarous opinions owne, To thinke the Organs sinne, and faction, none; Nor was there expectation to gaine grace 65 From forth his Sermons only, but his face; So Primitive a looke, such gravitie With humblenesse, and both with Pietie; So milde was Moses countenance, when he prai'd For them whose Satanisme his power gainsaid; 70 And such his gravitie, when all Gods band Receiv'd his word (through him) at second hand, Which joyn'd, did flames of more devotion move Then ever Argive Hellens could of love. Now to conclude, I must my reason bring, 75 Wherefore I call'd him in his title King, That Kingdome the Philosophers beleev'd To excell Alexanders, nor were griev'd By feare of losse (that being such a Prey No stronger then ones selfe can force away) 80 The Kingdome of ones selfe, this he enjoy'd, And his authoritie so well employ'd, That never any could before become So Great a Monarch, in so small a roome; He conquer'd rebell passions, rul'd them so, 85 As under-spheares by the first Mover goe, Banish't so farre their working, that we can But know he had some, for we knew him man. Then let his last excuse his first extremes, His age saw visions, though his youth dream'd dreams. 90
[72 Receiv'd] Receiv' 1633]
On D^{r}. DONNES death:
By M^{r}. Mayne of Christ-Church in Oxford.
Who shall presume to mourn thee, Donne, unlesse He could his teares in thy expressions dresse, And teach his griefe that reverence of thy Hearse, To weepe lines, learned, as thy Anniverse, A Poëme of that worth, whose every teare 5 Deserves the title of a severall yeare. Indeed so farre above its Reader, good, That wee are thought wits, when 'tis understood, There that blest maid to die, who now should grieve? After thy sorrow, 'twere her losse to live; 10 And her faire vertues in anothers line, Would faintly dawn, which are made Saints in thine. Hadst thou beene shallower, and not writ so high, Or left some new way for our pennes, or eye, To shed a funerall teare, perchance thy Tombe 15 Had not beene speechlesse, or our Muses dumbe; But now wee dare not write, but must conceale Thy Epitaph, lest we be thought to steale, For, who hath read thee, and discernes thy worth, That will not say, thy carelesse houres brought forth 20 Fancies beyond our studies, and thy play Was happier, then our serious time of day? So learned was thy chance; thy haste had wit, And matter from thy pen flow'd rashly fit, What was thy recreation turnes our braine, 25 Our rack and palenesse, is thy weakest straine. And when we most come neere thee, 'tis our blisse To imitate thee, where thou dost amisse. Here light your muse, you that do onely thinke, And write, and are just Poëts, as you drinke, 30 In whose weake fancies wit doth ebbe and flow, Just as your recknings rise, that wee may know In your whole carriage of your worke, that here This flash you wrote in Wine, and this in Beere, This is to tap your Muse, which running long 35 Writes flat, and takes our eare not halfe so strong; Poore Suburbe wits, who, if you want your cup, Or if a Lord recover, are blowne up. Could you but reach this height, you should not need To make, each meale, a project ere you feed, 40 Nor walke in reliques, clothes so old and bare, As if left off to you from Ennius were, Nor should your love, in verse, call Mistresse, those, Who are mine hostesse, or your whores in prose; From this Muse learne to Court, whose power could move 45 A Cloystred coldnesse, or a Vestall love, And would convey such errands to their eare, That Ladies knew no oddes to grant and heare; But I do wrong thee, Donne, and this low praise Is written onely for thy yonger dayes. 50 I am not growne up, for thy riper parts, Then should I praise thee, through the Tongues, and Arts, And have that deepe Divinity, to know, What mysteries did from thy preaching flow, Who with thy words could charme thy audience, 55 That at thy sermons, eare was all our sense; Yet have I seene thee in the pulpit stand, Where wee might take notes, from thy looke, and hand; And from thy speaking action beare away More Sermon, then some teachers use to say. 60 Such was thy carriage, and thy gesture such, As could divide the heart, and conscience touch. Thy motion did confute, and wee might see An errour vanquish'd by delivery. Not like our Sonnes of Zeale, who to reforme 65 Their hearers, fiercely at the Pulpit storme, And beate the cushion into worse estate, Then if they did conclude it reprobate, Who can out pray the glasse, then lay about Till all Predestination be runne out. 70 And from the point such tedious uses draw, Their repetitions would make Gospell, Law. No, In such temper would thy Sermons flow, So well did Doctrine, and thy language show, And had that holy feare, as, hearing thee, 75 The Court would mend, and a good Christian bee. And Ladies though unhansome, out of grace, Would heare thee, in their unbought lookes, and face. More I could write, but let this crowne thine Urne, Wee cannot hope the like, till thou returne. 80
Upon M^r J. Donne, and his Poems.
Who dares say thou art dead, when he doth see (Unburied yet) this living part of thee? This part that to thy beeing gives fresh flame, And though th'art Donne, yet will preserve thy name. Thy flesh (whose channels left their crimsen hew, 5 And whey-like ranne at last in a pale blew) May shew thee mortall, a dead palsie may Seise on't, and quickly turne it into clay; Which like the Indian earth, shall rise refin'd: But this great Spirit thou hast left behinde, 10 This Soule of Verse (in it's first pure estate) Shall live, for all the World to imitate, But not come neer, for in thy Fancies flight Thou dost not stoope unto the vulgar fight, But, hovering highly in the aire of Wit, 15 Hold'st such a pitch, that few can follow it; Admire they may. Each object that the Spring (Or a more piercing influence) doth bring T'adorne Earths face, thou sweetly did'st contrive To beauties elements, and thence derive 20 Unspotted Lillies white; which thou did'st set Hand in hand, with the veine-like Violet, Making them soft, and warme, and by thy power, Could'st give both life, and sense, unto a flower. The Cheries thou hast made to speake, will bee 25 Sweeter unto the taste, then from the tree. And (spight of winter stormes) amidst the snow Thou oft hast made the blushing Rose to grow. The Sea-nimphs, that the watry cavernes keepe, Have sent their Pearles and Rubies from the deepe 30 To deck thy love, and plac'd by thee, they drew More lustre to them, then where first they grew. All minerals (that Earths full wombe doth hold Promiscuously) thou couldst convert to gold, And with thy flaming raptures so refine, 35 That it was much more pure then in the Mine. The lights that guild the night, if thou did'st say, They looke like eyes, those did out-shine the day; For there would be more vertue in such spells, Then in Meridians, or crosse Parallels: 40 What ever was of worth in this great Frame, That Art could comprehend, or Wit could name, It was thy theme for Beauty; thou didst see, Woman, was this faire Worlds Epitomie. Thy nimble Satyres too, and every straine 45 (With nervy strength) that issued from thy brain, Will lose the glory of their owne cleare bayes, If they admit of any others praise. But thy diviner Poëms (whose cleare fire Purges all drosse away) shall by a Quire 50 Of Cherubims, with heavenly Notes be set (Where flesh and blood could ne'r attaine to yet) There purest Spirits sing such sacred Layes, In Panegyrique Alleluiaes.
Arth. Wilson.
In memory of Doctor Donne: By M^{r} R. B.
Donne dead? 'Tis here reported true, though I Ne'r yet so much desir'd to heare a lye, 'Tis too too true, for so wee finde it still, Good newes are often false, but seldome, ill: But must poore fame tell us his fatall day, 5 And shall we know his death, the common way, Mee thinkes some Comet bright should have foretold The death of such a man, for though of old 'Tis held, that Comets Princes death foretell, Why should not his, have needed one as well? 10 Who was the Prince of wits, 'mongst whom he reign'd, High as a Prince, and as great State maintain'd? Yet wants he not his signe, for wee have seene A dearth, the like to which hath never beene, Treading on harvests heeles, which doth presage 15 The death of wit and learning, which this age Shall finde, now he is gone; for though there bee Much graine in shew, none brought it forth as he, Or men are misers; or if true want raises The dearth, then more that dearth Donnes plenty praises. 20 Of learning, languages, of eloquence, And Poësie, (past rauishing of sense,) He had a magazine, wherein such store Was laid up, as might hundreds serve of poore. But he is gone, O how will his desire 25 Torture all those that warm'd them by his fire? Mee thinkes I see him in the pulpit standing, Not eares, or eyes, but all mens hearts commanding, Where wee that heard him, to our selves did faine Golden Chrysostome was alive againe; 30 And never were we weari'd, till we saw His houre (and but an houre) to end did draw. How did he shame the doctrine-men, and use, With helps to boot, for men to beare th'abuse Of their tir'd patience, and endure th'expence 35 Of time, O spent in hearkning to non-sense, With markes also, enough whereby to know, The speaker is a zealous dunce, or so. 'Tis true, they quitted him, to their poore power, They humm'd against him; And with face most sowre 40 Call'd him a strong lin'd man, a Macaroon, And no way fit to speake to clouted shoone, As fine words [truly] as you would desire, But [verily,] but a bad edifier. Thus did these beetles slight in him that good, 45 They could not see, and much lesse understood. But we may say, when we compare the stuffe Both brought; He was a candle, they the snuffe. Well, Wisedome's of her children justifi'd, Let therefore these poore fellowes stand aside; 50 Nor, though of learning he deserv'd so highly, Would I his booke should save him; Rather slily I should advise his Clergie not to pray, Though of the learn'dst sort; Me thinkes that they Of the same trade, are Judges not so fit, 55 There's no such emulation as of wit. Of such, the Envy might as much perchance Wrong him, and more, then th'others ignorance. It was his Fate (I know't) to be envy'd As much by Clerkes, as lay men magnifi'd; 60 And why? but 'cause he came late in the day, And yet his Penny earn'd, and had as they. No more of this, least some should say, that I Am strai'd to Satyre, meaning Elegie. No, no, had DONNE need to be judg'd or try'd, 65 A Jury I would summon on his side, That had no sides, nor factions, past the touch Of all exceptions, freed from Passion, such As nor to feare nor flatter, e'r were bred, These would I bring, though called from the dead: 70 Southampton, Hambleton, Pembrooke, Dorsets Earles, Huntingdon, Bedfords Countesses (the Pearles Once of each sexe.) If these suffice not, I Ten decem tales have of Standers by: All which, for DONNE, would such a verdict give, 75 As can belong to none, that now doth live. But what doe I? A diminution 'tis To speake of him in verse, so short of his, Whereof he was the master; All indeed Compar'd with him, pip'd on an Oaten reed. 80 O that you had but one 'mongst all your brothers Could write for him, as he hath done for others: (Poets I speake to) When I see't, I'll say, My eye-sight betters, as my yeares decay, Meane time a quarrell I shall ever have 85 Against these doughty keepers from the grave, Who use, it seemes their old Authoritie, When (Verses men immortall make) they cry: Which had it been a Recipe true tri'd, Probatum esset, DONNE had never dy'd. 90 For mee, if e'r I had least sparke at all Of that which they Poetique fire doe call, Here I confesse it fetched from his hearth, Which is gone out, now he is gone to earth. This only a poore flash, a lightning is 95 Before my Muses death, as after his. Farewell (faire soule) and deigne receive from mee This Type of that devotion I owe thee, From whom (while living) as by voice and penne I learned more, then from a thousand men: 100 So by thy death, am of one doubt releas'd, And now beleeve that miracles are ceas'd.
Epitaph.
Heere lies Deane Donne; Enough; Those words alone Shew him as fully, as if all the stone His Church of Pauls contains, were through inscrib'd Or all the walkers there, to speake him, brib'd. None can mistake him, for one such as Hee 5 DONNE, Deane, or Man, more none shall ever see. Not man? No, though unto a Sunne each eye Were turn'd, the whole earth so to overspie. A bold brave word; Yet such brave Spirits as knew His Spirit, will say, it is lesse bold then true. 10
Epitaph upon D^r. Donne,
By Endy: Porter.
This decent Urne a sad inscription weares, Of Donnes departure from us, to the spheares; And the dumbe stone with silence seemes to tell The changes of this life, wherein is well Exprest, A cause to make all joy to cease, 5 And never let our sorrowes more take ease; For now it is impossible to finde One fraught with vertues, to inrich a minde; But why should death, with a promiscuous hand At one rude stroke impoverish a land? 10 Thou strict Attorney, unto stricter Fate, Didst thou confiscate his life out of hate To his rare Parts? Or didst thou throw thy dart, With envious hand, at some Plebeyan heart; And he with pious vertue stept betweene 15 To save that stroke, and so was kill'd unseene By thee? O 'twas his goodnesse so to doe, Which humane kindnesse never reacht unto. Thus the hard lawes of death were satisfi'd, And he left us like Orphan friends, and di'de. 20 Now from the Pulpit to the peoples eares, Whose speech shall send repentant sighes, and teares? Or tell mee, if a purer Virgin die, Who shall hereafter write her Elegie? Poets be silent, let your numbers sleepe, 25 For he is gone that did all phansie keepe; Time hath no Soule, but his exalted verse; Which with amazements, we may now reherse.
In obitum venerabilis viri Iohannis Donne, sacræ Theologiæ Doctoris, Ecclesiæ Cathedralis Divi Pauli, nuper Decani; Illi honoris, tibi (multum mihi colende Vir) observantiæ ergo Hæc ego.
_Conquerar? ignavoque sequar tua funera planctu? Sed lachrimæ clausistis iter: nec muta querelas Lingua potest proferre pias: ignoscite manes Defuncti, & tacito finite indulgere dolori. Sed scelus est tacuisse: cadant in mœsta lituræ 5 Verba. Tuis (docta umbra) tuis hæc accipe jussis Cæpta, nec officii contemnens pignora nostri Aversare tuâ non dignum laude Poëtam. O si Pythagoræ non vanum dogma fuisset: Inque meum â vestro migraret pectore pectus 10 Musa, repentinos tua nosceret urna furores. Sed frustra, heu frustra hæc votis puerilibus opto: Tecum abiit, summoque sedens jam monte Thalia Ridet anhelantes, Parnassi & culmina vates Desperare jubet. Verum hâc nolente coactos 15 Scribimus audaces numeros, & flebile carmen Scribimus (ô soli qui te dilexit) habendum. Siccine perpetuus liventia lumina somnus Clausit? & immerito merguntur funere virtus? Et pietas? & quæ poterant fecisse beatum, 20 Cætera, sed nec te poterant servare beatum. Quo mihi doctrinam? quorsum impallescere chartis Nocturnis juvat? & totidem olfecisse lucernas? Decolor & longos studiis deperdere Soles Vt prius aggredior, longamque arcessere famam. 25 Omnia sed frustra: mihi dum cunctisque minatur Exitium crudele & inexorabile fatum. Nam post te sperare nihil decet: hoc mihi restat Vt moriar, tenues fugiatque obscurus in auras Spiritus: ô doctis saltem si cognitus umbris. 30 Illic te (venerande) iterum, (venerande) videbo. Et dulces audire sonós, & verba diserti Oris, & æternas dabitur mihi carpere voces. Quêis ferus infernæ tacuisset Ianitor aulæ Auditis: Nilusque minus strepuisset: Arion 35 Cederet, & sylvas qui post se traxerat Orpheus. Eloquio sic ille viros, sic ille movere Voce feros potuit: quis enim tam barbarus? aut tam Facundis nimis infestus non motus ut illo Hortante, & blando victus sermone sileret? 40 Sic oculos, sic ille manus, sic ora ferebat, Singula sic decuere senem, sic omnia. Vidi, Audivi & stupui quoties orator in Æde Paulina stetit, & mira gravitate levantes Corda, oculosque viros tenuit: dum Nestoris ille 45 Fudit verba (omni quanta mage dulcia melle?) Nunc habet attonitos, pandit mysteria plebi Non concessa prius nondum intellecta: revolvunt Mirantes, tacitique arrectis auribus astant. Mutatis mox ille modo, formaque loquendi 50 Tristia pertractat: fatumque & flebile mortis Tempus, & in cineres redeunt quod corpora primos. Tunc gemitum cunctos dare, tunc lugere videres, Forsitan à lachrymis aliquis non temperat, atque Ex oculis largum stillat rorem; ætheris illo 55 Sic pater audito voluit succumbere turbam, Affectusque ciere suos, & ponere notæ Vocis ad arbitrium, divinæ oracula mentis Dum narrat, rostrisque potens dominatur in altis. Quo feror? audaci & forsan pietate nocenti 60 In nimia ignoscas vati, qui vatibus olim Egregium decus, et tanto excellentior unus Omnibus; inferior quanto est, et pessimus, impar Laudibus hisce, tibi qui nunc facit ista Poëta. Et quo nos canimus? cur hæc tibi sacra? Poëtæ 65 Desinite: en fati certus, sibi voce canorâ Inferias præmisit olor, cum Carolus Albâ (Vltima volventem et Cycnæâ voce loquentem) Nuper eum, turba & magnatum audiret in Aulâ. Tunc Rex, tunc Proceres, Clerus, tunc astitit illi 70 Aula frequens. Solâ nunc in tellure recumbit, Vermibus esca, pio malint nisi parcere: quidni Incipiant & amare famem? Metuere Leones Sic olim, sacrosque artus violare Prophetæ Bellua non ausa est qùamquam jejuna, sitimque 75 Optaret nimis humano satiare cruore. At non hæc de te sperabimus; omnia carpit Prædator vermis: nec talis contigit illi Præda diu; forsan metrico pede serpet ab inde: Vescere, & exhausto satia te sanguine. Iam nos 80 Adsumus; et post te cupiet quis vivere? Post te Quis volet, aut poterit? nam post te vivere mors est. Et tamen ingratas ignavi ducimus auras: Sustinet & tibi lingua vale, vale dicere: parce Non festinanti æternum requiescere turbæ. 85 Ipsa satis properat quæ nescit Parca morari, Nunc urgere colum, trahere atque occare videmus. Quin rursus (Venerande) Vale, vale: ordine nos te Quo Deus, & quo dura volet natura sequemur. Depositum interea lapides servate fideles. 90 Fœlices illâ quêis Ædis parte locari Quâ jacet iste datur. Forsan lapis inde loquetur, Parturietque viro plenus testantia luctus Verba: & carminibus quæ Donni suggeret illi Spiritus, insolitos testari voce calores 95 Incipiet: (non sic Pyrrhâ jactante calebat.) Mole sub hâc tegitur quicquid mortale relictum est De tanto mortale viro. Qui præfuit Ædi huic, Formosi pecoris pastor, formosior ipse. Ite igitur, dignisque illum celebrate loquelis, 100 Et quæ demuntur vitæ date tempora famæ._
Indignus tantorum meritorum Præco, virtutum tuarum cultor religiosissimus,
DANIEL DARNELLY.
[In obitum &c. 1635-69, _taking the place of the lines by Tho: Browne_.]
