Serenity To which the Ocean is but poor in Treasures His own dear Breast to Thee hee opened wide And let Thee in unto its fullest Tide 138. There did'st Thou lie and learn thy Soule to glow By the dear Copy of thy Pillows Heat A Pillow in whose soft Protection Thou Put'st all thy Cares and Fears to rest And yet Slep'st not thy Selfe for how could any Eye Indure to close when Jesus was so nigh 139. There did'st Thou lie next to the Heart of Love Whose ravishing Imbraces kept thee warm With all the best of Heav'n no more above But folded up in his incircling Arm Which forc'd all wise Spectators to conclude Thou wert aforehand with Beatitude 140. The loftiest Stories where pure Seraphs dwell Exalted in Felicities bright Sphear Thy dainty Habitation did excell For at his Foot-stoole They lie prostrate there Amidst the Sweets of whose all-balmey Breast Thine onely Head makes its delicious Nest. 141. What potent Joyes what mysticall Delight Woo'd and besieg'd thy Soule on every side Whil'st thy inamoured Spouse spent all the Might Of heav'nly Tendernesse on his dear Bride How many healing Wounds gave his Loves Dart How many living Deaths to thy soft Heart 142. How did hee study to epitomize His Incarnation's amorous Designe And trie the best of Mercie 's Mysteries Upon thy single Soule in which divine Experiment it was thine onely Grace To fill his universall Churches place 143. Thus while he liv'd he sweetly liv'd in Thee And when hee di'd Thou saw'st him nayled fast Unto his Death Yet no Mortality Could seize upon His love for by his last And tenderest Words whil'st hee Himselfe did die To Thee he gave Loves living Legacie 144. Into his dearest Mothers Bosome hee Commended Thee and bid her own her Son What Nature could not Love contriv'd to be And Mary must be Mother unto John Jesus and John Love had so closely ti'd That in their Mother they must not divide 145. Mary no other Glass could findè where she So fair an Image of her Sonne might read Nor John so pure a Mirrour wherein He His ever looking-longing Eyes might feed On his dear Lord Thus Love though dead and gone Sweetly leaves John his Spouse Mary her Sonne 146. No wonder gentlest Saint that on thy Tongue Love built his Hive and dropp'd his Hony thence Whilst thy Soul-charming Words rellish so strong Of Heav'ns best Sweets and choycest influence That Love from his own Wing lent Thee the Quill Which all thy Lines with Charity doth fill 147. No wonder Thou brave Eagle soar'dst so high And div'dst so deep into the Suns bright face Where Thou didst read the Words great Mystery By which thine Eye refin'd not dazeled was No wonder that Thou didst thy Gospeli fashion And Calculate by God's own Elevation 148. No wonder that Port Latin saw the Oile Scalding in vain Thou who didst live by Fire And in whose breast such amorous streams did boile Could'st feel no other Flames O no! some higher Fervor of Love must melt thine own and send It to the flaming Bosome of thy Friend 149. The Languishments of never-faint Desire Must crown thy Life with correspondent Death Though by sharp Pains thy Brethren did expire This dainty Martyrdom must end thy Breath So Heav'n has privileg'd thy Piety Thou who did'st Live by Love of Love must Die 150. Pardon me Psyche I could not forbear This deare Apostrophe John was the Man Whose virgin flaming Worth made Him be neer Of kin to our Angelick Tribe and can We mention him and not salute him too Whom Honors Soveraign Lord has honor'd so 151. And pardon Me that I have dwelt so long On his Apostolick Bretheren the Glory Of whose death-scorning Valour does no wrong Nor interrupts their Masters royall Story He and his heav'nly Might in them appear'd And o'r the vanquish'd Earth his Banner rear'd 152. Mark now that Mount which lifts its lofty Head Neer to Bethsaida whence it takes a view Of all the Countries round about it spread Nor Zebulon nor Nephthali out-flew Its Prospect which through Trachonitis too And Ituraea did sublimely goe 153. Yea though far distant it acquaintance took With other Mountains unto Hermon 〈◊〉 And stately Libanus it reach'd a Look This was that noble Oratory where Thy Lord so oft retired that the Place Thenceforth the Mount of Christ 〈◊〉 was 154. A Mount where liberall Nature did her best Witnesse the flowrie Beauties smiling there But Grace far more 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Than that bright Pomp which and of old prepare For the Lawgivers feet the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Of Sina mix'd with Thunder Smoak and Dread 155. For here no Trumpet spake the Frightfull Minde Of stern Imperiousnesse no rigid Law Back'd with an everlasting Curse injoyn d The World to its hard Yoak their Necks to bow But Love himselfe upon his gentle Throne Gave the soft Lawes of Benediction 156. Eight Springs of Blessednesse abroach hee set And woo'd the weary World to bathe in Them Their Cares and Fears hee taught Them to transmit And bury all Solicitude in Him He pass'd his Word Heav'n should their Purveyor be Who served in the Warrs of Pietie 157. His Evangelicall Oeconomie