[10 pectore] pectore, 1635]
[21 beatum.] beatum 1635]
[23 olfecisse] olfecissë 1635]
[25 prius aggredior, 1635-69: prius, aggredior, 1719 arcessere Ed: accessere 1635-69]
[26-7 mihi dum ... Exitium 1719: mihi, dum ... Exitium, 1635-39: mihi dum, ... Exitium, 1650-69]
[38 Voce feros] Voceferos 1635, 1669]
[79 inde:] inde 1635-39]
[86 Parca] parca 1635-69
morari,] morari 1635]
[88 rursus 1719: rusus 1635: nusus 1639-69]
[96 Incipiet: ... calebat. 1719: no stops, 1635-69]
Elegie on D. D.
Now, by one yeare, time and our frailtie have Lessened our first confusion, since the Grave Clos'd thy deare Ashes, and the teares which flow In these, have no springs, but of solid woe: Or they are drops, which cold amazement froze 5 At thy decease, and will not thaw in Prose: All streames of Verse which shall lament that day, Doe truly to the Ocean tribute pay; But they have lost their saltnesse, which the eye In recompence of wit, strives to supply: 10 Passions excesse for thee wee need not feare, Since first by thee our passions hallowed were; Thou mad'st our sorrowes, which before had bin Onely for the Successe, sorrowes for sinne, We owe thee all those teares, now thou art dead, 15 Which we shed not, which for our selves we shed. Nor didst thou onely consecrate our teares, Give a religious tincture to our feares; But even our joyes had learn'd an innocence, Thou didst from gladnesse separate offence: 20 All mindes at once suckt grace from thee, as where (The curse revok'd) the Nations had one eare. Pious dissector: thy one houre did treate The thousand mazes of the hearts deceipt; Thou didst pursue our lov'd and subtill sinne, 25 Through all the foldings wee had wrapt it in, And in thine owne large minde finding the way By which our selves we from our selves convey, Didst in us, narrow models, know the same Angles, though darker, in our meaner frame. 30 How short of praise is this? My Muse, alas, Climbes weakly to that truth which none can passe, Hee that writes best, may onely hope to leave A Character of all he could conceive But none of thee, and with mee must confesse, 35 That fansie findes some checke, from an excesse Of merit most, of nothing, it hath spun, And truth, as reasons task and theame, doth shunne. She makes a fairer flight in emptinesse, Than when a bodied truth doth her oppresse. 40 Reason againe denies her scales, because Hers are but scales, shee judges by the lawes Of weake comparison, thy vertue sleights Her feeble Beame, and her unequall Weights. What prodigie of wit and pietie 45 Hath she else knowne, by which to measure thee? Great soule: we can no more the worthinesse Of what you were, then what you are, expresse.
Sidney Godolphin.
[Footnote: Elegie on D. D. 1635-69: it follows Walton's elegy.]
On D^{r} John Donne, late Deane of S. Paules, London.
Long since this taske of teares from you was due, Long since, ô Poëts, he did die to you, Or left you dead, when wit and he tooke flight On divine wings, and soard out of your sight. Preachers, 'tis you must weep; The wit he taught 5 You doe enjoy; the Rebels which he brought From ancient discord, Giants faculties, And now no more religions enemies; Honest to knowing, unto vertuous sweet, Witty to good, and learned to discreet, 10 He reconcil'd, and bid the Vsurper goe; Dulnesse to vice, religion ought to flow; He kept his loves, but not his objects; wit Hee did not banish, but transplanted it, Taught it his place and use, and brought it home 15 To Pietie, which it doth best become; He shew'd us how for sinnes we ought to sigh, And how to sing Christs Epithalamy: The Altars had his fires, and there hee spoke Incense of loves, and fansies holy smoake: 20 Religion thus enrich'd, the people train'd, And God from dull vice had the fashion gain'd. The first effects sprung in the giddy minde Of flashy youth, and thirst of woman-kinde, By colours lead, and drawne to a pursuit, 25 Now once againe by beautie of the fruit, As if their longings too must set us free, And tempt us now to the commanded tree. Tell me, had ever pleasure such a dresse, Have you knowne crimes so shap'd? or lovelinesse 30 Such as his lips did cloth religion in? Had not reproofe a beauty passing sinne? Corrupted nature sorrow'd when she stood So neare the danger of becomming good, And wish'd our so inconstant eares exempt 35 From piety that had such power to tempt: Did not his sacred flattery beguile Man to amendment? The law, taught to smile, Pension'd our vanitie, and man grew well Through the same frailtie by which he fell. 40 O the sick state of man, health does not please Our tasts, but in the shape of the disease. Thriftlesse is charitie, coward patience, Iustice is cruell, mercy want of sense. What meanes our Nature to barre vertue place, 45 If shee doe come in her owne cloathes and face? Is good a pill, we dare not chaw to know? Sense the soules servant, doth it keep us so As we might starve for good, unlesse it first Doe leave a pawne of relish in the gust? 50 Or have we to salvation no tie At all, but that of our infirmitie? Who treats with us must our affections move To th' good we flie by those sweets which we love, Must seeke our palats, and with their delight 55 To gaine our deeds, must bribe our appetite. These traines he knew, and laying nets to save, Temptingly sugred all the health hee gave. But, where is now that chime? that harmony Hath left the world, now the loud organ may 60 Appeare, the better voyce is fled to have A thousand times the sweetnesse which it gave. I cannot say how many thousand spirits The single happinesse this soule inherits, Damnes in the other world, soules whom no crosse 65 O'th sense afflicts, but onely of the losse, Whom ignorance would halfe save, all whose paine Is not in what they feele, but others gaine, Selfe executing wretched spirits, who Carrying their guilt, transport their envy too: 70 But those high joyes which his wits youngest flame Would hurt to chuse, shall not we hurt to name? Verse statues are all robbers, all we make Of monument, thus doth not give but take As Sailes which Seamen to a forewinde fit, 75 By a resistance, goe along with it, So pens grow while they lessen fame so left; A weake assistance is a kinde of theft. Who hath not love to ground his teares upon, Must weep here if he have ambition.
I. Chudleigh.
[On D^{r} John Donne &c. 1635-69, _where it follows Godolphin's_ Elegie]
FINIS.
APPENDIX A.
LATIN POEMS AND TRANSLATIONS
DE LIBRO CVM MVTV- aretur Impresso; Domi à pueris frustatim lacerato; et post reddito Manuscripto.
Doctissimo Amicissimoque v. D. D. Andrews.
_Parturiunt madido quae nixu praela, recepta, Sed quae scripta manu, sunt veneranda magis. Qui liber in pluteos, blattis cinerique relictos, Si modo sit praeli sanguine tinctus, abit; Accedat calamo scriptus, reverenter habetur, 5 Involat et veterum scrinia summa Patrum. Dicat Apollo modum; Pueros infundere libro Nempe vetustatem canitiemque novo. Nil mirum, medico pueros de semine natos, Haec nova fata libra posse dedisse novo. 10 Si veterem faciunt pueri, qui nuperus, Annon Ipse Pater Iuvenem me dabit arte senem? Hei miseris senibus! nos vertit dura senectus Omnes in pueros, neminem at in Iuvenem. Hoc tibi servasti praestandum, Antique Dierum, 15 Quo viso, et vivit, et juvenescit Adam. Interea, infirmae fallamus taedia vitae, Libris, et Coelorum aemulâ amicitiâ. Hos inter, qui a te mihi redditus iste libellus, Non mihi tam charus, tam meus, ante fuit._ 20
<Epigramma>
_Transiit in Sequanam Moenus; Victoris in aedes; Et Francofurtum, te revehente, meat._
[DE LIBRO &c. 1635-69 among certain prose letters in Latin and English
Title:--mutuaretur Impresso;] mutuaretur, Impresso, 1635-69
frustatim] frustratim 1635-69
lacerato;] lacerato, 1635-69]
[2 manu, sunt] manu sunt, 1635-69]
[4 abit;] abit, 1635-69]
[<Epigramma> Ed: in old edd. these lines are 3 and 4 of above poem. See note]
[1 aedes;] aedes, 1635-69]
Amicissimo, & meritissimo BEN. JONSON.
In Vulponem.
_Qvod arte ausus es hic tuâ, Poeta, Si auderent hominum Deique juris Consulti, veteres sequi aemularierque, O omnes saperemus ad salutem. His sed sunt veteres araneosi; 5 Tam nemo veterum est sequutor, ut tu Illos quod sequeris novator audis. Fac tamen quod agis; tuique primâ Libri canitie induantur horâ: Nam chartis pueritia est neganda, 10 Nascanturque senes, oportet, illi Libri, queis dare vis perennitatem. Priscis, ingenium facit, laborque Te parem; hos superes, ut et futuros, Ex nostrâ vitiositate sumas, 15 Quâ priscos superamus, et futuros._
[Amicissimo &c. in sheets added 1650: prefixed originally to Quarto edition of Jonson's Volpone. 1607, later to Folio edition of The Workes of Beniamin Jonson. 1616., when In Vulponem was added: in both signed I.D.]
[11 Nascanturque 1607: Nascunturque 1616, 1650-69]
To M^r George Herbert, with one of my Seal(s), of the Anchor and Christ.
_Qvi prius assuetus Serpentum fasce Tabellas Signare, (haec nostrae symbola parva Domus) Adscitus domui Domini, patrioque relicto Stemmate, nanciscor stemmata jure nova. Hinc mihi Crux primo quae fronti impressa lavacro, 5 Finibus extensis, anchora facta patet. Anchorae in effigiem Crux tandem desinit ipsam, Anchora fit tandem Crux tolerata diu. Hoc tamen ut fiat, Christo vegetatur ab ipso Crux, et ab Affixo, est Anchora facta, Iesu. 10 Nec Natalitiis penitus serpentibus orbor, Non ita dat Deus, ut auferat ante data. Quâ sapiens, Dos est; Quâ terram lambit et ambit, Pestis; At in nostra fit Medicina Cruce, Serpens; fixa Cruci si sit Natura; Crucique 15 A fixo, nobis, Gratia tota fluat. Omnia cum Crux sint, Crux Anchora facta, sigillum Non tam dicendum hoc quam Catechismus erit. Mitto nec exigua, exiguâ sub imagine, dona, Pignora amicitiae, et munera; Vota, preces. 20 Plura tibi accumulet, sanctus cognominis, Ille Regia qui flavo Dona sigillat Equo._
[To M^r George Herbert &c. 1650-69, in sheets added 1650: two and a half lines in Walton's Life of Donne (1658): for Herbert's reply see note Title:--sent him with one Walton (1670) Seal, 1650-69: Seales Walton]
[1 fasce] falce Walton]
[5 fronti] fronte 1650-69]
[17 facta,] fixa, 1650-69]
[19 Mitto] Mitto, 1650-69]
A Sheafe of Snakes used heretofore to be My Seal, The Crest of our poore Family. Adopted in Gods Family, and so Our old Coat lost, unto new armes I go. The Crosse (my seal at Baptism) spred below, 5 Does, by that form, into an Anchor grow. Crosses grow Anchors; Bear, as thou shouldst do Thy Crosse, and that Crosse grows an Anchor too. But he that makes our Crosses Anchors thus, Is Christ, who there is crucifi'd for us. 10 Yet may I, with this, my first Serpents hold, God gives new blessings, and yet leaves the old; The Serpent, may, as wise, my pattern be; My poison, as he feeds on dust, that's me. And as he rounds the Earth to murder sure, 15 My death he is, but on the Crosse, my cure. Crucifie nature then, and then implore All Grace from him, crucified there before; When all is Crosse, and that Crosse Anchor grown, This Seal's a Catechism, not a Seal alone. 20 Under that little Seal great gifts I send, <Wishes,> and prayers, pawns, and fruits of a friend. And may that Saint which rides in our great Seal, To you, who bear his name, great bounties deal.
[A sheafe &c.] 1650-69 and in Walton's Life of Donne (1658), in all of which and in all subsequent editions except Grolier the first two lines are printed as a title, Walton bracketing them:--
A sheafe of Snakes used heretofore to be my Seal, The Crest of our poore Family. ]
[4 Our ... unto] My ... into Walton]
[5 at] in Walton]
[11 with this I may Walton]
[15 to murder sure,] to murder, sure Walton]
[16 He is my death; Walton]
[22 Wishes, Ed: Works, 1650-69: Both works Walton: Lat. vota]
[23-4
Oh may that Saint that rides on our great Seal, To you that bear his name large bounty deal.
Walton. ]
Translated out of Gazæus, Vota Amico facta. fol. 160.
God grant thee thine own wish, and grant thee mine, Thou, who dost, best friend, in best things outshine; May thy soul, ever chearfull, nere know cares, Nor thy life, ever lively, know gray haires. Nor thy hand, ever open, know base holds, 5 Nor thy purse, ever plump, know pleits, or folds. Nor thy tongue, ever true, know a false thing, Nor thy word, ever mild, know quarrelling. Nor thy works, ever equall, know disguise, Nor thy fame, ever pure, know contumelies. 10 Nor thy prayers, know low objects, still Divine; God grant thee thine own wish, and grant thee mine.
Translated &c.] 1650-69, in sheets added 1650: for original see note]
APPENDIX B.
POEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN DONNE IN THE OLD EDITIONS AND THE PRINCIPAL MS. COLLEC- TIONS, ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THEIR PROBABLE AUTHORS.
I.
POEMS
PROBABLY BY SIR JOHN ROE, KNT.
To S^{r} Nicholas Smyth.
Sleep, next Society and true friendship, Mans best contentment, doth securely slip His passions and the worlds troubles. Rock me O sleep, wean'd from my dear friends company, In a cradle free from dreams or thoughts, there 5 Where poor men ly, for Kings asleep do fear. Here sleeps House by famous Ariosto, By silver-tongu'd Ovid, and many moe, Perhaps by golden-mouth'd Spencer too pardie, (Which builded was some dozen Stories high) 10 I had repair'd, but that it was so rotten, As sleep awak'd by Ratts from thence was gotten: And I will build no new, for by my Will, Thy fathers house shall be the fairest still In Excester. Yet, methinks, for all their Wit, 15 Those wits that say nothing, best describe it. Without it there is no Sense, only in this Sleep is unlike a long Parenthesis. Not to save charges, but would I had slept The time I spent in London, when I kept 20 Fighting and untrust gallants Company, In which Natta, the new Knight, seized on me, And offered me the experience he had bought With great Expence. I found him throughly taught In curing Burnes. His thing hath had more scars 25 Then Things himselfe; like Epps it often wars, And still is hurt. For his Body and State The Physick and Counsel which came too late, 'Gainst Whores and Dice, hee nowe on mee bestowes Most superficially: hee speaks of those 30 (I found by him) least soundly who most knows: He swears well, speakes ill, but best of Clothes, What fits Summer, what Winter, what the Spring. He had Living, but now these waies come in His whole Revenues. Where each Whore now dwells, 35 And hath dwelt, since his fathers death, he tells. Yea he tells most cunningly each hid cause Why Whores forsake their Bawds. To these some Laws He knows of the Duello, and touch his Skill The least lot in that or those he quarrell will, 40 Though sober; but so never fought. I know What made his Valour, undubb'd, Windmill go, Within a Pint at most: yet for all this (Which is most strange) Natta thinks no man is More honest than himself. Thus men may want 45 Conscience, whilst being brought up ignorant, They use themselves to vice. And besides those Illiberal Arts forenam'd, no Vicar knows, Nor other Captain less then he; His Schools Are Ordinaries, where civil men seem fools, 50 Or are for being there; His best bookes, Plaies, Where, meeting godly Scenes, perhaps he praies. His first set prayer was for his father, ill And sick, that he might dye: That had, until The Lands were gone, he troubled God no more: 55 And then ask'd him but his Right, That the whore Whom he had kept, might now keep him: She spent, They left each other on even terms; she went To Bridewel, he unto the Wars, where want Hath made him valiant, and a Lieutenant 60 He is become: Where, as they pass apace, He steps aside, and for his Captains place He praies again: Tells God, he will confess His sins, swear, drink, dice and whore thenceforth less, On this Condition, that his Captain dye 65 And he succeed; But his Prayer did not; They Both cashir'd came home, and he is braver now Than'his captain: all men wonder, few know how. Can he rob? No. Cheat? No. Or doth he spend His own? No. Fidus, he is thy dear friend, 70 That keeps him up. I would thou wert thine own, Or thou'hadst as good a friend as thou art one. No present Want nor future hope made me, Desire (as once I did) thy friend to be: But he had cruelly possest thee then, 75 And as our Neighbours the Low-Country men, Being (whilst they were Loyal, with Tyranny Opprest) broke loose, have since refus'd to be Subject to good Kings, I found even so, Wer't thou well rid of him, thou't have no moe. 80 Could'st thou but chuse as well as love, to none Thou should'st be second: Turtle and Damon Should give thee place in songs, and Lovers sick Should make thee only Loves Hieroglyphick: Thy Impress should be the loving Elm and Vine, 85 Where now an ancient Oak, with Ivy twine Destroy'd, thy Symbol is. O dire Mischance! And, O vile verse! And yet your Abraham France Writes thus, and jests not. Good Fidus for this Must pardon me, Satyres bite when they kiss. 90 But as for Natta, we have since faln out: Here on his knees he pray'd, else we had fought. And because God would not he should be winner, Nor yet would have the Death of such a sinner, At his seeking, our Quarrel is deferr'd, 95 I'll leave him at his Prayers, and (as I heard) His last; Fidus, and you, and I do know, I was his friend, and durst have been his foe, And would be either yet; But he dares be Neither; Sleep blots him out and takes in thee. 100 "The mind, you know is like a Table-book, Which, th'old unwipt, new writing never took. Hear how the Huishers Checques, Cupbord and Fire I pass'd; by which Degrees young men aspire In Court; And how that idle and she-state, 105 Whenas my judgment cleer'd, my soul did hate; How I found there (if that my trifling Pen Durst take so hard a Task) Kings were but men, And by their Place more noted, if they erre; How they and their Lords unworthy men prefer; 110 And, as unthrifts had rather give away Great Summs to flatterers, than small debts pay, So they their weakness hide, and greatness show, By giving them that which to worth they owe: What Treason is, and what did Essex kill, 115 Not true Treason, but Treason handled ill; And which of them stood for their Countries good, Or what might be the Cause of so much Blood. He said she stunck, and men might not have said That she was old before that she was dead. 120 His Case was hard, to do or suffer; loth To do, he made it harder, and did both. Too much preparing lost them all their Lives, Like some in Plagues kill'd with preservatives. Friends, like land-souldiers in a storm at Sea, 125 Not knowing what to do, for him did pray. They told it all the world; where was their wit? Cuffs putting on a sword, might have told it. And Princes must fear Favorites more then Foes, For still beyond Revenge Ambition goes. 130 How since Her death, with Sumpter-horse that Scot Hath rid, who, at his coming up, had not A Sumpter-dog. But till that I can write Things worth thy Tenth reading (dear Nick) goodnight.
[To S^{r} Nicholas Smyth. Ed: Satyra Sexta. To S^{r} &c. S: Satires to S^{r} Nic: Smith. 1602 B: A Satire: to S^{r} Nicholas Smith. 1602, L74: A Satyricall Letter to S^{r} Nich: Smith. Quere, if Donnes or S^{r} Th: Rowes. O'F: no title N, TCD (JR in margin): Satyre VI. 1669 (on which the present text is based)]
[1 Sleep, next] Sleep next, 1669]
[2 slip 1669, S: skipp B, L74, N, O'F, TCD. In 1669 full stops after slip and rock me and no stop after troubles]
[3 Rock] rock 1669]
[4 my MSS.: thy 1669]
[6 asleep] all sleap B]
[9 golden-mouth'd] gold-mouth'd B, S]
[14 still] still. 1669]
[25 hath had L74, N, O'F, S, TCD: had had 1669: had B]
[26 Things B, L74, N, O'F, S, TCD: T 1669]
[28-31 text from B, L74, N, O'F, S, TCD, which bracket which ... late: see note:
The Physick and Councel (which came too late 'Gainst Whores and Dice) he now on me bestows: Most superficially he speaks of those. I found, by him, least sound him who most knows.
1669 ]
[33 what Winter] what What Winter 1669]
[35 each B, L74, N, O'F, S, TCD: his 1669]
[37 cunningly 1669, L74, N, TCD: perfectly B, O'F, S]
[39 Duello, B, N, O'F, S, TCD: Duel, 1669
touch B, L74, O'F, S: on 1669: only N, TCD]
[40 those B, L74, O'F: these 1669]
[41 but so never fought. B, L74, O'F, S (soe as), TCD (nere): but nere fought. 1669]
[42 Valour, undubb'd, Windmill go, Ed: Valour undubd Windmill go. 1669: valours undubb'd Wine-mill go. L74, N, TCD: his undouted valour windmill goe. B: his undaunted valour windmill goe. O'F, S]
[45 want] vaunt S]
[47 besides] except B, O'F, S]
[49 he; Ed: he, 1669]
[53 father, ill] fathers ill, 1669]
[65 his] if his 1669]
[66 succeed; Ed: succeed, 1669
They Ed: they 1669]
[68 Than'his Ed: Than his 1669: Then's N, TCD
how. Ed: how, 1669]
[69 Or Ed: or 1669]
[72 thou'hadst L74, N, TCD: thou hadst 1669]
[81 love, Ed: love 1669]
[82 Damon] damon 1669]
[83 thee] the 1669]
[86-7 Oak, with Ivy twine Destroy'd, thy Symbol is. L74, N, TCD: Oak with Ivy twine, Destroy'd thy Symbole is. 1669: Oak with ivy twine. Destroy'd thy symbol is! Chambers]
[87 Mischance!] Mischance? 1669]
[88 your B, L74, N, S, TCD: our 1669]
[92 knees] knees, 1669]
[97 Fidus, and you, and I N, TCD: and Fidus, you and I 1669: Fidus, and you, and he B, L74, O'F, S]
[100 Neither; L74, N, O'F, S, TCD: Neither yet. 1669
Sleep] sleep 1669]
[102 Which, th'old unwipt, B, O'F, S, TCD: "The old unwipt 1669]
[104-6 1669 has colon after pass'd, brackets by which ... Court and Whenas ... cleer'd, and places comma after hate]
[107 there (if that 1669: then that (if B, O'F, S]
[111 And, as unthrifts Ed: And, as unthrifts, 1669, Chambers]
[112 pay, Ed: pay; 1669: pay. Chambers]
[113 weakness B, L74, O'F, S: greatness 1669, N, TCD]
[116 ill; Ed: ill: 1669]
[118 Blood. Ed: Blood; 1669]
[121 hard, Ed: hard 1669]
[122 both. Ed: both 1669]
[127 world; Ed: world, 1669]
[132 Hath rid,] Doth ryde, B]
[133 till that 1669: till N, TCD: untill B, O'F, S]
Satyre.
Men write that love and reason disagree, But I ne'r saw't exprest as 'tis in thee. Well, I may lead thee, God must make thee see, But, thine eyes blinde too, there's no hope for thee. Thou say'st shee's wise and witty, faire and free, 5 All these are reasons why she should scorne thee. Thou dost protest thy love, and wouldst it shew By matching her as she would match her foe: And wouldst perswade her to a worse offence, Then that whereof thou didst accuse her wench. 10 Reason there's none for thee, but thou may'st vexe Her with example. Say, for feare her sexe Shunne her, she needs must change; I doe not see How reason e'r can bring that must to thee. Thou art a match a Iustice to rejoyce, 15 Fit to be his, and not his daughters choyce. Urg'd with his threats shee'd scarcely stay with thee, And wouldst th'have this to chuse thee, being free? Goe then and punish some soone-gotten stuffe, For her dead husband this hath mourn'd enough, 20 In hating thee. Thou maist one like this meet; For spight take her, prove kinde, make thy breath sweet, Let her see she hath cause, and to bring to thee Honest children, let her dishonest bee. If shee be a widow, I'll warrant her 25 Shee'll thee before her first husband preferre, And will wish thou hadst had her maidenhead; Shee'll love thee so, for then thou hadst bin dead. But thou such strong love, and weake reasons hast, Thou must thrive there, or ever live disgrac'd. 30 Yet pause a while; and thou maist live to see A time to come, wherein she may beg thee; If thou'lt not pause nor change, she'll beg thee now. Doe what she can, love for nothing shee'll allow. Besides, her<s> were too much gaine and merchandise, 35 And when thou art rewarded, desert dies. Now thou hast odds of him she loves, he may doubt Her constancy, but none can put thee out. Againe, be thy love true, shee'll prove divine, And in the end the good on't will be thine: 40 For thou must never think on other love, And so wilt advance her as high above Vertue as cause above effect can bee: 'Tis vertue to be chast, which shee'll make thee.
[Satyre. B, O'F: A Satire: upon one who was his Rivall in a widdowes Love. A10: Satyre VI. 1635-54: Satyre. VII. 1669 (where Satyre VI. is Sleep, next Society &c.)]
[4 thine eyes 1635-69: thy eye's A10]
[11 thee,] the, 1669]
[13 she needs must change; I 1635-69: she must change, yet I A10]
[16 and 1635-69: but B]
[17 Urg'd A10, B, O'F: Dry'd 1635-69]
[19 some] 1635 duplicates]
[22 sweet, 1639-69: sweet. 1635]
[27 maidenhead; Ed: maidenhead, 1635-69]
[28 (Shee'll love thee so) for, 1635-69]
[29 strong] firm A10]
[32 thee; Grosart: thee. 1635-69]
[33 now. Grosart: now, 1635-69]
[34 love for nothing shee'll 1635-69: she'le love for nought A10]
[35 Besides, hers Ed: Besides, here 1635-69: But hers A10: Besides her O'F]
[38-9 out. Againe, 1635-69: out Againe; A10]
[40 And in 1635-69: And yet in A10
thine: Ed: thine. 1635-69]
[41 For thou must never think on H-K (Grosart): And thou must never think on, A10: For though thou must ne'r thinke of 1635-69]
[42 And so wilt advance her 1635-69: For that will her advance A10]
[43 bee: Ed: bee, 1635-69]
AN ELEGIE.
Reflecting on his passion for his mistrisse.
Come, Fates; I feare you not. All whom I owe Are paid, but you. Then rest me ere I goe. But, Chance from you all soveraignty hath got, Love woundeth none but those whom death dares not; Else, if you were, and just, in equitie 5 I should have vanquish'd her, as you did me. Else Lovers should not brave death's pains, and live, But 'tis a rule, Death comes not to relieve. Or, pale and wan deaths terrours, are they lay'd So deepe in Lovers, they make death afraid? 10 Or (the least comfort) have I company? Orecame she Fates, Love, Death, as well as mee? Yes, Fates doe silke unto her distaffe pay, For their ransome, which taxe on us they laye. Love gives her youth, which is the reason why 15 Youths, for her sake, some wither and some die. Poore Death can nothing give; yet, for her sake, Still in her turne, he doth a Lover take: And if Death should prove false, she feares him not; Our Muses, to redeeme her she hath got. 20 That fatall night wee last kiss'd, I thus pray'd, Or rather, thus despair'd; I should have said: Kisses, and yet despaire? The forbid tree Did promise (and deceive) no more then shee. Like Lambs that see their teats, and must eat Hay, 25 A food, whose tast hath made me pine away. Dives, when thou saw'st blisse, and crav'dst to touch A drop of water, thy great paines were such. Here griefe wants a fresh wit, for mine being spent, And my sighes weary, groanes are all my rent; 30 Vnable longer to indure the paine, They breake like thunder, and doe bring down rain. Thus, till dry teares soulder mine eyes, I weepe; And then, I dreame, how you securely sleepe, And in your dreames doe laugh at me. I hate, 35 And pray Love, All may: He pitties my state, But sayes, I therein no revenge should finde; The Sunne would shine, though all the world were blind. Yet, to trie my hate, Love shew'd me your teare; And I had dy'd, had not your smile beene there. 40 Your frowne undoes me; your smile is my wealth; And as you please to looke, I have my health. Me thought, Love pittying me, when he saw this, Gave me your hands, the backs and palmes to kisse. That cur'd me not, but to beare paine gave strength, 45 And what it lost in force, it tooke in length. I call'd on Love againe, who fear'd you so, That his compassion still prov'd greater woe; For, then I dream'd I was in bed with you, But durst not feele, for feare't should not prove true. 50 This merits not your anger, had it beene, The Queene of Chastitie was naked seene; And in bed, not to feele, the paine I tooke, Was more then for Actæon not to looke. And that brest which lay ope, I did not know, 55 But for the clearnesse, from a lump of snowe, Nor that sweet teat which on the top it bore From the rose-bud, which for my sake you wore. These griefs to issue forth, by verse, I prove, Or turne their course, by travaile, or new love: 60 All would not doe. The best at last I tryde: Unable longer to hould out I dyed. And then I found I lost life, death by flying: Who hundreds live are but soe long a dying. Charon did let me passe: I'le him requite. 65 To marke the groves or shades wrongs my delight. I'le speake but of those ghosts I found alone, Those thousand ghosts, whereof myself made one, All images of thee. I ask'd them, why? The Judge told me, all they for thee did dye, 70 And therefore had for their Elisian blisse, In one another their owne Loves to kisse. O here I miss'd not blisse, but being dead; For loe, I dream'd, I dream'd; and waking said, Heaven, if who are in thee there must dwell, 75 How is't, I now was there, and now I fell.
[An Elegie. Reflecting on &c. A10: An Elegie. H39, H40, L74, RP31: Eleg. XIII. 1635-69: no title, Cy: Elegie. P]
[5 Else, if you were, and just, in equitie H39: Else, if you were, and just in equitie, 1635-54, Grosart: True, if you were, and just in equitie, 1669, Chambers (True)]
[12 Orecame she Fates, Love, Death, MSS.: Or can the Fates love death, 1635-69]
[13 distaffe 1635-69, H39, L74: distaves A10, H40, RP31]
[14 For their ... on us they laye. Cy, H39, H40, L74, P: For ransome, which taxe they on us doe lay. 1635-69: For Ransome, but a taxe on us they lay: A10]
[17-19 Death] death 1635-69]
[18 take: H40, L74: take. 1635-69]
[21 That fatall night we last kiss'd 1635-69: That last fatall night wee kiss'd A10, H39, H40, L74, P, RP31]
[22 in brackets 1635-69
said: Ed: said, 1635-69]
[23 despaire? Ed: despaire. 1635-69]
[24 shee.] yee. A10, H40]
[28 A drop of water, thy greate 1635-69: A small little drop, thy Cy, H39 (then thy), H40, L74, P: The poorest little drop, thy A10]
[63 life] lif's Grosart: spelt lief H40]
[64 Who] Where Grosart]
[66 marke] walke Grosart
or] and A10]
[67 but] out Grosart, from H39]
[68 Those thousand] Thousand A10]
[72 In one] omit. Grosart]
[74 (For loe I dreampt) H39 and Grosart]
[75 Heaven] O Heaven A10]
An Elegie to M^{ris} Boulstred: 1602.
Shall I goe force an Elegie? abuse My witt? and breake the Hymen of my muse For one poore houres love? Deserves it such Which serves not me, to doe on her as much? Or if it could, I would that fortune shunn: 5 Who would be rich, to be foe foone undone? The beggars best is, wealth he doth not know; And but to shew it him, encreases woe. But we two may enjoye an hour? when never It returnes, who would have a losse for ever? 10 Nor can so short a love, if true, but bring A halfe howres feare, with the thought of losing: Before it, all howres were hope; and all are (That shall come after it,) yeares of dispaire. This joye brings this doubt, whether it were more 15 To have enjoy'd it, or have died before? T'is a lost paradise, a fall from grace, Which I thinke, Adam felt more then his race. Nor need those angells any other Hell; It is enough for them, from Heaven they fell. 20 Besides, Conquest in love is all in all; That when I liste, shee under me may fall: And for this turne, both for delight and view, I'le have a Succuba, as good as you. But when these toyes are past, and hott blood ends, 25 The best enjoying is, we still are frends. Love can but be frendshipps outside; their two Beauties differ, as myndes and bodies do. Thus, I this great Good still would be to take, Vnless one houre, another happy make: 30 Or, that I might forgett it instantlie; Or in that blest estate, that I might die. But why doe I thus travaile in the skill Of despis'd poetrie, and perchance spill My fortune? or undoe myself in sport 35 By having but that dangerous name in Court? I'le leave, and since I doe your poet prove, Keep you my lines as secret as my Love.
[An Elegie &c. A10, L74 (J. R. in margin), RP31: Elegie N, TCD (J. R.): Elegie to his M. promissing to love him an hour. HN (signed J. R.): An Elegy 1602. To M^{rs} Boulstrede. Le Prince d'Amour. &c. _1660
[7 text from HN_: The beggers best is, that wealth he doth <not> know, A10: The beggar's best, his &c. L74, RP31, N, TCD, Sim: The beggar's best that Grosart]
[9 two Sim: om. HN, L74, N, RP31, TCD: But we an hour may now enjoy when never A10
hour?] hour; L74]
[10 It returnes] Again't returnes A10]
[16 or have] or else A10]
[21 Besides, A10: Beside, L74]
[23 delight] despite A10]
[27 but be] be but Sim
their Ed: there A10, L74]
[30 one] on L74]
[32 Poem closes, A10]
[34 despis'd poetrie,] deeper mysteries, Sim]
An Elegie.
True Love findes witt, but he whose witt doth move Him to love, confesses he doth not love: And from his witt, passions and true desire Are forc'd as hard, as from the flint is fire. My love's all fire whose flames my soule do nurse, 5 Whose smokes are sighes; whose every sparke's a verse. Doth measure women win? Then I know why Most of our Ladies with the Scotts doe lie. A Scott is measur'd in each syllable, terse And smooth as a verse: and like that smooth verse 10 Is shallow, and wants matter, but in his handes, And they are rugged; Her state better standes Whom dauncing measures tempted, not the Scott: In brief she's out of measure, lost, soe gott. Greene-sickness wenches, (not needes must but) may 15 Looke pale, breathe short; at Court none so long stay. Good witt ne're despair'd there, or Ay me said: For never Wench at Court was ravished. And shee but cheates on Heaven, whom you so winne Thinking to share the sport, but not the sinne. 20
[An Elegie. A10: similarly, B, H40, L74, O'F, RP31: Elegia Undecima. S: no title, Cy, P (J. D in margin): first printed by Grosart]
[1 findes] kindles RP31]
[5 do A10, L74: doth Grosart and Chambers]
[7 women win? A10: win women? L74]
[11 but in his handes, A10, B, L74, O'F, P: but's in's bands S: cut in bands Grosart and Chambers: writt in his hands H-K (teste Grosart)]
[14 she's A10, L74, P, H-K (Grosart): theyre S, Chambers
soe] if A10]
[17 ne're A10: neare L74]
Song.
Deare Love, continue nice and chaste, For, if you yeeld you doe me wrong, Let duller wits to loves end haste, I have enough to wooe thee long.
All paine and joy is in their way; 5 The things we feare bring lesse annoy Then feare; and hope brings greater joy; But in themselves they cannot stay.
Small favours will my prayers increase; Granting my suit you give me all, 10 And then my prayers must needs surcease, For, I have made your Godhead fall.
Beasts cannot witt nor beauty see, They mans affections onely move; Beasts other sports of love doe prove, 15 With better feeling farre than we.
Then Love prolong my suite, for thus By losing sport, I sport doe win; And that may vertue prove in us, Which ever yet hath beene a sinne. 20
My comming neare may spie some ill, And now the world is given to scoffe; To keepe my Love, (then) keepe me off, And so I shall admire thee still.
Say I have made a perfect choyce, 25 Satietie our Love may kill; Then give me but thy face and voyce, Mine eye and eare thou canst not fill.
To make me rich (oh) be not poore, Give me not all, yet something lend, 30 So I shall still my suite commend, And you at will doe lesse or more. But, if to all you condescend, My love, our sport, your Godhead end.
[Song. 1635-69: no title, A10, B, HN (signed J. R.), L74 (Finis. JR monogram), O'F, P, S96]
[1 Love,] Love 1635-69]
[13 witt] will, 1635-54]
[14 They, 1635-69: Those L74]
[18 I sport] I sports 1635-54]
[19 that may A10, HN, L74: that doth 1635-69: let that B]
[26 Satietie] Sacietie 1635-39, L74
Love A10, B, HN, L74, S96: selves 1635-69]
[28 Mine MSS.: My 1635-39]
[32 you at will] at your will S96]
To Ben. Iohnson, 6 Ian. 1603.
The State and mens affaires are the best playes Next yours; 'Tis nor more nor lesse than due praise. Write, but touch not the much descending race Of Lords houses, so settled in worths place, As but themselves none thinke them usurpers. 5 It is no fault in thee to suffer theirs. If the Queene Masque, or King a hunting goe, Though all the Court follow, Let them. We know Like them in goodnesse that Court ne'r will be, For that were vertue, and not flatterie. 10 Forget we were thrust out; It is but thus, God threatens Kings, Kings Lords, as Lords doe us. Iudge of strangers, Trust and believe your friend, And so me; And when I true friendship end, With guilty conscience let me be worse stonge, 15 Then with Pophams sentence theeves, or Cookes tongue Traitors are. Friends are our selves. This I thee tell As to my friend, and to my selfe as Counsell; Let for a while the times unthrifty rout Contemne learning, and all your studies flout. 20 Let them scorne Hell, they will a Sergeant feare, More then wee that; ere long God may forbeare, But Creditors will not. Let them increase In riot and excesse as their meanes cease; Let them scorne him that made them, and still shun 25 His Grace, but love the whore who hath undone Them and their soules. But; that they that allow But one God, should have religions enow For the Queens Masque, and their husbands, far more Then all the Gentiles knew, or Atlas bore! 30 Well, let all passe, and trust him who nor cracks The bruised Reed, nor quencheth smoaking flaxe.