He instituted here and so improved The highest Pitch of Legall Sanctitie That though incumbering Burdens hee removed Yet more Bonds of Perfection on hee laid And wonderous strict his Mercies Candor made 158. His Reins were Silk but yet hee held them strait And drove amain providing by that Art That in their Passage no enchanting Bait Might his Disciples lure and tempt to start Out of the King of Heav'ns high Way but to His Kingdome safely and directly goe 159. His blessed Rules and none but His are They Which past the Puritie of Gold refine Gross Mortall Hearts and sublimate poor Clay Into a State Angelick and Divine Whilst by his Spirit He scours off sinfull Rust And into Heav'n blows up the purged Dust. 160. But turn and view those Desert Fields which lie Next Neighbours to the Galilean Sea Into that hopefull quiet Privacie Devotion had withdrawn thy Spouse but He Had given the People too much tast of his Sweetness to think He long could scape their Press 161. For as the busie Bees who once have found 〈◊〉 Garden haunt it day by day 〈◊〉 out every flower and humming round About the Tops of their delicious Prey So to that Garden for thy Lord had by His presence made it so did People flie 162. Jesus who bow'd from Heav'n poor Man to meet Could not refraine to entertaine the Throng With gracious ready Welcome He did greet Each Troop and Party as they came along Dealing his Courtesie to great and small Who came to be the Saviour of All. 163. Then as the wise Physitian first takes care That all the Vitall Parts be sound within Before He spend his pains on any Soare Which sinks into the Flesh or on theSkin Doth swimme So did his Tenderness to those His numerous Patients his art dispose 164. Their Hearts
Lady in whose Worth I read Such sweet Attraction that were I to choose My Heav'n for Thee I would all other loose 52. But now my choise is made and long agoe Unto another I affianc'd was But who 's that Lady is a secret so Divine that from these Lipps it ne'r did passe My reverend Mother oft with tears hath sought But never could prevail to wring it out 53. Yet I thy noble Bosome honour so That I dare trust it there onely be sure To keep this Jewell close as thou would'st doe My Heart a thing lesse pretious and lesse pure Yet give me leave to cast this Charm about For fear thou lett'st it and my Life slip out 54. So may thy Heart-strings hold thy Heart as Thou This Mysterie of mine so may thy Love Be true to Thee and to thy Wishes bow As to my secret Thou shalt trusty prove So may thine Angell hugg thy soul and keep It close as in thy Breast this Thing shall sleep 55. A Thing which mine own Guardian Angell did Acquaint and blesse Me with When through mine Eys Love first began his amorous beams to shed And with his soft Desires my Heart surprise This winged Friend of mine look'd through a frown And told me that my Heart was not mine own 56. It is said he thy priviledge and see Thou thank Heav'n for it not to run and spend Thy Youth upon this wanton Mysterie Let Others study how to Walk to Bend To Vault to Dance to Kisse to Wooe For thee More sweet and generous Arts reserved be 57. Goe court thy Books and gaine such Treasure there As may inhance thy worth and make thee be A fitting Match for Her whom Heav'ns prepare To be thy Spouse whose face when thou shalt see The reading on that fair-writ Book of Love For all thy studies ample Pay will prove 58. Yet to yon' southern Grove thou every Day Must Pilgrim goe where thou thy Saint shalt meet And of a Monsters make her thine own Prey That with no other Word she thee may greet But plain Confession that thine is her Life Thus Heav'n contriv's that thou shalt win thy Wife 59. These are my Fortunes Madam yet unknown Ev'n by the sweeter Half unto my Self And sure your hand would help to thrust me down Into the bottom of all torments gulph Should Wantonnesse invite Me to despise A Blessing higher than my Pride could rise 60. Then happy She the Lady crie's who e'r She be that must hugg Happines in you And yet permit mine Eye one other Teare 'T is not of Envy No Deare Sir Adieu It pittied me to see this gentle fashion Of her sincere but unsuccesfull Passion 61. We parting thus I hasted to this Grove Amongst whose spicy trees I knew would grow My sweeter Hopes But Heav'n it seems would prove The valour of my Patience and throw Procrastinations in my way that I Might earne its favour by my Constancy 62. How often came I and with bended knee On every flowrie Cushion of the Grove Implor'd the speed of my Felicity How oft in this sweet Temple has great Love Receiv'd mine Heart an Off'ring all on Fire With flames of soft but vehement desire 63. At length my Prayers were heard and this deare day Did in that blessed Moment send mee hither Which shew'd mee that my long expected Joy Was now full grown and ripe enough to gather Had I not pluck'd it streight the Monster had Of all its Sweetnes his foule Booty made 64. First then to Heav'n my full-tide thanks I pay And next to Thee my noble Guardian who Before my hopes no forged Bait did'st lay Each smallest Circumstance