[To Ben. Iohnson, 6 Ian. 1603. 1635-69, O'F: To Ben Johnson 6 Jan: 1603 T.R. B: An Epistle to Ben Johnson. S^{r} J: R: H40: An Epistle to Beniamin Johnson. RP31: An Epistle: To M^{r} Ben. Johnson. Ja: 6: 1603 L74: To M^{r} Ben Johnson. S]
[2 yours; Ed: yours, 1635-69
nor more] noe more L74]
[5 none thinke] none can thinke 1669]
[11 out; Ed: out. 1635-69]
[15 stonge, L74: spelt stũg, 1635]
[18 as Counsell;] is Counsell: 1635-54]
[22 More then wee that; Ed: More then wee that H40, L74: More then wee them; that, 1635-69 (them in ital. 1635-54)]
[24 cease; Ed: cease, 1635-69]
[28 enow H40, L74: enough 1635-69]
[29 far L74: for 1635-69, H40]
[30 bore! Ed: bore? H40: bore. 1635-69, L74]
To Ben. Iohnson, 9. Novembris, 1603.
If great men wrong me, I will spare my selfe; If meane, I will spare them. I know that pelf Which is ill got the Owner doth upbraid. It may corrupt a Iudge, make me afraid And a Iury; But 'twill revenge in this, 5 That, though himselfe be judge, hee guilty is. What care I though of weaknesse men taxe me, I had rather sufferer than doer be. That I did trust, it was my Natures praise, For breach of word I knew but as a phrase. 10 That judgement is, that surely can comprise The world in precepts, most happy and most wise. What though? Though lesse, yet some of both have we, Who have learn'd it by use and misery. Poore I, whom every pety crosse doth trouble, 15 Who apprehend each hurt thats done me, double, Am of this (though it should sinke me) carelesse, It would but force me to a stricter goodnesse. They have great odds of me, who gaine doe winne, (If such gaine be not losse) from every sinne. 20 The standing of great mens lives would afford A pretty summe, if God would sell his Word. He cannot; they can theirs, and breake them too. How unlike they are that they are likened to? Yet I conclude, they are amidst my evils, 25 If good, like Gods, the naught are so like devils.
[To Ben Johnson, 9 Novembris, 1603: 1635-69, B (subscribed doubtfull author), O'F, S: Another Epistle to M^{r} Ben: Johnson. No: 9. 1603. L74: Another to Ben Johnson. H40]
[2 them.] them, 1635-69 that B, H40, L74, S: the 1635-69]
[3 upbraide. Ed: upbraide; 1635-69]
[5 Iury; Ed: Iury. 1635-69]
[18 goodnesse.] goodnesse 1635-39]
[19 odds B, H40, L74, S: gaine 1635-69, O'F]
To S^{r} Tho. Roe 1603.
Deare Thom:
Tell her if she to hired servants shew Dislike, before they take their leave they goe; When nobler spirits start at no disgrace, For who hath but one minde, hath but one face: If then why I tooke not my leave she aske, 5 Aske her againe why she did not unmaske? Was she or proud or cruell, or knew shee 'Twould make my losse more felt, and pittyed me? Or did she feare one kisse might stay for moe? Or else was she unwilling I should goe? 10 I thinke the best, and love so faithfully I cannot chuse but thinke that she loves mee. If this prove not my faith, then let her trie How in her service I would fructifie. Ladies have boldly lov'd; bid her renew 15 That decay'd worth, and prove the times past true. Then he whose wit and verse goes now so lame, With songs to her will the wild Irish tame. Howe'r, I'll weare the black and white ribband, White for her fortunes, blacke for mine shall stand. 20 I doe esteeme her favours, not their stuffe; If what I have was given, I have enough: And all's well; for had she lov'd, I had had All my friends hate; for now, departing sad I feele not that; Yet as the Rack the Gout 25 Cures, so hath this worse griefe that quite put out: My first disease nought but that worse cureth, Which (which I dare foresee) nought cures but death. Tell her all this before I am forgot, That not too late shee grieve shee lov'd me not. 30 Burden'd with this, I was to depart lesse Willing, then those which die, and not confesse.
[Footnote: To Sir Tho. Rowe, 1603. 1635-69, O'F: An Elegie. To S^{r} Tho. Roe. B (subscribed J. R.), L74: An Elegie, complayning a want of complement in his mistrisse, at his leave-taking. A10: Elegia Vicesima Septima. To S^{r} Thomas Roe. 1603. S
Thom: B, L74, O'F,S: Tom: 1635-69]
[5 tooke A10, B, L74, O'F, S: take 1635-69]
[14 I would 1635-69: it will A10, L74, S]
[17 goes now so Ed: goe now so B: growes now so 1635-69, O'F: now goes thus A10, L74, S]
[21 favours, not their B, L74, S: favour, not the 1635-69]
[22 enough: Ed: enough, 1635-69]
[23 had had] had not had 1635-69, O'F]
[24 hate;] hate 1635: hate, 1639-69
now, Ed: now 1635-69: not A10, B, L74, S]
[26 out:] out. 1635]
[28 Which (which I dare foresee) nought A10, B, L74, S: Which (I dare foresay) nothing 1635-69]
[Willing, Ed: Willing 1635-69: Willing; A10]
II.
To the Countesse of Huntington.
That unripe side of earth, that heavy clime That gives us man up now, like Adams time Before he ate; mans shape, that would yet bee (Knew they not it, and fear'd beasts companie) So naked at this day, as though man there 5 From Paradise so great a distance were, As yet the newes could not arrived bee Of Adams tasting the forbidden tree; Depriv'd of that free state which they were in, And wanting the reward, yet beare the sinne. 10 But, as from extreme hights who downward looks, Sees men at childrens shapes, Rivers at brookes, And loseth younger formes; so, to your eye, These (Madame) that without your distance lie, Must either mist, or nothing seeme to be, 15 Who are at home but wits mere Atomi. But, I who can behold them move, and stay, Have found my selfe to you, just their midway; And now must pitty them; for, as they doe Seeme sick to me, just so must I to you. 20 Yet neither will I vexe your eyes to see A sighing Ode, nor crosse-arm'd Elegie. I come not to call pitty from your heart, Like some white-liver'd dotard that would part Else from his slipperie soule with a faint groane, 25 And faithfully, (without you smil'd) were gone. I cannot feele the tempest of a frowne, I may be rais'd by love, but not throwne down. Though I can pittie those sigh twice a day, I hate that thing whispers it selfe away. 30 Yet since all love is fever, who to trees Doth talke, doth yet in loves cold ague freeze. 'Tis love, but, with such fatall weaknesse made, That it deftroyes it selfe with its owne shade. Who first look'd sad, griev'd, pin'd, and shew'd his paine, 35 Was he that first taught women, to disdaine. As all things were one nothing, dull and weake, Vntill this raw disordered heape did breake, And severall desires led parts away, Water declin'd with earth, the ayre did stay, 40 Fire rose, and each from other but unty'd, Themselves unprison'd were and purify'd: So was love, first in vast confusion hid, An unripe willingnesse which nothing did, A thirst, an Appetite which had no ease, 45 That found a want, but knew not what would please. What pretty innocence in those dayes mov'd? Man ignorantly walk'd by her he lov'd; Both sigh'd and enterchang'd a speaking eye, Both trembled and were sick, both knew not why. 50 That naturall fearefulnesse that struck man dumbe, Might well (those times consider'd) man become. As all discoverers whose first assay Findes but the place, after, the nearest way: So passion is to womans love, about, 55 Nay, farther off, than when we first set out. It is not love that sueth, or doth contend; Love either conquers, or but meets a friend. Man's better part consists of purer fire, And findes it selfe allow'd, ere it desire. 60 Love is wise here, keepes home, gives reason sway, And journeys not till it finde summer-way. A weather-beaten Lover but once knowne, Is sport for every girle to practise on. Who strives through womans scornes, women to know, 65 Is lost, and seekes his shadow to outgoe; It must bee sicknesse, after one disdaine, Though he be call'd aloud, to looke againe. Let others sigh, and grieve; one cunning sleight Shall freeze my Love to Christall in a night. 70 I can love first, and (if I winne) love still; And cannot be remov'd, unlesse she will. It is her fault if I unsure remaine, Shee onely can untie, and binde againe. The honesties of love with ease I doe, 75 But am no porter for a tedious woo. But (madame) I now thinke on you; and here Where we are at our hights, you but appeare, We are but clouds you rise from, our noone-ray But a foule shadow, not your breake of day. 80 You are at first hand all that's faire and right, And others good reflects but backe your light. You are a perfectnesse, so curious hit, That youngest flatteries doe scandall it. For, what is more doth what you are restraine, 85 And though beyond, is downe the hill againe. We'have no next way to you, we crosse to it: You are the straight line, thing prais'd, attribute; Each good in you's a light; so many a shade You make, and in them are your motions made. 90 These are your pictures to the life. From farre We see you move, and here your Zani's are: So that no fountaine good there is, doth grow In you, but our dimme actions faintly shew. Then finde I, if mans noblest part be love, 95 Your purest luster must that shadow move. The soule with body, is a heaven combin'd With earth, and for mans ease, but nearer joyn'd. Where thoughts the starres of soule we understand, We guesse not their large natures, but command. 100 And love in you, that bountie is of light, That gives to all, and yet hath infinite. Whose heat doth force us thither to intend, But soule we finde too earthly to ascend, 'Till slow accesse hath made it wholy pure, 105 Able immortall clearnesse to endure. Who dare aspire this journey with a staine, Hath waight will force him headlong backe againe. No more can impure man retaine and move In that pure region of a worthy love: 110 Then earthly substance can unforc'd aspire, And leave his nature to converse with fire: Such may have eye, and hand; may sigh, may speak; But like swoln bubles, when they are high'st they break. Though far removed Northerne fleets scarce finde 115 The Sunnes comfort; others thinke him too kinde. There is an equall distance from her eye, Men perish too farre off, and burne too nigh. But as ayre takes the Sunne-beames equall bright From the first Rayes, to his last opposite: 120 So able men, blest with a vertuous Love, Remote or neare, or howsoe'r they move; Their vertue breakes all clouds that might annoy, There is no Emptinesse, but all is Ioy. He much profanes whom violent heats do move 125 To stile his wandring rage of passion, Love: Love that imparts in every thing delight, Is fain'd, which only tempts mans appetite. Why love among the vertues is not knowne Is, that love is them all contract in one. 130
[To the Countesse of Huntington. 1635-69: S^{r} Wal: Ashton to y^{e} Countesse of Huntingtowne P, TCD (II)]
[2 man] men P]
[3 ate; 1635-39: eat; 1650-69]
[11 downward] inward TCD]
[14 without] om. TCD]
[17 who] that P, TCD]
[20 you.] you, 1635-69]
[26 faithfully, 1635-69: finally P, TCD
you smil'd 1635-54 your smile 1669, P, TCD]
[28 down. 1635-54: down, 1669]
[30 whispers] whispered P: vapours TCD]
[31 fever] feverish 1669]
[32 doth yet] yet doth 1669
ague] feaver P]
[35 paine,] paine. 1635-39]
[36 women] woman TCD]
[37 were one] were but one 1669]
[47 those dayes] that day 1669]
[50 both knew 1635-54: but knew P, TCD: yet, knew 1669]
[52 consider'd Ed: considered 1635-69]
[57 sueth, or] sues and P]
[65 womans] womens P
women] woman TCD
know, 1650-69: know. 1635-39]
[67 It must be] It is meer 1669
sicknesse,] sicknesse 1635-69]
[69 sigh P, TCD: sinne, 1635-69]
[74 and P: I 1635-69, TCD]
[76 woo. TCD: wooe. P: woe. 1635-69, _Chambers and Grolier_]
[77 I now] now I TCD]
[78 hights] height TCD]
[79 clouds you rise from, our noone-ray Grolier: clouds, you rise from our noone-ray, 1635-69, TCD, and Chambers]
[81 right] bright P]
[83 a perfectnesse] all perfections P]
[84 youngest] quaintest TCD
flatteries] flatterers P, TCD]
[86 though] what's P]
[87 We'have Ed: We have 1635-69]
[88 straight line,] streight-lace P
attribute; Ed: attribute. 1635: attribute, 1639-69]
[91 These] Those TCD]
[98 With earth] om. TCD
but] om. 1650-69]
[99 thoughts] through P]
[105 wholy] holy TCD]
[106 endure.] endure 1635]
[108 waight] weights P, TCD]
[109 impure] vapore P]
[114 when they're highest break. P, TCD
break.] break 1635-39: brak 1650-54: brake. 1669]
[115 In edd. new par. begins wrongly at 113, _and so Chambers and Grolier_
fleets] Isles 1669]
[116 comfort; 1635-54: sweet comfort, 1669
others] yet some 1669]
[119 But as the aire takes all sunbeams equall bright P]
[120 the first Rayes, 1635-54: the Raies first, 1669, TCD: the rise first P]
[121 able men P: able man, 1635-54: happy man, 1669: happy['s] man Grosart and Chambers]
[123 Their 1669, P, TCD: There 1635-54, Chambers and Grolier]
[125 violent P, TCD: valiant 1635-69]
[126 Love: Ed: Love. 1635-54: Love, 1669]
[127 imparts] imports 1669, TCD]
[128 Is fain'd, which ... appetite. P: Is thought the mansion of sweet appetite. TCD: Is fancied 1635-39 (rest of line left blank): Is fancied in the Soul, not in the sight. 1650-54: Is fancied by the Soul, not appetite. 1669]
[130 Is, that] Is, 'cause TCD
contract in 1650-69, P: contracted 1635-39, TCD]
III.
Elegie.
Death be not proud, thy hand gave not this blow, Sinne was her captive, whence thy power doth flow; The executioner of wrath thou art, But to destroy the just is not thy part. Thy comming, terrour, anguish, griefe denounce; 5 Her happy state, courage, ease, joy pronounce. From out the Christall palace of her breast, The clearer soule was call'd to endlesse rest, (Not by the thundering voyce, wherewith God threats, But, as with crowned Saints in heaven he treats,) 10 And, waited on by Angels, home was brought, To joy that it through many dangers sought; The key of mercy gently did unlocke The doores 'twixt heaven and it, when life did knock. Nor boast, the fairest frame was made thy prey, 15 Because to mortall eyes it did decay; A better witnesse than thou art, assures, That though dissolv'd, it yet a space endures; No dramme thereof shall want or losse sustaine, When her best soule inhabits it again. 20 Goe then to people curst before they were, Their spoyles in Triumph of thy conquest weare. Glory not thou thy selfe in these hot teares Which our face, not for hers, but our harme weares, The mourning livery given by Grace, not thee, 25 Which wils our soules in these streams washt should be, And on our hearts, her memories best tombe, In this her Epitaph doth write thy doome. Blinde were those eyes, saw not how bright did shine Through fleshes misty vaile the beames divine. 30 Deafe were the eares, not charm'd with that sweet sound Which did i'th spirit-instructed voice abound. Of flint the conscience, did not yeeld and melt, At what in her last Act: it saw, heard, felt. Weep not, nor grudge then, to have lost her sight, 35 Taught thus, our after stay's but a short night: But by all soules not by corruption choaked Let in high rais'd notes that power be invoked. Calme the rough seas, by which she sayles to rest, From sorrowes here, to a kingdome ever blest; 40 And teach this hymne of her with joy, and sing, The grave no conquest gets, Death hath no sting.
[Elegie. Ed: Elegye on the Lady Markham. By L. C. of B. RP31: do. By C. L. of B. H40: Elegie on Mistris Boulstred. 1635-69: _given as continuation of Death I recant &c._ O'F, P: no title, B (_at foot of page F. B._). See Text and Canon &c.]
[2 flow; Ed: flow, 1635-69: growe, B, Cy, H40, O'F, P]
[5-6 comming, 1650-69: comming 1635-39
state, 1650-69: state 1635-39
denounce; ... pronounce. B, Cy, H40, P: denounces; ... pronounces. 1635-69]
[12 To joy that 1635-69: To joy what H40: To joye, that B
sought; Ed: sought, 1635-69]
[22 spoyles .. of .. weare. B, Cy, H40 (beare), P: soules .. to .. beare, 1635-69. See note]
[24 hers, H40, P: her, 1635-69
weares, Ed: weares. 1635-54: weares: 1669]
[30 the B, Cy, H40, P: those 1635-69]
[31 not 1635-69: that B, Cy, P]
[32 Which did 1635-69: Did H40: Did not B, Cy, P
spirit-instructed MSS.: spirits instructed 1635-69]
[saw, heard, felt. B, Cy, H40, P: saw and felt. 1635-69]
[38 rais'd 1635-69: raisèd Chambers]
[39 she sayles 1635-69: shee's sayl'd B, H40: shee's fled Cy, P
rest, 1650-69: rest 1635-39]
[40 here, 1650-69: here 1635-39
blest; Ed: blest 1635: blest, 1639-54: blest. 1669]
[41 And preach this Hymn which hers (she Cy, P) with joy did sing, B, Cy, H40, P
sing, 1650-69: sing 1635-69]
IV.
Psalme 137.
Probably by Francis Davison.
I.
By Euphrates flowry side We did bide, From deare Juda farre absented, Tearing the aire with our cryes, And our eyes, 5 With their streames his streame augmented.
II.
When, poore Syons dolefull state, Desolate; Sacked, burned, and inthrall'd, And the Temple spoil'd, which wee 10 Ne'r should see, To our mirthlesse mindes wee call'd:
III.
Our mute harpes, untun'd, unstrung, Up wee hung On greene willowes neere beside us, 15 Where, we sitting all forlorne; Thus, in scorne, Our proud spoylers 'gan deride us.
IV.
Come, sad Captives, leave your moanes, And your groanes 20 Under Syons ruines bury; Tune your harps, and sing us layes In the praise Of your God, and let's be merry.
V.
Can, ah, can we leave our moanes? 25 And our groanes Under Syons ruines bury? Can we in this Land sing Layes In the praise Of our God, and here be merry? 30
VI.
No; deare Syon, if I yet Do forget Thine affliction miserable, Let my nimble joynts become Stiffe and numme, 35 To touch warbling harpe unable.
VII.
Let my tongue lose singing skill, Let it still To my parched roofe be glewed, If in either harpe or voice 40 I rejoyce, Till thy joyes shall be renewed.
VIII.
Lord, curse Edom's traiterous kinde, Beare in minde In our ruines how they revell'd. 45 Sack, kill, burne, they cry'd out still, Sack, burne, kill, Downe with all, let all be levell'd.
IX.
And, thou Babel, when the tide Of thy pride 50 Now a flowing, growes to turning; Victor now, shall then be thrall, And shall fall To as low an ebbe of mourning.
X.
Happy he who shall thee waste, 55 As thou hast Us, without all mercy, wasted, And shall make thee taste and see What poore wee By thy meanes have seene and tasted. 60
XI.