agreeth so That this the Lady is and none but She Design'd by Heav'n to crown my joys and Me. 65. All Blessings on thy head my Psyche that I know for certain needs must be thy Name That Angell told me it whose counsell put Me on this bless'd adventure when I came To save thy life both for thy self and mee And make of thine my joynt Felicity 66. Heer then my Heart I give thee and I seal The Deed with this true Kisse May Curses rain Thick on my head if ever I repeal What I have done or challenge back again This gift of mine whose fault is onely this Of thy Desert it to unworthy is 67. The Seaman by some furious Tempest thrown Into the seeming Depth of roaring Death If he by suddaine Fortune back be blowne Into the gentle Harbour wondereth At his strange safety and scarce trusts his eys But doubts a long time whither he live's or die's 68. So Psyche snatch'd from Dangers desperate jaws Into the Arms of this illustrious Lover The truth of her condition hardly knows But in suspensive thoughts a while doth hover Deceive me not saith she a frighted Mayd To poore great Sir by you to be betray'd 69. If still I live and all this be no Dream For sure your story 's such an heavn'ly thing That simple I alas unworthy seeme To be concern'd in it Be pleas'd to bring Some further proof Where Miracles are done Faith must have open Helps to bring her on 70. Then be the first proof Aphrodisius cries This Diamond Ring in which thy self mayst see The radiant Copy of thine owne fair eys The next this Jewell what thou art to Me Let that attest yet pardon me that I Gave it that pretious Name now thou art by 71. The third that delicate Imbrace shall be For which all Loves are kindled that which will The sweetest of Assurance give to thee And my great Guardians Prophesie fulfill Come I can give thee leave to blush a Maid Of what she loves most must be most afraid 72. Were not our Case Divine awhile I 'd stay And by our Humane Ceremonies marry But we did Wed above and what can they Add to Heavn's Rites O no 't is sinne to tarrie My Angell would have told me never feare Had it been otherwise Come then my Deare 73. Forgetfull Psyche now enchanted quite By these his glorious Wiles set ope her Breast Unto the Fancies of unclean Delight Forthwith a Knot of unseen Serpents prest Into her heart and set it so on fire That straight it flamed out with foul Desire 74. But Phylax instantly descry'd the flame And wakeing up Syneidesis He cries Run run and help to save your dying Dame Look how her funerall flames already rise Up gets the Mayd and instantly thrusts in Between the Lovers and their ready sin 75. Psyche starts back whil st shame so heavy sate Upon her Eyes that down it pressed them 〈◊〉 Wretch cries Aphrodifius what Has made thy Life so vile that thou dost come To forfeit it to me I prithee goe Die somewhere else I 'd be no Womans Foe 76. O then says she Forbear to stain my pure And spotlesse Mistris Fie cries Psyche fie I know her not My Lord will you indure I should such saucie Servants own as she Be it another proof of your strong Love
at their Soveraigns hearts they aime their Swords 199. He call'd no Lightning from the Clouds or from His potent Eyes to flash on Juda's face And throw on his bold Lips that flaming Doom Which due unto their odious Treason was He charg'd not Earth her dreadfull Mouth to ope And on the hellish Kisser close it up 200. O no With heav'nly Tendernesse He cries Friend wherefore art Thou come Strange Miracle Of gentle Patience Who can comprise Thy blessed depth Upon the face of Hell Shall the sweet Name of Friend be printed by Him who beholds and feels its Treachery 201. Is foul Ingratitude plain Apostacie Right down Rebellion now become a freind Or rather is not this Disciple by His curs'd Revolt transformd into a Feind And will his wronged Lord by none but this Deare Name revenge his most invenomed Kisse 202. O Psyche Jesus tortured was to see Judas himself into all Torments throw And by this Charme of noblest Lenitie Back into Heav'n indeavored him to draw He knew Loves Cords were strong and from his Crime By these he strives to hale rescue Him 203. Why art thou come thus to betray thy Freind Why art thou come with Arms against a Lamb Why art thou come all Bonds of Love to rend Why art thou come to fight for thine own shame Why art thou come with this strong Preparation For thy Lords death for thine own Damnation 204. Thy Kisse I in its naturall Language will Kindely interpret and make my Replie In the same Dialect if thou wilt still Imbrace my ever faithfull Courtesie And yeild that Blisse may in thy heart have room Say then my Friend say wherefore art Thou come 205. Thus did the Prince of sweetnesse plead and wooe But the deaf Serpent stopp'd his cursed ear In 's heart the Thirty Peeces chinked so That He no other Harmonie can hear When loe the Souldiers knowing now their Prey On Iesus fell and haled Him away 206. For love of Thee and all his other Brides Thus Psyche was thy Lord content to be Sold at so vile a Rate and Mock'd besides Ev'n by his own Disciples Treacherie Shrink not if thy neer