Happy, who, thy tender barnes From the armes Of their wailing mothers tearing, 'Gainst the walls shall dash their bones, Ruthlesse stones 65 With their braines and blood besmearing.
[Psalme 137. 1633-69, A25, C, RP61 in Certaine selected Psalmes of David (in Verse) differint from Those usually sung in the Church Composed by Francis Davison esq^r. deceased and other Gentlemen. Manuscribd by R. Crane. Addl._ MS. 27407, Harl. MSS. 3357 and 6930]
[4 with our cryes] with mournful cries Crane]
[6 his] the Crane]
[16 all forlorne] soe forlorne Crane]
[22-3
To your Harpes sing us some layes To the praise Crane ]
[24 merry.] merry, 1633-39]
[25-6 moanes ... groanes] interchanged Crane]
[31-2
if I faile To bewayle Crane ]
[42 renewed.] renewed 1633]
[43 curse] plague Crane]
[45 ruines] Ruine Crane
revell'd. Ed: revell'd, 1633-39]
[52-3 shall ... shall] shalt ... shalt Crane]
[59-60
What by thee Wee (poore wee) have &c. Crane ]
V.
On the blessed Virgin Mary.
Probably by Henry Constable.
In that, ô Queene of Queenes, thy birth was free From that which others doth of grace bereave, When in their mothers wombe they life receive, God, as his sole-borne daughter loved thee.
To match thee like thy births nobilitie, 5 He thee his Spirit for thy spouse did leave, By whom thou didst his onely sonne conceive, And so wast link'd to all the Trinitie.
Cease then, ô Queenes, that earthly Crownes doe weare, To glory in the Pompe of earthly things; 10 If men such high respects unto you beare, Which daughters, wives, and mothers are to Kings, What honour can unto that Queene be done Who had your God for Father, Spouse and Sonne?
[On the &c. 1635-69, A10, B, O'F, S, S96: also among Spiritual Sonnets by H. C. in Harl. MS. 7553]
[6 thy spouse A10, B: his spouse 1635-69]
[12 to B: of 1635-69
Kings,] kings, 1635]
VI.
On the Sacrament.
He was the Word that spake it, Hee tooke the bread and brake it; And what that Word did make it, I doe beleeve and take it.
[On the &c. 1635-69]
VII.
Absence.
That time and absence proves Rather helps than hurts to loves.
Probably by John Hoskins.
Absence heare my protestation Against thy strengthe Distance and lengthe, Doe what thou canst for alteration: For harts of truest mettall 5 Absence doth joyne, and time doth settle.
Who loves a Mistris of right quality, His mind hath founde Affections grounde Beyond time, place, and all mortality: 10 To harts that cannot vary Absence is present, time doth tary:
My Sences want their outward motion Which now within Reason doth win, 15 Redoubled by her secret notion: Like rich men that take pleasure In hidinge more then handling treasure.
By absence this good means I gaine That I can catch her 20 Where none can watch her In some close corner of my braine: There I embrace and there kiss her, And so enjoye her, and so misse her.
[Absence. The Grove (1721): do. or no title, B, Cy, HN (signed J. H.), L74, O'F, P, S, S96 (_the text here printed_): also in Davison's Poetical Rhapsody (PR) 1602 and (a maimed and altered version) _in Wit Restored_ (WR) 1658]
[1 heare B, S96, Grove: heare thou Cy, HN, L74, PR, S, WR]
[3 Distance] Disdayne HN]
[4 you can PR: yee dare HN]
[5 For hearts where love's refined WR]
[6 Are absent joyned, by tyme combined. WR]
[7 right S96: such Grove, HN, L74, PR]
[8 He soon hath found PR]
[10 all] om. WR]
[11 To] That WR]
[12 present] presence B
tary] carry WR]
[13 motion] motions PR]
[16 by ... notion:] in ... notions: PR: in ... notion HN]
[18 hidinge] finding Grove]
[19 means] mean WR]
[23 There I embrace and there kiss her, S96: There I embrace her, and &c. L74: There I embrace and there I kiss her, B, O'F, WR: There I embrace and kiss her, Grove, HN, PR]
[24 and so misse her B, Cy, HN, L74, O'F, S96, WR: while none misse her. Grove: I both enjoy and miss her. PR]
VIII.
Song.
Probably by the Earl of Pembroke.
Soules joy, now I am gone, And you alone, (Which cannot be, Since I must leave my selfe with thee, And carry thee with me) 5 Yet when unto our eyes Absence denyes Each others sight, And makes to us a constant night, When others change to light; 10 _O give no way to griefe, But let beliefe Of mutuall love, This wonder to the vulgar prove Our Bodyes, not wee move._ 15
Let not thy wit beweepe Wounds but sense-deepe, For when we misse By distance our lipp-joying blisse, Even then our soules shall kisse, 20 Fooles have no meanes to meet, But by their feet. Why should our clay, Over our spirits so much sway, To tie us to that way? 25 O give no way to griefe, &c.
[Song. 1635-69, O'F: also in the Poems &c. (1660) of the Earle of Pembroke and S^{r} Benjamin Ruddier, and the Lansdowne MS. 777, here it is signed E. of Pembroke._]
[1 now] when 1660, L77]
[17 Wounds L77: Words 1635-69, O'F
sense-deepe,] no hyphen, 1635-69]
[18 when] while L77]
[19 lipp-joyning L77 (not lives joining as Chambers reports): hopes joyning 1635-69, O'F]
A Dialogue.
EARLE OF PEMBROKE.
If her disdaine least change in you can move, you doe not love, For whilst your hopes give fuell to the fire, you sell desire. Love is not love, but given free, 5 And so is mine, so should yours bee.
Her heart that melts at others moane, to mine is stone. Her eyes that weepe a strangers hurt to see, joy to wound mee: 10 Yet I so much affect each part, As (caus'd by them) I love my smart.
Say her disdaynings justly must be grac't with name of chaste. And that shee frownes least longing should exceed, 15 and raging breed; Soe can her rigor ne'er offend Unlesse selfe-love seeke private end.
BEN: RUDDIER
'Tis love breeds love in mee, and cold disdaine kils that againe, 20 As water causeth fire to fret and fume, till all consume. Who can of love more free gift make, Then to loves self, for loves own sake.
I'll never dig in Quarry of an heart 25 to have no part, Nor roast in fiery eyes, which alwayes are Canicular. Who this way would a Lover prove, May shew his patience, not his love. 30
A frowne may be sometimes for physick good, But not for food; And for that raging humour there is sure A gentler Cure. Why barre you love of private end, 35 Which never should to publique tend?
[A Dialogue. Ed: A Dialogue betweene S^{r} Henry Wotton and M^{r} Donne. 1635-69 among Letters to Severall Personages: no heading but divided between Earle of Pembroke and Ben: Ruddier H39, H40, P: and so between P and R _in the_ Poems &c. (1660) of Pembroke and Ruddier. See note: only 18 lines and no dialogue, Cy: in TCD (II) _the first part is given to_ Earl of Pembroke and S^{r} Henry Wotton, the second to S^{r} Ben. Ruddier and D^{r} John Donne]
[3 whilst your hopes give H39, (the), H40, P: when the hope gives 1635-54: when that hope gives 1669]
[7 melts at H39, H40, P, TCD: melts to hear of 1635-69]
[9 a strangers] anothers P
hurt H39, H40, P, TCD: eyes 1635-69 and mod. edd.]
[11 much Cy, H39, H40, P, TCD: well 1635-69]
[13 Say 1635-69: I think H39: Think H40: But thinke P
her disdaynings 1635-69: her unkindness H40: that her disdaine P
must be] may well be P]
[17-18 text H40, P, P and R:
So her disdaines can ne'er offend; Vnlesse selfe-love take private end. 1635-69 ]
[21 causeth] maketh H40, P]
[23-4
Who can of love more free gift make Then to loves self, for loves owne sake
H39, H40, P (but H39 has to love in 23)
Who can of love more gift make, Then to love selfe for loves sake. 1635-39 Who can of love more rich gift make, Then to love selfe-love for loves sake? 1650-54 Who can of love more rich gift make, Then to Loves self for loves own sake. 1669 ]
[25 Quarry] quarryes P]
[27 roast 1669, H40: rest 1635-54: waste H39, P]
[30 May] doth H39, H40, P]
IX.
Break of Daye.
Stanza prefixed to Donne's Poem (p. 23) in Stowe MS. 961 and in Edition of 1669.
Probably by John Dowlands.
Stay, O sweet, and do not rise, The light that shines comes from thine eyes; The day breaks not, it is my heart, Because that you and I must part. Stay, or else my joys will die, 5 And perish in their infancie.
[Stanza &c.] given as a separate poem in A25 (where it is written in at the side), C, O'F, P: printed in John Dowland's A Pilgrim's Solace (1612)]
[1 Stay, O sweet] Lie still my dear A25, C]
[3 The day breakes not] There breakes not day S96]
[4 Because that] To think that S96]
[5 Stay] Oh stay S96]
APPENDIX C.
A SELECTION OF POEMS WHICH FREQUENTLY ACCOMPANY POEMS BY JOHN DONNE IN MANUSCRIPT COLLECTIONS OR HAVE BEEN ASCRIBED TO DONNE BY MODERN EDITORS.
I.
POEMS FROM ADDITIONAL MS. 25707.
A Letter written by S^{r} H: G: and J: D: alternis vicibus.
Since ev'ry Tree beginns to blossome now Perfuminge and enamelinge each bow, Hartes should as well as they, some fruits allow.
For since one old poore sunn serves all the rest, You sev'rall sunns that warme, and light each brest 5 Doe by that influence all your thoughts digest.
And that you two may soe your vertues move, On better matter then beames from above, Thus our twin'd souls send forth these buds of love.
As in devotions men Joyne both there hands, 10 Wee make ours doe one Act to seale the bands, By which we enthrall ourselves to your commands,
And each for others faith and zeale stand bound: As safe as spirits are from any wound, Soe free from impure thoughts they shal be found. 15
Admit our magique then by which wee doe Make you appeere to us, and us to you, Supplying all the Muses in you twoe.
Wee doe consider noe flower that is sweet, But wee your breath in that exhaling meet, 20 And as true types of you, them humbly greet.
Heere in our Nightingales we heere you singe Who soe doe make the whole yeare through a springe, And save us from the feare of Autumns stinge.
In Anchors calme face wee your smoothnes see, 25 Your mindes unmingled, and as cleare as shee That keepes untoucht her first virginitie.
Did all St. Edith nunns descend againe To honor Polesworth with their cloystred traine, Compar'd with you each would confesse some stayne. 30
Or should wee more bleed out our thoughts in inke, Noe paper (though it woulde be glad to drinke Those drops) could comprehend what wee doe thinke.
For t'were in us ambition to write Soe, that because wee two, you two unite, 35 Our letter should as you, bee infinite.
[Letter written &c. A25: published by Chambers, who completes the names]
[2 bow, Ed: bow A25]
[9 twin'd A25: twined Chambers]
[10 hands, Ed: hands A25]
[12-13 commands, ... bound: Ed: command. ... bound, A25]
[25 Anchors Chambers: Anchos A25]
[29 traine, Ed: traine A25]
[31 inke, Ed: inke A25]
O Frutefull Garden.
O Frutefull garden, and yet never tilde, Box full of Treasure yet by noe man filde. O thou which haste, made him that first made thee; O neare of kinne to all the Trinetie; O Pallace where the kinge of all, and more; 5 Went in, and out, yet never opened doore; Whose flesh is purer, than an others sperrit Reache him our Prayers, and reach us down his merrit; O bread of lyfe which sweld'ste up without Leaven; O bridge which joynst togeather earth and heaven; 10 Whose eyes see me through these walles, and throughe glasse, And through this fleshe as thorowe Cipres passe. Behould a little harte made greate by thee Swellinge, yet shrinkinge at thy majestie. O dwell in it, for where soe ere thou go'ste 15 There is the Temple of the Holy Ghoste.
[O Frutefull Garden. A25: [TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.] Chambers]
[6 out, Ed: out A25]
[8 merrit; Ed: merrit, A25]
[9 Leaven, Ed: Leaven A25]
To my Lord of Pembroke.
Fye, Fye you sonnes of Pallas what madd rage Makes you contend that Love's, or God, or page? Hee that admires, his weaknes doth confess; For as Love greater growes; soe hee growes less. Hee that disdaines, what honor wynns thereby, 5 That he feeles not, or triumphes on a fly? If love with queasie paine thy stomack move, Soe will a slutt whome none dare touch; or love. If it with sacred straines doe thee inspire Of Poetrie; soe wee maye want admire. 10 If it thee valiant make, his ryvall hate Can out doe that and make men desperate. Yealdinge to us, all woemen conquer us, By gentlenes we are betrayed thus. We will not strive with Love that's a shee beaste; 15 But playinge wee are bounde, and yeald in Jest; As in a Cobwebb toyle, a flye hath beene Undone; so have I some fainte lover seene. Love cannot take away our strength, but tame, And wee less feele the thinge then feare the name; 20 Love is a temperate bath; hee that feeles more Heate or could there, was hott, or could before. But as Suñ beames which would but norishe, burne, Drawne into hollow Christall, soe we turne To fire her bewties Lustre willingly, 25 By gatheringe it in our false treacherous eye. Love is nor you, nor you; but I a balme, Sword to the stiff, unto the wounded balme. Prayes noe thinge adds, if it be infinite, If it be nothing, who can lessen it? 30
[To my Lord of Pembroke. A25, Chambers]
[3 confess; Ed: confess A25]
[5 disdaines, Ed: disdaines A25]
[6 fly? Ed: fly; A25]
[19 tame, Ed: tame A25]
[27 I a balme, A25: Aye a calm, Chambers conjectures]
Of a Lady in the Black Masque.
Why chose shee black; was it that in whitenes Shee did Leda equal? whose brightnes Must suffer loss to put a bewtie on Which hath no grace but from proportion. It is but Coullor, which to loose is gayne, 5 For shee in black doth th'Æthiopian staine, Beinge the forme that beautifies the creature Her rareness not in Coullor is; but feature. Black on her receaves soe strong a grace It seemes the fittest beautie for the face. 10 Coullor is not, but in æstimation Faire, or foule, as it is stild by fashion. Kinges wearinge sackcloath it doth royall make; Soe black<ne>s from her face doth beautie take. It not in Coullor but in her, inheres, 15 For what she is, is faire, not what she weares; The Moore shalle envye her, as much, or more, As did the Ladies of our Court before. The Sunn shall mourne that hee had westwarde beene, To seeke his Love; whilst shee i'th North was seene. 20 Her blacknes lends like lustre to her eyes, As in the night pale Phoebe glorifyes. Hell, synne, and vice their attributes shall loose Of black, for it wan, and pale whitenes choose, As like themselves, Common, and most in use: 25 Sad of that Coulor is the late abuse.
[Of a Lady &c. A25, Chambers]
[10 face. Ed: face A25]
[13 make; Ed: make A25]
[14 black<ne>s Chambers: blacks A25]
[16 weares; Ed: weares, A25]
II.
POEMS FROM THE BURLEY MS.
<Life.>
This lyfe it is not life, it is a sight That wee have of y^e earth, y^e earth of vs; It is a feild, where sence & reason fight, The soules & bodies quarrells to discus; It is a iorney where wee do not goe, 5 but fly w^{th} speedy wings t'our blisse or woe. It is a chaine y^t hath but two smale links Where<with> o^r graue is to o^r bodie ioyned; It is a poysned feast wherein who thinks To tast ioyes cup, y^e cup of death doth find. 10 It is a play, presented in heauens eye Wherein o^r parts are to do naught but dye.
[Life.> Ed: no title, Bur]
[2 vs; Ed: vs Bur]
[3 feild, Ed: feild Bur]
[4 discus; Ed: discus Bur]
[6 Woe. Ed: woe Bur]
[8 Where<with> Ed: where Bur
ioyned; Ed: ioyned Bur]
<My Love.>
My love doth fly w^{th} wings of feare And doth a flame of fire resemble, w^{ch} mounting high & burning cleere yet ever more doth wane & tremble. My loue doth see & still admire, 5 Admiring breedeth humblenes; blind loue is bold, but my desire the more it loues p^{re}sumes y^e lesse. My loue seekes no reward or glory but w^{th} it self it self contenteth, 10 is never sullaine, never sory, never repyneth or repenteth. O'who the sunne beames can behold but hath some passion, feeles some heat, for though the sunn himself be cold 15 his beames reflecting fire begett. O y^t myne eyes, ô that myne hart Were both enlarged to contayne the beames & ioyes shee doth impart, whilst shee this bowre doth not disdayne; 20 this bowre vnfit for such a gueste, but since she makes it now her Inn, Would god twere like her sacred breast most fayre w^{th}out, most rich w^{th}in.
[<My Love.> Ed: no title and no punctuation, Bur]
[4 wane Ed: weane Bur]
[12 never Ed: ne're Bur]
<O Eyes!>
O Eyes, what do you see? O eares what do you heare? that makes y^o wish to bee All eyes or else all eare? I see a face as fayre 5 As mans eye ever saw, I here as sweet an ayre as y^t w^{ch} rocks did draw, I wish, when in such wise I see or heare y^e same, 10 I had all Argus eyes or else y^e eare<s> of fame.
[<O Eyes!> Ed: no title and no punctuation, Bur]
[12 eare<s> Ed: eare Bur:
Cui, quot sunt corpore plumae, Tot vigiles oculi subter, mirabile dictu, Tot linguae, totidem ora sonant, tot subrigit auris.
Virgil: Aen. iv. 181-3. ]
<Silence Best Praise.>
Cõmend her? no. I dare not terme her fayre, nor sugred sweet, nor tall, nor louely browne; suffice it y^t she is w^{th}out compare; but how, I dare not tell lest she should frowne. but those parts <least> w^{ch} others make theyre pryde, 5 and feed there fancies w^{th} devised lyes; giue me but leaue to pull my saint asyde, and tell her in her eare that she is wise. to write of beauties rare ther is noe art, for why tis common to there sex & kind, 10 but making choice of natures better part my Muse doth most desire to prayse her mind. But as her vertue<s> clayme a crowne of bayes, So manners makes me sylent in her prayse.