Freinds abuse thy love Since Gods own Favorites so faithlesse prove 207. And let the World by this one Copie learn That hell-bred Boldnesse is not strange or new By which most Fostered Favoured Creatures turn Flat Enemies and lead an armed Crew Of Miscreanrs with bloody Impudence Against the Powers and Person of their Prince 208. But when no mercy could the Traytor winne To entertain his Pardon Vengeance made Haste to poure out her selfe upon his sinne For Satan who his heart possessed had His Treason in his proper Coin repayd And the Betrayer fatally betrayd 209. Into a Corner of the Garden where Thoughtfull disconsolate Night sate thick and black She crowded him alone and having there Prepar'd and fitted her infernall Rack With studied furie not his Body but His captivated Soule on it she put 210. For by the beames of their owne hellish Light Unto Iscariots intellectuall Eyes Herselfe She did display Excessive Fright The Traytors wretched Heart did strait surprise Each Joynt and Member quak'd and sweat and He Felt in this Garden too his Agonie 211. He saw feirce Beizebubs sulphureous face Flaming with swarthy fire His Horns he saw Mounted high on his head with dreadfull grace Which his erected snakie Hair did knaw He saw his adamantine Nails and Paws His steely Teeth his brazen gaping Jaws 212. He saw the Tempest of his flaming Breath Which swarthy Volumes spred of stinking smoke He saw the windows of eternal Death Flung open in his staring Eyes whose Look Slew him alive He saw his Iron Mace His burning feet and his enraged Pace 213. He saw his forked Tail in tryumph thrown Upon his shoulder and his irefull Brow With cruell scorn contracted in a frown Rampant Implacabilitie he saw In every Gesture and did plainly read The full Description of Immortal Dread 214. When loe stern Lucifer threw out his hand And by her Throat his woefull Conscience took And now he cries I 'l make thee understand What thou hast chose and what thou hast forsook Look on this dainty Pair of Damsells heer Who more than Heav'n and God to thee were dear 215. Just at the word He opened to his view The horrid Carkaise of foule Avarice And fouler Treachery not in her hue Of borrowed Smiles and outside Comelinesse But in her naked native Filth and then Shaking his Horns and Paws He thus went on 216. Maddest of Fools how many Hells dost Thou Deserve who with such Hags could'st fall in love When Jesus woo'd thy Heart Well take Them now Th' hast paid so dearly for Them They will prove Sweet Brides and pretiously adorn thy Bed Which in the Bottome of my Realm is spred 217. If any Part at all there be in Them Which is not horrid may my Scepter break And may my royall Tongue no more Blaspheam For once I tell Thee true and Thou mayst take The Devills Word There are few Furies who In monstrous Ouglinesse thy Wives out-goe 218. And was thy Lord so vile a Thing that He Might not with these in Competition stand Did those unthankfull Eyes of thine e'r see A face inrich'd with such pure Beauties and Majestick Graces as in his did shine Making Humanity appear Divine 219. Most stupid Sot How often hast Thou seen Divinity from His great Hand break out How oft might plain Omnipotence have been Read in the Miracles He daily wrought Casting forth all my stoutest Fiends Yet Thou And here He beat the Soule to Me wouldst bow 220. Nay never houle 't is but the Earnest this Of what 's to come Thou needs wouldst bow to Me To Me of whom that Christ the Conqueror is He threw Me down from Heav'ns Sublimity Into that Pit of Pangs where I am now The damned Soveraign of such as Thou 221. Had'st not as good have bowed unto Him Whose Yoak Thou would'st have lighter found than mine I tell thee Judas I am but a grim And rugged Lord what Prizes once I win Infallibly for evermore shall frie In Torments bottomlesse Extremity 222. And is my Hell my everlasting Spight My unrelenting Furie so much worth That Paradise and Heav'n and Jesus might Not finde acceptance Brings Damnation forth Such strong Temptations Can eternal Blisse Not wooe and win as potently as this 223. Sure Hell and Death are gallant Things and I Cannot allow Thee them untill Thou hast Through all Contempt and Hate and Infamie Which Salem or the World can yeild thee past That Preface shall for that eternall Smart Which gapes longs for Thee prepare thine Heart 224. Goe then the Ages Blot and Monster goe Let every Mouth spit on thine hated Head Let every Tongue thick Curses on Thee strow Let every Hand be arm'd to strike Thee dead Let every Eye abhorre thy balefull Sight Let all the World revenge thy Traytorous Spight 225. Let Heav'n
Such genuine beams of Piety descrised As soon dispell'd all mists of Jealousie Which serupulous Fear had rais'd unknown untried She is receiv'd Besides the holy Priest By Heav'n was warn'd to entertain this Guest 180. Phylax withdrew his nimble Selfe into His Closet of Invisibility Yet still attended on his Psyche who Approached to the royall Mystery With such brave fervor that her hungry Haste Almost as boundlesse seemed as the Feast 181. O how her Soule into the Dish did leap And dive down to the Bottom of the Cup With what Inamorations did she weep What sighs of Joy did break her bosome ope How did Fear strive with Love How did she groan Between Humility and Ambition 182. O how She thinks her Lips and Heart impure And yet she cannot for a World refrain She knows not how this Life she should endure If from the Life of Life She must contain She knows not how her Iron should for beak To meet the Loadstone now it was so neer 183. Whilst in this dainty Agony she lay Into her Mouth the Priest gives her her Blisse Which to her Heart directly took its way And drown'd it in exuberant Sweetnesses She now no longer Psyche is for she Is all converted into Ecftafie 184. O most Miraculous Feast how fain my Song Would be Luxuriant in admiring Thee But neither mine nor Phylax's high Tongue Knows how to reach that lofty Harmonie Of all united Sweets and Joyes which lie In bounteous Loves protoundest Mystery 185. Yet may my pained Soule have leave to lay At this Songs foot its just and heavy Sighs Which never since mine Eyes first op'd on Day So deeply rellished Lifes miseries The more my shame whose mighty Sins for Me Have earned this Heart-knawing Agonie 186. Time was when Heav'n in this late happy 〈◊〉 Kept open house when this Celestiall Feast Did freely wooe all Hearts to come and fill Their holy Appetites with all the best Of antidated Blisse and grow Divine With this Spirituall mighty Bread and Wine 187. But now both Feast and Bord devoured are By a new Banquet as jejune and drie As barren Air for all this Pulpit Cheer Feeds but the itching Ears strange Boulimie Whilst still the Heart remains as lank and thin And nothing fatter grows but lusty Sin 188. Sin fatter grows so fat that now it dares Kick both at Earth and Heav'n and scorns to be Aw'd by those generous and ingenuous Fears Which are the Reins of Virtuous Modesty It mocketh Veng'ance and derideth Law Because their patient Sword they slowly draw 189. O how come Christian Soules so well content To want the choisest Viands Heav'n could give O how preposterously Abstinent Are they who with all riotous Dainties strive To fortisie the Belly but can finde No Time to Victuall and enforce the Minde 190. Surely those Hero's were more prudent far Upon whose nearer hearts the warmer Blood Of Jesus dropp'd not once a Moneth or year Ordivers Years they with this holy Food Cheer'd up their Soules but every Morning fed And made the Lord of Life their Daily Bread 191. With Heav'n this alway kept their bosomes warme This made Them Eagle-like their strength renew With death-despising Courage this did arme Their gentlest Spirits By this they Masters grew Of Earth and Hell which having trampled down Heav'n too by Violence They made their own 192. But ô my Heart why art Thou stealing thus From thine own Woes thy Neighbours to deplore Time was when whilst thine unsledged Wickednesse Flew not at Heav'ns long patient face nor tore This Judgment thence I once a Week at least Could at this Bord of Blessings be a Guest 193. Then with sweet Comfort could I turn mine Eye Back on the year which with Delight did run Then could I count what Gains I reaped by My constant Trading in Devotion Rejoycing in my satisfied Minde That every Sunday I in Heav'n had din'd 193. But now the flaming Coursers of the Sun Are drawing on the fourteenth Moneth since I Attended on the Celebration Of this sweet life-enlivening Mystery Which yet I then was fain to steal and so A Thief that Day to Paradise did goe 194. I went indeed But a Forbidden Tree Strait woo'd my liquorish Hand and foolish I Beleev'd the flattering Bait and would not see How treacherous an Hook beneath did lie Dear wonderous dear this heedlesse Fault did cost Me For all my heav'nly Joyes and Powers it lost Me 195. It lost Me all and no Recruit was nie But I am lest aPrey to this long Fast O how the Palate of my Soule is drie What burning Drought doth shrivell up and waste The Bowels of my Heart how is my Minde With most uncomfortable Squalor pin'd 196. O how my Understandings Pinions tire And flag below when I aloft would soar What leaden Numnesse damps those hopes of Fire With which my Fancie'gan to glow before What Languor cloggs my fainting Will whilst On dark unworthy Earth thus groveling lie 197. O how this drie and barren Verse attests The heavy Truth of these my Lamentations O pitty Me all you whose gentle Breasts E'r felt the Stings of Mysticall Vexations Pitty Me ô my candid Readers now What makes me tire your Patience you know 198. Had I my wonted Share in that dear Feast Which with celestiall Spirits embraves the Heart A fairer Banquet I for You had drest Who now can onely by my pined Smart Warn You to prize and to imbrace with 〈◊〉 Religious Tendernesse what I have lost 199. Lost hitherto But must that Losse run on And can my Life mean while make good its Name Can Day maintain her Self if once the Sun Deny to feed her with his vitall Flame Can Rivers keep their constant full-tide Course If once the living Spring doth them divorce 201. O tender King of Love whose sumptuous Care