[<Silence Best Praise.> Ed: no title, Bur]
[1 fayre, Ed: fayre Bur]
[2 sweet, ... tall, ... browne; Ed: no stops, Bur]
[3 compare; Ed: compare Bur]
[4 frowne. Ed: frowne Bur]
[5 <least> Ed: lest Bur
pryde, Ed: pryde Bur]
[6 lyes; Ed: lyes Bur]
[7 asyde, Ed: asyde Bur]
[8 wise. Ed: wise Bur]
[9-10 art, ... kind. Ed: no commas, Bur]
[10 common] cõmõ Bur]
[12 mind. Ed: mind Bur]
[13 vertue<s> Ed: vertue Bur
bayes, Ed: bayes Bur]
<Beauty in Little Room.>
Those drossy heads & irrepurged braynes w^{ch} sacred fyre of loue hath not refined may grossly think my loue smale worth contaynes because shee is of body smale combined. Not diving to y^e depth of natures reach, 5 W^{ch} on smale things doth greatest guifts bestow: small gems & pearls do witt more truly teach W^ch little are yet great in vertue grow, of flowers most part y^e least wee sweetest see, of creatures having life & sence y^e annt 10 is smalst, yet great her guifts & vertues bee, frugall & provident for feare of want. Wherfore who sees not natures full intent? she made her smale to make her excellent.
[<Beauty in Little Room.> Ed: no title, Bur]
[5 depth Ed: depht Bur
reach, Ed: reach Bur]
[6 bestow: Ed: bestow Bur]
[8 grow, Ed: grow Bur]
[11 bee, Ed: bee Bur]
[13 intent? Ed: intent Bur]
<Loves Zodiake.>
I that y^e higher half of loues Round Zodiake haue rune, And in the signe of crabbed chaunce My Tropick haue begun, Am taught to teach y^e man is blest 5 Whose loues lott lights so badd, as his solstitium soonest makes And so growes Retrograde.
[<Loves Zodiake> Ed: no title, Bur]
<Fortune, Love, and Time.>
When fortune, loue, and Tyme bad me be happie, Happy I was by fortune, loue, and tyme. These powres at highest then began to vary, and cast him downe whome they had caus'd to clyme; They prun'd theire wings, and tooke theire flight in rage; 5 fortune to fooles, loue to gold, and tyme to age.
Fooles, gold, and age, (o foolish golden age!) Witt, fayth, and loue must begg, must brybe, must dy; These are the actors and the world's the stage, Desert and hope are as but standers by: 10 True lovers sit and tune this restlesse song; Fortune, loue, and tyme haue done me wrong.
[<Fortune, Love, and Time.> Ed: no title and no punctuation, Bur]
<Life a Play.>
What is o^r life? a play of passion. o^r mirth? the musick of diuision. O^r mothers wombs the tyring houses bee Where we are drest for liues short comedy. The earth the stage, heauen y^e spectator is, 5 Who still doth note who ere do act amisse. O^r graues that hyde vs, frõ the all-seeing suñ, Are but drawne curtaynes whẽ the play is done.
[<Life a Play.> Ed: no title, and no punctuation except the two marks of interrogation, Bur]
A Kisse.
O what a blisse is this? heaven is effected and loues eternity contracted In one short kisse. 5 For not tymes measure makes pleasure more full, tedious and dull all ioyes are thought 10 y^t are not in an instant wrought. Cupi<d>s blest and highest spheare is heare. heere on his throne in his bright imperial crowne 15 hee sitts. Those witts That thinke to proue that mortals know in any place below 20 a blisse so great so sweet Are heretiques in loue. These pleasures high now dye, 25 but still beginning new & greater glory wiñing gett fresh supply. No short breath'd panting nor faynting 30 is heere, fuller and freer more pleasinge is this pleasure still, & none but this. Heer'es no blush nor labor great, 35 no sweat; Heres no payne nor repentance when againe Loue cooles. O fooles 40 That fondly glory in base condition of sensual fruition, you do mistake & make 45 y^r heaven purgatory.
[A Kisse. Bur]
[8 full. Ed: full Bur]
[12 Cupi<d>s Ed: Cupis Bur]
[27 new Ed: now Bur]
[28 supply. Ed: supply Bur]
[31 heere, Ed: heere Bur]
[35 great, Ed: great Bur]
[39 cooles. Ed: cooles Bur]
[43 fruition, Ed: fruition Bur]
Epi: B: Jo:
Tell me who can when a player dies In w^{ch} of his shapes againe hee shall rise? What need hee stand at the iudgment throne Who hath a heaven and a hell of his owne. Then feare not Burbage heavens angry rodd, 5 When thy fellows are angells & old Hemmĩgs is God.
[Epi: B: Jo: (i.e. Epitaph: Ben Ionson) Bur: no punctuation]
Epi: Hen: Princ: Hug^o Holland.
Loe now hee shineth yonder A fixed starr in heaven, Whose motion is vnder None of the planetts seaven; And if the soñ should tender 5 The moone his loue and marry, They never could engender So fayre a starr as Harry.
[Epi: Hen: Princ: Hug^o Holland. Bur: no punctuation]
III.
POEMS FROM VARIOUS MSS.
<The Annuntiation.
Additional Lines.>
Nature amaz'd sawe man without mans ayde Borne of a mother nursed by her a mayd, The child the Parent was, the worke the word, No word till then did such a worke affoord. Twas lesse from nothing the world's all to growe 5 Then all-Creato^{rs} height to stoope so lowe. A virgin mother to a child bredd wonder, T'was more a child should bee the God of thunder. Th'omnipotent was strangely potent heere To make the powerfull God pearelesse appeare. 10 Hee in our body cladd, for our soules love Came downe to us, yet stay'd vnchanged above. Yet God through man shind still in this cleere brooke, Through meane shewes into maiesty wee looke. Sinnes price seemd payd with brasse, fewe sawe the gold, 15 Yet true stones set in lead theyr lustre hold. His birth though poore, Prophets foretold his story, Hee breathd with beasts, but Angels sung his glory. Hee, so farr of, so weake, yet Herod quakes, The citty dreads, babes, murderd, feare mistakes. 20 His Circumcision bore sinne, payne, and shame, Young bloud new budd, hence bloomd a sauiours name. His paynes and passion bredd compassion, wonder; Earth trembling, heavens darke, rocks rent asunder. His birth, life, death, his words, his workes, his face 25 Shewd a rich Jewell shining through the case, Cast thus, since man at gods high presence trembles. Heere man mans troth loves whome his sheepe resembles. The bright Sunne beame a sickly eye may di[~m]e, A little babe in shallow heart may swi[~m]. 30 Hee heavens wealth to a poore stable brings, Th'oxestall the Court unto the king of kings. No Shadowes now nor lightning flames give terro^r. This light tells with our tongue, and beares o^r erro^r. Pure infant teares, moist pearle adornd his cheeke, 35 Assignd, ere borne, our erring soules to seeke. Hee first wept teares, then bloud, a deare redemption; This bought what Adam sould, that seemd preemption. Cleare droppe, deare seede, the corne had bloudy eares, Rich harvest reapd in bloud and sowne in teares. 40 Who this Corne in theyr hart nor thresh, nor lay, Breake for sinnes debt, unthrifty never pay. Use wealth, it wastes, a stayd hand heapes the store, But this the more wee use wee have the more; Use, not like usury whose growth is lending, 45 Rich thoughts this treasure keepe and thrive by spending; Th'expense runnes circular, turning returning, Such love no hart consumes, yet ever burning.
[<The Annuntiation. Additional Lines.> Ed: these lines run straight on as part of The Annuntiation and Passion in O'F]
[2 a mayd] Norton supplies a mayd, Ed: mayd O'F]
[3 was,... word, Ed: no commas, O'F]
[6 lowe. Ed: lowe O'F]
[7 wonder, Ed: wonder O'F]
[8 thunder. Ed: thunder O'F]
[13 brooke, Ed: brooke O'F]
[21 shame, Ed: shame O'F]
[23 wonder; Ed: wonder O'F]
[24 trembling, Ed: trembling O'F]
[26 case, Ed: case O'F]
[27 trembles. Ed: trembles O'F]
[28 resembles. Ed: resẽbles O'F]
[29 di[~m]e, Ed: di[~m]e O'F]
[31 brings, Ed: brings O'F]
[35 cheeke, Ed: cheeke O'F]
[37 redemption; Ed: redemption O'F]
[38 preemption. Ed: preemption O'F]
[39 eares, Ed: eares O'F]
[41 lay, Ed: lay O'F]
[43 store, Ed: store O'F]
[44 more; Ed: more O'F]
[45 Use, ... lending, Ed: no commas, O'F]
[46 spending; Ed: spending O'F]
[47 returning, Ed: returning O'F]
[48 consumes, Ed: consumes O'F]
Elegy. To Chast Love.
Chast Love, let mee embrace thee in mine armes Without the thought of lust. From thence no harmes Ensue, no discontent attende those deeds So innocently good w^{ch} thy love breeds. Th'approche of day brings to thy sence no feares, 5 Nor is the black nights worke washd in thy teares; Thou takst no care to keepe thy lover true, Nor yet by flighte, nor fond inventions new To hold him in, who with like flame of love Must move his spirit too, as thine doth move; 10 w^{ch} ever mounts aloft with golden wings And not declines to lowe despised things. Thy soule is bodyd within thy quiet brest In safety, free from trouble and unrest. Thou fearst no ill because thou dost no ill, 15 Like mistress of thy selfe, thy thought, and will, Obey thy mind, a mind for ever such As all may prayse, but none admire too much. Then come, Chast Love, choyse part of womankind Infuse chast thoughts into my loving mind. 20
[Elegy. To Chast Love. O'F]
[5 feares, Ed: feares O'F]
[6 teares; Ed: teares O'F]
[7 true, Ed: true O'F]
[9 in, Ed: in O'F]
[10 move; Ed: move O'F]
[15 ill, Ed: ill O'F]
[16 will, Ed: will O'F]
Upon his scornefull Mistresse. Elegy.
Cruell since that thou dost not feare the curse W^{ch} thy disdayne, and my despayre procure, My prayer for thee shall torment thee worse Then all the payne thou coudst thereby endure. May, then, that beauty w^{ch} I did conceave 5 In thee above the height of heavens course, When first my Liberty thou didst bereave, Bee doubled on thee and with doubled force. Chayne thousand vassalls in like thrall with mee, W^{ch} in thy glory mayst thou still despise, 10 As the poore Trophyes of that victory Which thou hast onely purchasd by thine eyes; And when thy Triumphs so extended are That there is nought left to bee conquered, Mayst thou with the great Monarchs mournfull care 15 Weepe that thine Hono^{rs} are so limited; So thy disdayne may melt it selfe to love By an unlookd for and a wondrous change, W^{ch} to thy selfe above the rest must prove In all th'effects of love paynefully strange, 20 While wee thy scorned subjects live to see Thee love the whole world, none of it love thee.
[Upon his scornefull Mistresse. O'F: no title, B, which adds note, This hath relation to 'When by thy scorne'. See The Apparition, p. 191]
[2 despayre B: disdayne O'F
procure, Ed: procure O'F]
[6 course, Ed: course O'F]
[7 bereave, Ed: bereave O'F]
[8 force. Ed: force O'F]
[9 Chayne B: Stay O'F mee, Ed: mee O'F]
[10 despise, Ed: despise O'F]
[12 eyes; Ed: eyes O'F]
[14 conquered, Ed: conquered O'F]
[16 limited; Ed: limited O'F]
[18 change, Ed: change O'F]
[20 strange, Ed: strange O'F]
<Absence.>
Wonder of Beautie, Goddesse of my sense, You that have taught my soule to love aright, You in whose limbes are natures chief expense Fitt instrument to serve your matchless spright, If ever you have felt the miserie 5 Of being banish'd from your best desier, By Absence, Time, or Fortunes tyranny, Sterving for cold, and yet denied for fier: Deare mistresse pittie then the like effects The which in mee your absence makes to flowe, 10 And haste their ebb by your divine aspect In which the pleasure of my life doth growe: Stay not so long for though it seem a wonder You keepe my bodie and my soule asunder.
FINIS.
<Tongue-tied Love.>
Faire eies do not think scorne to read of Love That to your eies durst never it presume, Since absence those sweet wonders do<th> remove That nourish thoughts, yet sence and wordes consume; This makes my pen more hardy then my tongue, 5 Free from my feare yet feeling my desire, To utter that I have conceal'd so long By doing what you did yourself require. Believe not him whom Love hath left so wise As to have power his owne tale for to tell, 10 For childrens greefes do yield the loudest cries, And cold desires may be expressed well: In well told Love most often falsehood lies, But pittie him that only sighes and dies.
FINIS.
[<Absence.> <Tongue-tied Love.> Ed: whole sonnets without titles in L74: the last six lines of the second appear among Donne's poems in B, O'F, S96 <Tongue-tied Love.>]
[12 cold desires] coldest Ayres O'F]
<Love, if a God thou art.>
Love if a god thou art then evermore thou must Bee mercifull and just; If thou bee just, ô wherefore doth thy dart Wound mine alone and not my mistresse hart? 5
If mercifull, then why Am I to payne reservd Who have thee truely serv'd, When shee that by thy powre sets not a fly Laughs thee to scorne and lives at liberty? 10
Then if a God thou woulds accounted bee, Heale mee like her, or else wound her like mee.
<Great Lord of Love.>
Greate Lord of love, how busy still thou art To give new wounds and fetters to my hart! Is't not enough that thou didst twice before It so mangle And intangle 5 By sly arts of false harts. Forbeare mee, Ile make love no more.
Fy busy Lord, will it not thee suffice To use the Rhetorique of her tongue and eyes 10 When I am waking, but that absent so They invade mee To perswade mee, When that sleepe Oft should keepe 15 And lock out every sence of woe.
If thou perswade mee thus to speake, I dye And shee the murdresse, for me will deny; And if for silence I bee prest, Her good Yet I cherish 20 Though I perish, For that shee Shall bee free From that foule guilt of spilling bloud.
[<Love if a God thou art.> <Great Lord of Love.> <Loves Exchange.> all without titles in O'F: punctuation mainly the Editor's]
<Loves Exchange>
1. To sue for all thy Love, and thy whole hart were madnesse. I doe not sue, nor can admitt, (Fayrest) from yo^u to have all yet; Who giveth all, hath nothing to impart 5 But sadnesse.
2. Hee who receaveth all can have no more, Then seeing. My love by length of every howre Gathers new strength, new growth, new power: 10 You must have dayly new rewards in store Still beeing.
3. You cannot every day give mee yo^r hart For merit; Yet if you will, when yours doth goe 15 You shall have still one to bestow, For you shall mine, when yours doth part, Inherit.
4. Yet if you please weele find a better way Then change them, 20 For so alone (dearest) wee shall Bee one and one another all; Let us so joyne our harts, that nothing may Estrange them.
Song.
Now y'have killd mee with yo^{r} scorne Who shall live to call yo^{u} fayre? What new foole must now bee borne To prepare Dayly sacrifice of service new, 5 Teares too good for woemen true? Who shall sorrow when yo^{u} crye And to please yo^{u} dayly dye? Men succeeding shall beware And woemen cruell, no more fayre. 10
2.
Now y'have killd mee, never looke Any left to call yo^{u} trewe; Who more madd must now bee tooke To renewe My oblations dayly, lost? 15 Vowes too good for woemen chast! Who shall call yo^{u} sweete, and sweare T'is yo^{r} face renews the yeare? Men by my Death shall beleeve, And woemen cruell yet shall greeve. 20
[Song. O'F: punctuation mainly Editor's]
Love, bred of glances.
Love bred of Glances twixt amorous eyes Like Childrens fancies, sone borne, sone dyes. Guilte, Bitternes, and smilinge woe Doth ofte deceaue poore lovers soe, As the fonde Sence th'unwary soule deceives 5 With deadly poison wrapt in Lily leaves.
But harts so chain'd as Goodnes stands With truthe unstain'd to couple hands, Love beinge to all beauty blinde Save the cleere beauties of the minde, 10 There heaven is pleasd, continuall blessings sheddinge, Angells are guests and dance at this blest weddinge.
[Love &c. <True Love.> Chambers, who prints from RP117: no title, O'F, P, S96 (from which present text is taken)]
[2 borne B, P, O'F, S96: bred Chambers]
[4 Doth S96: does B, O'F: doe P]
[5 As] And Chambers]
[7 as Goodnes] 'tis goodnes Chambers]
[8 hands, Ed: hands S96]
[10 minde, B: minde S96]
[11 There heav'n is O'F, P, S96: Where Reason is Chambers
sheddinge, Ed: sheddinge S96]
[12 this] his Chambers]
To a Watch restored to its Mystres.
Goe and Count her better howers. For they are happier than oures. The day that gives her any bliss, Make it as long againe as 'tis. The hower shee smyles in, lett it bee 5 By thy acte multiplyde to three. But if shee frowne on thee or mee, Know night is made by her, not thee; Be swifte in such an hower & soone, See thou make night, ere it be noone. 10 Obey her tymes, whoe is the free Faire Sunne that governes thee & mee.
[To a Watch &c. B, where note below title says none of J. D. and poem is signed W. L.]
<Ad Solem.>
Wherfore peepst thou, envious daye? We can kisse without thee. Lovers hate the golden raye, Which thou bearst about thee. Goe and give them light that sorowe 5 Or the saylor flyinge: Our imbraces need noe morowe Nor our blisses eying.
We shall curse thy curyous eye For thy soone betrayinge, 10 And condemn thee for a spye Yf thou catch us playinge. Gett thee gone and lend thy flashes Where there's need of lendinge, Our affections are not ashes 15 Nor our pleasures endinge.
Weare we cold or withered heare We would stay thee by us, Or but one anothers feare Then thou shouldst not flye us. 20 Wee are yongue, thou spoilst our pleasure; Goe to sea and slumber, Darknes only gives us leasure Our stolne joyes to number.
[<Ad Solem.> Ed: no title, Add. MSS. 22603, 33998, Egerton MS. 2013, Harleian MS. 791, S, TCD(II): printed J. Wilson: Cheerful Ayres (1659), _Grosart and Chambers_: text from Eg. MS. 2013: _punctuation partly Editor's_]
[2 kisse] live E20]
[9 curyous A22, A33, H79, S, TCD: envious E20]
[19 one anothers feare TCD: one another fear E20: one anothers sphere A22, A33, S]
[23 gives] lends A22, A33]
<If She Deride.>
Greate and goode if she deryde mee Let me walke Ile not despayre, Ere to morrowe Ile provide mee One as greate, lesse prowd, more faire. They that seeke Love to constraine 5 Have theire labour for their paine.
They that strongly can importune And will never yeild nor tyre, Gaine the paye in spight of Fortune But such game Ile not desyre. 10 Where the prize is shame or synn, Wynners loose and loosers wynn.
Looke upon the faythfull lover, Griefe stands paynted in his face, Groanes, and Teares and sighs discover 15 That they are his onely grace: Hee must weepe as children doe That will in the fashion wooe.
I whoe flie these idle fancies Which my dearest rest betraye, 20 Warnd by others harmfull chances, Vse my freedome as I may. When all the worlde says what it cann 'Tis but--Fie, vnconstant mann!