For hungry Hearts that high Provision made Behold my starved Soule lies gasping here For one dear Crumb of thy mysterious Bread And craves to cool its burning Tongue one Drop Of liquid Life from thy all-saving Cup. 202. I know my Worthlessenesse sweet Lord and how Unfit I am to look for any Share In those peculiar Delicates which Thou For thine own genuine Children didst prepare Yet to a Dogg once more thy leave afford To catch what falleth from thy Childrens Bord. PSYCHE OR LOVES MYSTERIE CANTO XIII The Death of Love ARGUMENT LOve having Liv'd for Man is pleas'd to Dy To make his purchase sure by Life and Death Through Earths profoundest Gulfe of Tyranny And the vast Ocean of Heav'ns mighty Wrath He nobly waded and upon the Shore Having first spent his Blood his Soule did poure 1. SOule of all Sweets ô Life how dear art Thou To all that ever had a Taste of Thee How much of Heav'n it selfe infus'd doth flow Into the region of thy Suavity Indeed Heav'n were not Heav'n did it not joyn To make it Selfe by Marrying Thee divine 2. Thou in the Center of Divinity Before the Birth of
hast in Darknesse grop'd so long 24. Henceforth take Courage for no more will I And here Thou hast in Pawn my royall Word Leave thee to wade in gloomy Misery But trustie Light to all thy waies afford Full broad-day Light for all this while I gave Thee secret Beams which thou didst not perceive 25. And had 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 done so had I not 〈◊〉 Close at the bottome of thine Heart to keep Thy Soules foundation firm and sure in 〈◊〉 Laborious Zeal had duely broke thy sleep In vain had all thy Signs and Tears been spent In vain thy Prayers had to Heav'n been sent 26. Unto its dismall Name too truely true Thy Dereliction had prov'd had I With never-sleeping Care not lain perdu To watch the Motions of thy Enemy That Enemy whose fatal Company Makes Desolation Desolation be 27. When that infernal Hag the damned Queen Of Hideousnesse advanced to the fight Armed both Hand and Tongue had I not been In thy main Fort however out of Sight Sure She had undermined it and thou Hadst by Dispair been quite blown up e'r now 28. Yet close I lurk'd thy Courage so to trie When thou no Second didst perceive at Hand This was the Plot of LOVE himselfe and I My Ambush placed but at his Command LOVE hid my face and so he did his own But all that while he weav'd for thee a Crown 29. The Crown which thy long loyal Patience In the bright Realm of humble Saints shall wear And till Thou thither art translated hence I in thy Breast my Tent at large will rear That till the greater Heav'n receiveth thee Thou mayst contain it in Epitomie 30. This said She gather'd up her Train of Light Which in an Orb was all about her spred And shrinking up her Selfe with heav'nly Sleight Within her sprightfull Selfe she entered The Virgins Breast again and there begun To exercise her full Dominion 31. Forth with a Tumult boild in Psyche's Heart But boild and foam'd in vain for instantly The Rout by Chari's most unconquer'd Art Was forc'd from that usurped Hold to flie Vain Dread was first which shrunk turned 〈◊〉 And so these Cowards flying Armie 〈◊〉 32. For She her Selfe no sooner 〈◊〉 out But at her heels Lamenting Sorrow came Tearing her hair and flinging it about Then leare-ey d 〈◊〉 unworthy Shame Pale-fac'd Disconsolation and 〈◊〉 With Indevotion's dead and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 33. But in the Rear rush'd out Forgetfulnes A dim and swarthy Thing and hand in hand Led her Compatriots and Associates These Were sluggish Mists dull Night thick Blacknesse and Whatever is of kin to them whatever Can block up heav'n and Soules from light dissever 34. Compar'd with these all Soot and Ink and Pitch Were Compositions of Milk and Snow So was the gross and triduan Darknesse which Did on the face of shameless Memphis grow Or that which lock'd up Sodom's Eylids more Close than Lot's utmost Care had done his Door 35. Psyche admiring stood to see her Breast So fertile in this hideous Progeny Which as she veiwed them directly prest Downward into the Wombe of Earth to be Conveyed back unto their native Home For from beneath this gloomy 〈◊〉 did come 36. And now she found her Bosome full as clear As when to Heav'n she Thelema presented Now all her Passions unhamper'd were And every Bond to Libertie relented All things were sweet and fair within and she Releas'd into compleat Serenitie 37. Love Anger Hatred Jelousie and Fear And all the rest of that swift-winged Crew With holy sprightfulnesse revived were And to their proper Objects nimbly flew They 〈◊〉 and clashed not their Wings together But kindely help'd and cheered one another 38. Hope which had grop'd and languished till now In deplorable Mists new courage took And challeng'd every Winde its worst to blow Since she perceiv'd her Cable was not broke But that her trusty Anchor held its hold Whilst Desolations Sea about her roll'd 39. And Logos too sad heretofore and drie Felt cneerly Vigor flaming in his Heart Which spurr'd him on to beg her leave to try Whether he could not