[<If She Deryde.> Chambers: no title, S: also, Chambers reports, in C.C.C. Oxon. MS. 327, f. 26: printed by Grosart and Chambers]
[11 Where the prize is Chambers: Where they prize this ('t' struck out) S: Where they prize is Grosart]
[14 Teares and sighs] Chambers reverses]
<Fortune Never Fails.>
What if I come to my mistris bedd The candles all ecclipst from shyninge, Shall I then attempt for her mayden-head Or showe my selfe a coward by declyninge? Oh noe 5 Fie doe not soe, For thus much I knowe by devyninge, Blynd is Love The dark it doth approve, To pray on pleasures pantinge; 10 What needeth light For Cupid in the night, If jealous eyes be wantinge.
Fortune never failes, if she badd take place, To shroude all the faire proceedings: 15 Love and she though blynd, yet each other embrace, To favor all their servants meetings: Venture I say To sport and to play, If in place all be fitting; 20 Though she say fie Yet doth she not denie: For fie is but a word of tryall: Jealosie doth sleepe, Then doe not weepe 25 At force of a faynt denyall.
Glorious is my love, with tryumphs in her face, Then to to bould were I to venter: Who loves deserves to live in a princes grace, Why stand you then affraid to enter? 30 Lights are all out Then make noe doubt A lover bouldly maye take chusinge. Bewtie is a baite For a princely mate. 35 Fy, why stand you then a musinge? You'll repent too late If she doe you hate, For loves delight refusinge.
[<Fortune Never Fails.> Grosart: no title, RP31, S: also, Chambers reports, in C.C.C. Oxon. MS. 327, f. 21: printed Grosart and Chambers, and, last two verses only, Simeon]
[10 pantinge;] hauntinge: RP31]
[14 she badd S: she bidd Grosart: she bids Chambers: the bould RP31]
[19 and to play RP31, S: and play Grosart and Chambers]
[26 faynt] fair Chambers]
[28 were] was RP31]
[29 princes] Princess Chambers]
[33 lover] woer Chambers
chusinge] a choosing Chambers]
To His Mistress.
1. Beleeve yo^r Glasse, and if it tell you (Deare) Yo^r Eyes inshrine A brighter shine Then faire Apollo, looke if theere appeare The milkie skye 5 The Crimson dye Mixt in your cheeks, and then bid Phoebus sett, More Glory then hee owes appears. But yet
2. Be not deceived with fond Alteration . . . . . 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . As Cynthias Globe, A snow white robe Is soonest spotled, a Carnation dye 15 Fades, and discolours open'd but to Eie.
3. Make use of youth, and bewty whilest they flourish: Tyme never sleepes, Though it but creeps It still gets forward. Do not vainly nourish 20 Them to selfe-use, It is Abuse; The richest Grownds lying wast turne Boggs and rott, And soe beinge useles, were as good were not.
4. Walke in a meddowe by a Rivers side, 25 Upon whose Bancks Grow milk-white Ranks Of full blown Lyllies in their height of Pryde, Which downward bend And nothing tend 30 Save their owne Bewties in the Glassie streame: Looke to yo^r selfe: Compare yo^{r}selfe to them.
5. In show, in bewtie, marke what followes then: Sommer must end, The sunn must bend 35 His Longe Absented beames to others: then Their spring being crost By wynters frost And sneap'd by bytter storms against w^{ch} nought boots, They bend their prowd topps lower then their roots. 40
6. Then none regard them; but w^{th} heedles feet In durt each treads Their declyned heads. So when youthe wasted, Age, and yo^u shall meet, Then I alone Shall sadly moane 45 That Interviewe; others it will not move, So light regard we, what we little Love.
FINIS.
[To His Mistress. Le Prince D'Amour (1660): no title, S (whence text): printed by Simeon, Grosart, Chambers: punctuation partly Editor's]
[1 if it tell] it will tell Chambers]
[9 deceived] deceiv'd S]
[16 open'd] opened S]
[24 were not] as not LeP D' A]
[31 the Glassie S: a Glassie LePD'A: their Glassie Chambers]
[32 to them. S: with them. Chambers]
[36 then] when Chambers]
[39 sneap'd Ed: snep'd S: swept LePD'A: snipped Chambers]
A Paradoxe of a Painted Face.
Not kisse? By Jove I must, and make impression As longe as Cupid dares to holde his Session Vpon my flesh and blood: our kisses shall Outminute Time and without number fall. Doe I not know these Balls of blushinge Red 5 That on thy Cheekes thus amorouslie are spred? Thy snowy necke, those veynes upon thy Browe Which with their azure crincklinge sweetly bowe Are artificiall? Borrowed? and no more thine owne Then Chaines which on St. George's Day are showne, 10 Are proper to the wearers? Yet for this I idole thee, and beg a luscious kisse. The fucus, and Ceruse, which on thy face Thy Cunninge hand layes on to add new Grace, Detaine me with such pleasing fraude, that I 15 Finde in thy art, what can in nature Lie. Much like a painter that upon some Wall On which the radiant Sun-beames use to fall Paints with such art a Gilded butterflye That silly maides with slowe-moved fingers trye 20 To Catch it, and then blush at theire mistake, Yet of this painted flye most reckonynge make: Such is our state; since what we looke upon Is nought but Coullor and Proportion. Take me a face, as full of fraud and Lies 25 As Gypsies in your cunninge Lotteries, That is more false, and more Sophisticate Than are Saints reliques, or a man of state. Yet such being Glazed by the sleight of arte, Gaines admiration, winninge many a Harte. 30 Put case there be a difference in the molde, Yet may thy Venus be more Chaste, and holde A dearer treasure: oftentimes we see Rich Candian wines in woodden Boules to bee. The odoriferous Civet doth not lie 35 Within the muskat's nose, or eare, or eye, But in a baser place; for prudent nature In drawinge us of various formes and stature Gives from the curious shop of hir rich treasure To faire parts comeliness, to baser, pleasure. 40 The fairest flowers, which in the Springe doe growe Are not so much for use, as for the showe, As Lillies, Hyacinths, and the georgious birthe Of all pide flowers that diaper the earthe, Please more with their discoloured purple traine 45 Then wholesome pothearbs which for use remaine. Shall I a Gaudy Speckled Serpent kiss For that the colours which he weares are his? A perfumed Cordevant who will not wear Because the sente is borrowed elsewhere? 50 The roabes and vestiments, which grace us all Are not our owne, but adventitiall. Time rifles Natures beauty, but slye Arte Repaires by cunninge this decayinge parte. Fills here a wrinckle, and there purles a veyne, 55 And with a nimble hand runs o're againe The breaches dented in by th'arme of time, And makes Deformity to be no crime. As when great men be grip't by sicknes hand, Industrious Physicke pregnantly doth stand 60 To patch up foule diseases, and doth strive To keepe theire totteringe Carcasses alive. Beautie is a candlelight which every puffe Blowes out, and leaves nought but a stinking snuffe To fill our nostrills with; this boldelie thinke, 65 The cleerest Candle makes the greatest stincke, As your pure fode and cleerest nutryment Gets the most hott, and nose stronge excrement. Why hange we then on thinges so apt to varie, So fleetinge, brittle, and so temporarie? 70 That agues, Coughes, the toothache, or Catarr (Slight hansells of diseases) spoile and marr. But when olde age theire beauties hath in Chace, And plowes up furrowes in theire once-smoothe face, Then they become forsaken, and doe showe 75 Like stately abbeyes ruin'd longe agoe. Nature but gives the modell, and first draught Of faire perfection, which by art is taught To speake itselfe, a compleat form and birthe, Soe stands a Copie to these shapes on earthe. 80 Jove grante me then a reparable face Which, whiles that Colours are, can want no grace. Pigmalions painted statue I coulde love, Soe it were warme and softe, and coulde but move.
[A Paradoxe of a Painted Face. H39, S, S96, TCD (II) Pembroke and Ruddier (1660), Le Prince D'Amour (1660), Simeon (1856-7), Grosart (from S), Chambers (from Simeon, and Pembroke and Ruddier): text from S96: punctuation partly Editor's]
[8 azure crincklinge S96: azure winckles P and R: azure twinklinge S: azur'd wrinklings TCD: azure wrinkles Chambers]
[15 Detaine] Deceive H39, P and R, LeP D' A, TCD, Chambers
pleasing] cunning TCD]
[18 radiant S96: cadent H39, TCD, LeP D' A, Grosart, and Chambers: splendent P and R]
[21 then] yet S96]
[32 Chaste] choise P and R, LeP D' A, TCD]
[39 shop] shape S96
rich] largest S96: large P and R, Grosart, _and Chambers_]
[45 discoloured] discovered H39: but discoloured is here variegated]
[53 rifles] rifled S96]
[55 purles] fills S: purls is embroiders as with gold or silver thread]
[67 clearest] choicest P and R: cleanest S: finest Chambers]
[68 most hott] most stronge S96]
[72 hansells H39: houses S, S96, Chambers: touches P and R: causes LeP D' A]
[73 beauties] brav'ries H39]
[79 To speake itselfe TCD, P and R: Speake to itselfe S, S96: Speake for itselfe H39: To make itselfe Simeon, Grosart, and Chambers]
Sonnett.
Madam that flea that Crept between your brests I envied, that there he should make his rest: The little Creatures fortune was soe good That Angells feed not on so pretious foode. How it did sucke how eager tickle you 5 (Madam shall fleas before me tickle you?)
Oh I can not holde; pardon if I kild it. Sweet Blood, to you I aske this, that which fild it Ran from my Ladies Brest. Come happie flea That dide for suckinge of that milkie Sea. 10 Oh now againe I well could wishe thee there, About hir Hart, about hir anywhere; I would vowe (Dearest flea) thou shouldst not dye, If thou couldst sucke from hir hir crueltye.
[Sonnett. O'F, S96: no title, S: On A Flea on His Mistress's Bosom Simeon, Grosart, Chambers (_from Simeon_): text from S96]
[7 I can not holde] I not hold can Chambers
kild Ed: killed Chambers: kill S96]
[13 vowe ] now Chambers
Dearest S96: deare S, O'F, Chambers
thou] that thou Chambers]
On Black Hayre and Eyes.
If shaddowes be the pictures excellence; And make it seeme more lively to the sence; If starres in the bright day are hid from sight And shine most glorious in the masque of night; Why should you thinke (rare creature) that you lack 5 Perfection cause your haire and eyes are blacke, Or that your heavenly beauty which exceedes The new sprung lillies in their mayden weeds, The damaske coullour of your cheekes and lipps Should suffer by their darknesse an eclipps? 10 Rich diamonds shine brightest, being sett And compassed within a foyle of Jett. Nor was it fitt that Nature should have mayde So bright a sunne to shine without a shade. It seemes that Nature when she first did fancie 15 Your rare composure studied Necromancie, That when to you this guift she did impart She used altogether the black art. By which infused power from Magique tooke You doe command all spiritts with a looke: 20 Shee drew those Magique circles in your eyes, And mayde your hayre the chaines wherewith shee ties Rebelling hearts: those blew veines which appeare, Winding Meander about either spheare, Misterious figures are, and when you list 25 Your voice commandeth like the Exorcist, And every word which from your Pallett falleth In a deep charme your hearer's heart inthralleth. Oh! If in Magique you have skill so farre, Vouchsafe me to be your familiar. 30 Nor hath kind Nature her black art reveal'd To outward partes alone, some lie conceal'd, And as by heads of springs men often knowe The nature of the streames that run belowe, So your black haire and eyes do give direction 35 To make me thinke the rest of like complexion: That rest where all rest lies that blesseth Man, That Indian mine, that straight of Magellan, That worlde dividing gulfe where he that venters, With swelling sayles and ravisht senses enters 40 To a new world of blisse. Pardon, I pray, If my rude muse presumeth to display Secretts unknowne, or hath her bounds orepast In praysing sweetnesse which I ne're did tast; Sterved men doe know there's meate, and blind men may 45 Though hid from light presume there is a day. The rover in the marke his arrowe sticks Sometimes as well as he that shootes att prickes, And if I might direct my shaft aright, The black mark would I hitt and not the white. 50
[On Black Hayre and Eyes Add. MS. 11811, on which text is based: in several MSS. including A25, TCD (II), L77: printed in Parnassus Biceps (1656), Pembroke and Ruddier's Poems (1660), Simeon (1856-7), Grosart, and Chambers]
[2 it A2I, H60, TCD: them A11: things L77]
[4 shine H39, TCD: seem A11, Grosart, and Chambers]
[8 mayden weeds,] maidenheads, H39, TCD, Grosart, and Chambers]
[9 The damasque coullor of] That cherry colour of H39, TCD: Or that the cherries of Some MSS.]
[12 compassed ] compos'd A11
foyle] field Chambers]
[19 tooke] book Grosart and Chambers]
[20 all spiritts] like spirits Grosart and Chambers]
[25 figures] fables A11]
[26 commandeth] commands A11]
[29 you have skill L77, TCD, &c.: your power A11: you have power Grosart and Chambers]
[33 For (And) as by the springhead a man may (men often) know L77, TCD, and other MSS.]
[34 streame ... runs L77, &c.]
[44 did] shall TCD and other MSS.]
[47 sticks] strikes Grosart and Chambers]
[49 direct L77, TCD, &c.: ayme A11, Grosart, and Chambers]
Fragment of an Elegy.
And though thy glasse a burning one become And turne us both to ashes on her urne, Yet to our glory till the later day Our dust shall daunce like attomes in her ray. And when the world shall in confusion burne, 5 And Kinges and peasantes scramble at an urne, Like tapers new blowne out wee happy then Will at her beames catch fire and live againe. But this is sence, and some one may-be glad That I so good a cause of sorrow had, 10 Will with all those whome I affect may dye So I might please him with an elegie. O let there never line of witt be read To please the living that doth speake thee dead; Some tender-harted mother good and mild, 15 Who on the deare grave of her tender child So many sad teares hath beene knowne to rayne As out of dust would mould him up againe, And with hir plaintes enforce the wormes to place Themselves like veynes so neatly on his face, 20 And every lymne, as if that they wer striving To flatter hir with hope of his reviving: Shee should read this, and hir true teares alone Should coppy forth these sad lines on the stone Which hides thee dead, and every gentle hart 25 That passeth by should of his teares impart So great a portion, that if after times Ruine more churches for the Clergyes crimes, When any shall remove thy marble hence, Which is lesse stone then hee that takes it thence, 30 Thou shalt appeare within thy tearefull cell Much like a faire nymph bathing in a well. But when they find thee dead so lovely fair, Pitty and sorrow then shall straight repaire And weepe beside thy grave with cipresse cround, 35 To see the secound world of beauty dround, And add sufficient teares as they condole 'Twould make thy body swimme up to thy soule. Such eyes should read the lines are writ of thee; But such a losse should have no elegie 40 To palliate the wound wee tooke in hir, Who rightly greeves admittes no comforter. He that had tane to heart thy parting hence Should have beene chain'd to Bedlam two houres thence, And not a frind of his ere shed a teare 45 To see him for thy sake distracted there, But hugge himselfe for loving such as hee That could runne mad with greefe for loosing thee. I, haplesse soule, that never knew a frend But to bewayle his too untimely end, 50 Whose hopes (cropt in the bud) have never come But to sitt weeping on a sencelesse tombe, That hides not dust enough to count the teares Which I have fruitlesse spent in so few yeares, I that have trusted those that would have given 55 For our deare Saviour and the Sonne of heaven Ten times the valew Judas had of yore, Onely to sell him for three peeces more; I that have lov'd and trusted thus in vaine Yet weepe for thee, and till the clowdes shall daigne 60 To throw on Egipt more then Nile ere sweld, These teares of mine shalbee unparellell'd. He that hath lov'd, enjoy'd, and then beene crost, Hath teares at will to mourne for what he lost; He that hath trusted and his hope appeares 65 Wrong'd but by death may soone dissolve in teares; But hee unhappy man whose love and trust Nere met fruition nor a promise just, For him (unlesse like thee hee deadly slepe) 'Tis easier to runn mad then 'tis to weepe; 70 And yet I can. Fall then yee mournefull showers, And as old time leades on the winged howers, Bee you their minutes, and let men forgett To count their ages from the plague of sweat, From eighty eight, the Poulder-plot, or when 75 Men were affrayd to talke of it againe; And in their numerations be it sayd Thus old was I when such a teare was shed, And when that other fell a comett rose And all the world tooke notice of my woes. 80 Yet finding them past cure, as doctores fly Their patientes past all hope of remedy, No charitable soule will once impart One word of comfort to so sicke a heart; But as a hurt deare beaten from the heard, 85 Men of my shadow allmost now affeard Fly from my woes, that whilome wont to greet mee, And well nigh thinke it ominous to meete mee. Sad lines go yee abroad; go saddest muse, And as some nations formerly did use 90 To lay their sicke men in the street, that those, Who of the same disease had scapt the throwes, Might minister releefe as they went by To such as felt the selfsame malady, So haplesse lynes fly through the fairest land, 95 And if ye light into some blessed hand, That hath a heart as merry as the shine Of golden dayes, yet wrong'd as much as mine, Pitty may lead that happy man to mee, And his experience worke a remedy 100 To those sad fittes which (spight of nature's lawes) Torture a poore hart that out-lives the cause. But this must never bee, nor is it fitt An ague or some sickenes lesse then itt Should glory in the death of such as hee, 105 That had a heart of flesh and valued thee. Brave Roman, I admire thee that would'st dy At no lesse rate then for an empery. Some massy diamond from the center drawne, For which all Europ wer an equall pawne, 110 Should (beaten into dust) bee drunke by him That wanted courage good enough to swimme Through seas of woes for thee, and much despise To meet with death at any lower prize, Whilst greefe alone workes that effect in mee, 115 And yet no greefe but for the losse of thee. Fortune now doe thy worst, for I have gott By this her death so strong an antidote, That all thy future crosses shall not have More then an angry smile, nor shall the grave 120 Glory in my last day: these lines shall give To us a second life, and we will live To pull the distaffe from the hand of fate; And spinn our own thrides for so long a date, That death shall never seize uppon our fame 125 Till this shall perish in the whole world's frame.
[Fragment of an Elegy. From P, where it appears as portion of an 'heroical epistle' from Lady Penelope Rich to Sir Philip Sidney: punctuation Ed.]
<Farewel, ye guilded follies.>
Farewel ye guilded follies, pleasing troubles, Farewel ye honour'd rags, ye glorious bubbles; Fame's but a hollow echo, gold pure clay, Honour the darling but of one short day. Beauty (th'eyes idol) but a damasked skin, 5 State but a golden prison, to keepe in And torture free-born minds; imbroidered trains Meerly but Pageants, proudly swelling vains, And blood ally'd to greatness, is a loane Inherited, not purchased, not our own. 10 Fame, honor, beauty, state, train, blood and birth, Are but the fading blossomes of the earth.
I would be great, but that the Sun doth still Level his rayes against the rising hill: I would be high, but see the proudest Oak 15 Most subject to the rending Thunder-stroke; I would be rich, but see men too unkind Dig in the bowels of the richest mine; I would be wise, but that I often see The Fox suspected whilst the Ass goes free; 20 I would be fair, but see the fair and proud Like the bright sun, oft setting in a cloud; I would be poor, but know the humble grass Still trampled on by each unworthy Asse: Rich, hated; wise, suspected; scorn'd, if poor; 25 Great, fear'd; fair, tempted; high, stil envied more: I have wish'd all, but now I wish for neither, Great, high, rich, wise, nor fair, poor I'l be rather.
Would the world now adopt me for her heir, Would beauties Queen entitle me the Fair, 30 Fame speak me fortune's Minion, could I vie Angels with India, with a speaking eye Command bare heads, bow'd knees, strike Justice dumb As wel as blind and lame, or give a tongue To stones, by Epitaphs, be called great Master 35 In the loose rhimes of every Poetaster; Could I be more then any man that lives, Great, fair, rich, wise in all Superlatives; Yet I more freely would these gifts resign Then ever fortune would have made them mine, 40 And hold one minute of this holy leasure, Beyond the riches of this empty pleasure.
Welcom pure thoughts, welcom ye silent groves, These guests, these Courts, my soul most dearly loves, Now the wing'd people of the Skie shall sing 45 My cheerful Anthems to the gladsome Spring; A Pray'r book now shall be my looking-glasse, Wherein I will adore sweet vertues face. Here dwell no hateful looks, no Pallace cares, No broken vows dwell here, nor pale-faced fears, 50 Then here I'l sit and sigh my hot loves folly, And learn t'affect an holy melancholy. And if contentment be a stranger, then I'l nere look for it, but in heaven again.
[<Farewell, Ye Guilded Follies.> Ed: variously titled, Add. MS. 18220, C.C.C. Oxon. MS. 324, Egerton MS. 2603, Harleian MS. 6057: printed in Walton's Compleat Angler (1653), Wits Interpreter (1655) Hannah's Courtly Poets: Grosart prints from MS. Dd. 643 in Cambridge University Library, and Chambers follows--a very inferior version: text from Walton]
[2 ye glorious] ye christal A18, E26, H60: the christall WI]
[6 keepe A18, E26, H60: live Walton]
[8 proudly] proud Walton]
[9 a loane Ed: a lone Walton: but loane MSS.]
[18 mine E26, CCC: mind Walton, A182, H60, WI: minds Grosart and Chambers]
[19-20
I would be wise but that the fox I see Suspected guilty when the Ass goes free
A182, E26, H60, Grosart, and Chambers]
[21-2
I would be fair, but see that Champion proud The bright sun often setting in a cloud
WI and MSS., but with The worlds bright eye or fair eye]
[31-2
could I vie Angels with India,
Walton, A182, E26, H60
could I joy The blisse of angells, CCC
could I vie (vey Grosart) The blisse of angells, Grosart and Chambers ]
[43 ye silent groves, Walton: the silent Groves, WI: ye careless groves, H60: the careless grove, CCC: ye careless groans, Grosart and Chambers]
[44 These are the courts my soul entire loves, A182: These are my guests, this is the court I love, CCC: These are my guests, this is that courtage tones, Grosart and Chambers: the court age loves, Ash 38]
[46 My Anthem; be my Selah gentle Spring. A182: Mine anthems; be my cellar, gentle spring. Grosart and Chambers]
[48 wherein] In which Walton]
[49-50
Here dwells no hartlesse Love, no palsey fears, No short joys purchased with eternal tears.
A182, H60]
[51 hot loves Walton: hot youths H60: past years A182]
[53 be] prove A182]
* * * * *
INDEX OF FIRST LINES.
The poems marked * are contained in Appendixes B and C of doubtful or unauthentic poems. Those marked ± are poems to or on Donne.
PAGE
A Sheafe of Snakes used heretofore to be 399 *Absence heare my protestation 428 After those reverend papers, whose soule is 214 All haile sweet Poët, more full of more strong fire, 203 ±All is not well when such a one as I 374 All Kings, and all their favorites 24 Although thy hand and faith, and good workes too, 82 *And though thy glasse a burning one become 462 As due by many titles I resigne 322 As the sweet sweat of Roses in a Still 90 As virtuous men passe mildly away 49 At once, from hence, my lines and I depart, 206 At the round earths imagin'd corners, blow 325 Away thou fondling motley humorist, 145
Batter my heart, three person'd God; for, you 328 Before I sigh my last gaspe, let me breath, 56 *Beleeve yo^{r} Glasse, and if it tell you (Deare) 455 Beyond th'old Pillers many have travailed 76 Blasted with sighs, and surrounded with teares 28 Blest are your North parts, for all this long time 213 Both rob'd of aire, we both lye in one ground, 75 Busie old foole, unruly Sunne, 11 By childrens births, and death, I am become 75 *By Euphrates flowry side 424 By miracles exceeding power of man, 320 By our first strange and fatall interview, 111
±Can we not force from widdowed Poetry, 378 *Chast Love, let mee embrace thee in mine armes 445 *Come, Fates; I feare you not. All whom I owe 407 Come live with mee, and bee my love, 46 Come, Madam, come, all rest my powers defie, 119 *Comend her? no. I dare not terme her fayre, 439 Compassion in the world againe is bred: 78 ±Conquerar? ignavoque sequar tua funera planctu? 390 *Cruell since that thou dost not feare the curse 446
*Deare Love, continue nice and chaste, 412 Deare love, for nothing lesse then thee 37 Death be not proud, though some have called thee 326 *Death be not proud, thy hand gave not this blow, 422 Death I recant, and say, unsaid by mee 282 Deigne at my hands this crowne of prayer and praise, 318 ±Donne dead? 'Tis here reported true, though I 386 ±Donne, the delight of Phoebus, and each Muse, 5
Eternall God, (for whom who ever dare 348 Even as lame things thirst their perfection, so 208
Faire eies do not think scorne to read of Love 447 Faire, great, and good, since seeing you, wee see 224 Faire soule, which wast, not onely, as all soules bee, 271 *Farewel ye guilded follies, pleasing troubles, 465 Father of Heaven, and him, by whom 338 Father, part of his double interest 329 Fond woman, which would'st have thy husband die, 79 For every houre that thou wilt spare mee now 13 For Godsake hold your tongue, and let me love 14 For the first twenty yeares, since yesterday, 69 *Fye, Fye you sonnes of Pallas what madd rage 435
God grant thee thine own wish, and grant thee mine, 400 Goe, and catche a falling starre, 8 *Goe and Count her better howres 451 Good wee must love, and must hate ill, 32 *Greate and goode if she deryde mee 452 *Greate Lord of love, how busy still thou art 448
Haile Bishop Valentine, whose day this is, 127 Harke newes, o envy, thou shalt heare descry'd 104 Hast thee harsh verse, as fast as thy lame measure 205 He is starke mad, who ever sayes, 48 He that cannot chuse but love, 73 ±Hee that would write an Epitaph for thee, 374 *He was the Word that spake it, 427 Her of your name, whose fair inheritance 317 ±Heere lies Deane Donne; Enough; Those words alone 388 Here's no more newes, then vertue,'I may as well 187 Here take my Picture; though I bid farewell, 86 Here where by All All Saints invoked are, 221 Honour is so sublime perfection, 218 How sits this citie, late most populous, 354
I am a little world made cunningly 324 I am two fooles, I know, 16 I am unable, yonder begger cries, 76 I can love both faire and browne, 12 ±I cannot blame those men, that knew thee well, 373 I fixe mine eye on thine, and there 45 I have done one braver thing 10 I'll tell thee now (deare Love) what thou shalt doe 29 I long to talke with some old lovers ghost, 54 I never stoop'd so low, as they 66 I scarce beleeve my love to be so pure 33 ±I see in his last preach'd, and printed Booke, 3 I sing no harme good sooth to any wight, 105 I sing the progresse of a deathlesse soule, 295 *I that y^{e} higher half of loues 440 I wonder by my troth, what thou, and I 7 If, as mine is, thy life a slumber be, 209 If faithfull soules be alike glorifi'd 325 *If great men wrong me, I will spare my selfe; 415 *If her disdaine least change in you can move, 430 If in his Studie he hath so much care 77 If poysonous mineralls, and if that tree, 326 *If shaddowes be the pictures excellence; 460 If yet I have not all thy love, 17 If you from spoyle of th'old worlds farthest end 76 Image of her whom I love, more then she, 95 Immensitie cloysterd in thy deare wombe, 319 *In that, ô Queene of Queenes, thy birth was free 427 ±In thy Impression of Donnes Poems rare, 3 In what torn ship soever I embarke, 352 ±Is Donne, great Donne deceas'd? then England say 376 Is not thy sacred hunger of science 212
Kinde pitty chokes my spleene; brave scorn forbids 154 Kindly I envy thy songs perfection 210 Klockius so deeply hath sworne, ne'r more to come 77
Language thou art too narrow, and too weake 284 Let mans Soule be a Spheare, and then, in this, 336 Let me powre forth 38 Like Esops fellow-slaves, O Mercury, 78 Like one who'in her third widdowhood doth professe 185 Little think'st thou, poore flower, 59 ±Long since this taske of teares from you was due, 394 Looke to mee faith, and looke to my faith, God; 267 Love, any devill else but you, 34 *Love bred of Glances twixt amorous eyes 450 *Love if a god thou art, 448 ±Lucy, you brightnesse of our Spheare, who are, 6
Mad paper stay, and grudge not here to burne 216 *Madam that flea that Crept between your brests 459 Man is a lumpe, where all beasts kneaded bee, 193 Man is the World, and death th'Ocean, 279 Man to Gods image; Eve, to mans was made, 201 Marke but this flea, and marke in this, 40 Marry, and love thy Flavia, for, shee 80 *Men write that love and reason disagree, 406 Moyst with one drop of thy blood, my dry soule 321 Muse not that by thy mind thy body is led: 207 My Fortune and my choice this custome break, 292 *My love doth fly w^{th} wings of feare 437 My name engrav'd herein, 25
*Nature amaz'd sawe man without mans ayde 443 Natures lay Ideot, I taught thee to love, 89 No Lover saith, I love, nor any other 69 No Spring, nor Summer Beauty hath such grace, 92 *Not Kisse? By Jove I must, and make impression 456 Not that in colour it was like thy haire, 96 Nothing could make me sooner to confesse 251 ±Now by one yeare, time and our frailtie have 392 Now thou hast lov'd me one whole day, 9 *Now y'have killd mee with yo^{r} scorne 450
*O eyes, what do you see? 438 *O frutefull garden, and yet never tilde, 434 O might those sighes and teares returne againe 323 O Thou which to search out the secret parts 211 *O what a blisse 441 Of that short Roll of friends writ in my heart 212 Oh do not die, for I shall hate 21 Oh, let mee not serve so, as those men serve 87 Oh my blacke Soule! now thou art summoned 323 Oh, to vex me, contraryes meet in one: 331 Oh to what height will love of greatnesse drive 172 Once, and but once found in thy company, 84 Our storme is past, and that storms tyrannous rage, 178 Out of a fired ship, which, by no way 75
Parturiunt madido quae nixu praela, recepta, 397 Philo, with twelve yeares study, hath beene griev'd 77 ±Poets attend, the Elegie I sing 380 Pregnant again with th'old twins Hope, and Feare, 206
Qui prius assuetus Serpentum fasce Tabellas 398 Quod arte ausus es hic tuâ, Poeta, 398 Quot, dos haec, Linguists perfetti, Disticha fairont, 174
Reason is our Soules left hand, Faith her right 189
Salute the last and everlasting day, 321 Salvation to all that will is nigh; 319 See Sir, how as the Suns hot Masculine flame 317 Send home my long strayd eyes to mee, 43 Send me some token, that my hope may live, 72 *Shall I goe force an Elegie? abuse 410 Shee'is dead; And all which die 64 Show me deare Christ, thy spouse, so bright and clear. 330 Since Christ embrac'd the Crosse it selfe, dare I 331 *Since ev'ry Tree beginns to blossome now 433 Since I am comming to that Holy roome, 368 Since she must go, and I must mourn, come Night, 100 Since she whom I lov'd hath payd her last debt 330 Sir, more then kisses, letters mingle Soules; 180 Sir; though (I thanke God for it) I do hate 149 *Sleep, next Society and true friendship, 401 Sleep sleep old Sun, thou canst not have repast 333 So, so breake off this last lamenting kisse, 68 Some man unworthy to be possessor 36 Some that have deeper digg'd loves Myne then I, 39 Sorrow, who to this house scarce knew the way: 287 *Soules joy, now I am gone, 429 Spit in my face you Jewes, and pierce my side, 327 Stand still, and I will read to thee 71 *Stay, O sweet, and do not rise, 432 Sweetest love, I do not goe, 18
Take heed of loving mee, 67 Tamely, fraile body,'abstaine to day; to day 334 *Tell her if she to hired servants shew 416 *Tell me who can when a player dies 443 That I might make your Cabinet my tombe, 291 *That unripe side of earth, that heavy clime 417 The heavens rejoyce in motion, why should I 113 *The State and mens affaires are the best playes 414 The Sun-beames in the East are spred, 141 ±This decent Urne a sad inscription weares, 389 This is my playes last scene, here heavens appoint 324 *This lyfe it is not life, it is a sight 437 This twilight of two yeares, not past nor next, 198 *Those drossy heads & irrepurged braynes 440 Thou art not so black, as my heart, 65 Thou art repriv'd old yeare, thou shalt not die, 135 Thou hast made me, And shall thy worke decay? 322 Thou in the fields walkst out thy supping howers, 78 Thou shalt not laugh in this leafe, Muse, nor they 168 Thou which art I, ('tis nothing to be soe) 175 Thou, whose diviner soule hath caus'd thee now 351 Though I be dead, and buried, yet I have 220 Thy father all from thee, by his last Will, 77 Thy flattering picture, Phryne, is like thee, 77 Thy friend, whom thy deserts to thee enchaine, 208 Thy sinnes and haires may no man equall call 77 Till I have peace with thee, warr other men, 122 'Tis lost, to trust a Tombe with such a quest, 245 Tis the yeares midnight, and it is the dayes, 44 'Tis true, 'tis day; what though it be? 23 *To sue for all thy Love, and thy whole hart 449 ±To have liv'd eminent, in a degree 371 T'have written then, when you writ, seem'd to mee 195 To make the doubt cleare, that no woman's true, 108 To what a combersome unwieldinesse 55 Transiit in Sequanam Moenus; Victoris in aedes; 397 *True Love findes witt, but he whose witt doth move 412 Twice or thrice had I loved thee, 22 Two, by themselves, each other, love and feare 75 ±Two Soules move here, and mine (a third) must move 249
Vnder an undermin'd, and shot-bruis'd wall 76 Vnseasonable man, statue of ice, 131 Vpon this Primrose hill, 61 Vengeance will sit above our faults; but till 350
Well dy'd the World, that we might live to see 229 Well; I may now receive, and die; My sinne 158 Went you to conquer? and have so much lost 188 *What if I come to my mistris bedd 453 What if this present were the worlds last night? 328 *What is o^{r} life? a play of passion 441 When by thy scorne, O murdresse, I am dead, 47 *When fortune, love, and Tyme bad me be happie, 440 When I am dead, and Doctors know not why, 63 When I dyed last, and, Deare, I dye 20 When my grave is broke up againe 62 When that rich Soule which to her heaven is gone, 231 ±When thy Loose raptures, Donne, shall meet with Those 372 Where is that holy fire, which Verse is said 124 Where, like a pillow on a bed, 51 *Wherefore peepst thou, envious daye? 451 Whether that soule which now comes up to you 288 Whilst yet to prove, 70 ±Who dares say thou art dead, when he doth see 384 Who ever comes to shroud me, do not harme 58 Who ever guesses, thinks, or dreames he knowes 41 Who ever loves, if he do not propose 116 Who makes the Past, a patterne for next yeare, 183 ±Who shall doubt, Donne, where I a Poet bee, 6 ±Who shall presume to mourn thee, Donne, unlesse 382 Why are wee by all creatures waited on? 327 *Why chose shee black; was it that in whitenes 436 Why this man gelded Martiall I muse, 78 Wilt thou forgive that sinne where I begunne, 369 Wilt thou forgive that sinn, where I begunn, 370 Wilt thou love God, as he thee! then digest, 329 With his kinde mother who partakes thy woe, 320 *Wonder of Beautie, Goddesse of my sense, 447
You have refin'd mee, and to worthyest things 191 You that are she and you, that's double shee, 227 Your mistris, that you follow whores, still taxeth you: 76
Zealously my Muse doth salute all thee, 207
* * * * *
OXFORD: HORACE HART, M.A.
PRINTER TO THE UNIVERSITY
* * * * *
Transcriber's Note:
- - indicates italic script; + + indicates Old English script; = = indicates bold script or non-italic text within italic passages; ^ or ^{} indicates a superscript.
Doubtful words or passages were checked against a 1968 reprint of the 1933 edition, based, by the author, on this larger 1912 edition.
The Mediæval long 's' has been replaced by the modern 's', but usually the capital 'V' for 'U', and lower case v/u, u/v have been retained (as in the 1968 reprint).
The spelling is, of course, early 17th century.
Unspaced punctuation, e.g. "Thy beauty,'and all parts,", is as printed in this, and the 1968 reprint, and denotes elisions (the running together of words to fit the metre).
In general, footnotes have been moved to the ends of their relevant sections, and linenotes to the ends of their relevant poems. An exception is on page 251 et seq., where the footnotes fit naturally in sequence with the linenotes.
'See note' (usually) refers to poem note in the Commentary in Volume II.
Page 7: 'seelily', from Middle English, via Old English, Old Saxon, West Germanic.... 'sely', 'seely', from 'sælig' etc.
'seely' also occurs in other poems.
The modern word 'silly' has evolved from Old English sælig (holy, blessed, fortunate, prosperous, happy) through meanings of 'innocent', 'naive', 'unworldly', 'foolish' ....
Page 65: 'A Ieat Ring Sent.' Ieat = Jeat, probably jet, a black semi-precious stone, popular in English costume jewellery.
Page 95: Notes: Elegy X. 'S96' is given twice, with different titles. Second entry possible error, but retained.
Page 251: The Author has placed the footnotes to the sidenotes, in order, with the linenotes. This is probably the least confusing place for them, so they have been retained here.
Page 262: Printer's error: 'foveraigne' corrected to 'soveraigne'.
Page 276: Printer's error: 169-69 corrected to 1639-69. "[176 them. D: them; 1633, 1639-69: them, 1635]"
Pages 390-392: This Latin text contains a number of instances of words ending in 'que', and a few instances (at the ends of words) of the letter 'q' with an acute accent (stress mark) and a subscript which looks like '3', but is 'Latin Small Letter ET'.
This is a Mediæval scribal abbreviation for 'que' (indicating 'and') at the ends of certain words. To avoid problems with the text, all the abbreviated words in this passage have been written out in full.
Page 405, line note 133: OF corrected to O'F. Probable printer's error.
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