now perform his part With more successefull strength and from the Treasures Of Heav'n fetch Contempletions solid Pleasure 40. His Motion she heard with joyus Ear And turn'd to Heav'n her gladsome Ey to see Whether the way to it Companion were In her brisk Bosomes new Serenity She turn'd her Ey and in Heav'ns volumes read More than her own desires had coveted 41. For lo the sullen Clouds which heretofore Had damm'd the way to her rejected sight Drown'd in repentant Tears themselves did poure And dash in sunder to lay ope a bright And undisturbed Passage to that Spheat Where Psyche's Jewels all ensh rined were 42. In bounteous Beams of royall Influence Her open Sun bestow'd himself upon her And this awak'd her long astonish'd sence To finde and feel the sweets of this dear Honor This swell'd her Bosom with such Ravishment That through her lips she hast's to give it vent 43. And now ô my delicious Lord said she I thank thee for that Famine I endured I little dream'd that this Felicitie Could by this torturing anguish be procured But in the Wisdome of thy Love didst thou Then make me Fast the more to Feast me now 44. Thou with that wholesome Tempest tossed'st me That I might throughly understand the blisse Of this sweet Calm by the Ariditie Of cold and tedious Death didst thou suppress My secular Spirits that revived I Might live to thee as to the World I die 45. Now now I taste this life indeed which I Though I enjoy'd it did not know before Alas We fools are best instructed by Absence and Losse to prize the richest store These thanks I to my Dereliction ow That I can rellish my Fruition now 46. So deep I rellish it dear Jesu that I would not for the Cream of Paradise But have been drowned in that desolate State Whence to the Blisse of mine own Blisse I rise For what were Paradise to me unless I feelingly perceiv'd its Pleasantnes 47. O that more Thelema's I had which I Might sacrifice in witnesse of this Debt Since thy revealed Countnance upon my Unworthy Head this mighty Score hath set Yet what doe our poor Wils by being thine But onely make Themselves not Thee divine 48. I now could covetous be and wish that all The Treasures both of Heav'n and Earth were mine That with this Offring I might prostrate fall And dedicate it at thy Favours shrine Yet what were all the World to that which I Ow to thy Soveraign Benignity 49. Had I ten thousand Lives to spend on thee That 〈◊〉 Expence would but my Gains augment How 〈◊〉 where Gratitude her Selfe must be 〈◊〉 can poor I due Thanks present Sweet Lord informaud help my Soule which fain Would tender something back to thee again 50. She ceased here And Phylax who attended The leisure of her fervent Exultation With equal Joy and Ardor where
in fear Waiting the leisure of the Winde again Rise up unbruised and in peace remain 90. Thus I of late thy furious Unkle met One who had vow'd to tear his Birthright back And my poor life with it I Presents set Thick in his way gently to him I spake And by submission grew superior so That from the jaws of Wrath in peace I goe 91. And now because thy Brethren have been gone Abroad these many dayes least they surmise I take no pleasure but in thee alone Feasting mine own on thy all-lovely eyes To morrow thou unto their folds shalt goe And in their Fathers name see how they doe 92. Long e'r the Morn her ey-lids had with-drawn And op'd the East into its hopes of Day Joseph was up and dre'st and by his own Fair eyes being lighted well on in his way A thousand gentle phrases as he went He studied how his Brethren to content 93. But by the various beauties of his Coat Discerning him from farre behold said they The saucie Dreamer comes now we have got So faire an opportunity to slay Our foe t is wisdome to prevent in time That tyranny to which his Pride doth climbe 94. O no cryes Ruben one within whose heart More genuine drops of Jacob's blood did thrill He is a Childe and acts but his own part Dreams are but flitting toies but if wee spill His harmlesse blood the spot upon our head Will be no Dream beleeve 't but Guilt indeed 95. O rather cast him into yonder pit That hee from you may onely have his grave Let any other wrath that think 's it fit Give him his Death and bury in that Cave Your lesse offence doubtlesse nostars will bow To him whom from the sight of heav'n you throw 96. As hungry Wolves upon the helplesse Lamb So they on Joseph fall in vain had hee Studied the sweetest Blandishments to frame Of gentlest words and meekest modestie With loud revilings all his prayers they drown And stripp'd into the deep Pit throw him down 97. When loe a troop of Merchants passing by They money of their richer Brother make The thrifty Ismaelites admired why For such rich ware they would so little take No new-dug Pearl so fair did ever look As he when him up from the Pit they took 98. Yet twenty silver pieces was the price Which soon they paid and now were sure they bore To Memphi's Mart more pretious Merchandise Than all their swelling Packs of Midian store And thus a Slave to strangers Joseph is As were his Brethren unto Avarice 99. But yet his Coat they kept with this said they Jacob vex'd us and wee 'l vex him again A Kid they take as innocent a prey As Joseph was and with its Blood they stain The Roab which they unto their Father sent Blushing for them whose own shame all was spent 100. And well he knew 't O me the good Man cryes It is my Ioseph's Coat all torn and rent And bloody too Be free my weeping eyes Y' have nothing now to doe but to lament That onely day which joy'd and blest your sight My darlings face lyes buried in night 101. Dear Coat behold I rend mine own with thee Which is lesse worthy to be whole than thou Sure some wilde Beast thy Master tore and me Together with him though I felt not how It did indeed for it was spight a Beast Of all inhumane things the salvagest 102. Sweet Childe I hop'd to have prevented thee In seeing Rachel thy departed Mother But surely long behinde I will not bee Thy death brings grief enough my life to smother I 'l come as fast as an old Man can doe And see you Both Peace friends it must be so 103. But Ioseph now was into Egypt brought And set to sale One Potiphar by place Captain of Pharaoh's guard the strippling bought And reading plain in his ingenuous face Pure characters of worth hee doubted not Some more than common trust in him to put 104. Nor did the issue ever flag below His expectation for fidelitie For care for prudence his example now The onely Rule unto the rest must bee No task was set but every servant bid To minde his severall Charge as Ioseph did 105. But how could they keep pace with him who was Both led and hastned on by Heavn's high hand And made through all Successe's Paths to passe Which when his Master 'gan to understand With pious wisdome thus concluded hee My servant has some greater Lord than me 106. Wherefore contented only with the name Of Master him he trust 's with every Key Of highest care and charge and bids him frame As he thought best all his Oeconomy Thus did this unknown slave the Lord become Though not of his owne Lord yet of his Home 107. But whil'st this honoured Steward doth allure All other eys to reverentiall Love His Mistresse's grew sick of an impure And black disease which did it self improve Unto that strength that now abroad it fly's Like Basilisk's beams to poyson neighbour eys 108. At first it slept in that invenom'd lake Which in Hell's bottome stink's from whence a feind It in a red hot viall up did take And flying thither bâ— soft degrees did blend It with Potiphera's blood whose tainted veins Were strait made Chanels of Lust's boyling pains 109. Though Ioseph's Uirtue might aforehand be Assurance of deniall yet her flame With such impatient fury burnt that she All amorous enchantments tries to tame His rigid heart and Lust too oft we see In point of wit 's too hard for Chastity 110. What ever Word is spoke to Ioseph's praise Her echo doubles it and doth supply Some more pathetike and transcendent phrase To raise his merit to a pitch so high That He oblig'd in modestie might seem To render back that honour done to him 111. If any Bit were choise she thought it due To Ioseph's palate more than to her owne The rarest flow'r which in her garden grew Must be cull'd out and wreath'd into a Crown Or some quaint posie which her self invents And every Morning unto him presents 112. If he be well she dares not but be so If he be sick she scorneth to be well And yet about him will be busie too To hold his head or hand his cup to fill His meat to dresse yea and his bed to warm And watch all night that Ioseph takes no harm 113. Whate'r she sees or sweet or rich or rare She something in his Body findeth still To which those pretious things she may compare With his own praises she his ears doth fil And often cries How blessed should I be If Potiphar were such an one as Thee 114. He kend that craftie Language for a while No more than doe's the Lark the fowlers Pipe But when he 'gan to smell her dangerous Wile Whose own stink did betray't He strove to wipe Away those praises she so thick did strow And by his own Blush reach her what to doe 115. Oft would he
the place where she before had been Thither they go and thither Phylax flyes Perching upon a neighbour tree unseen The gallant wash'd his hands and she her eyes But in her own soft tears of joy to think How she had com from death's to that brook's brink 27. Then on the flowry Couch by her he sits And ushers in his talk with cunning sighs His feigned cheeks with lying tears he wets Three times he strikes his breast three times his eyes He casts up to wards heav'n three times he smiles And sigh's again and her as oft beguiles 28. At length I am said he a man who by My birth as deep ingag'd to fortune stand As any hee that lives if Majestie Crown not his head and Scepter load his hand My stock 's the noblest in this land but one Nor bears it any branch but me alone 29. This made my loving Lord and Father spare No pains or cost which might his Son adorn From learned Athens tutors hired were Whom first the wings of fame had hither born Athens they left but brought with them to me From thence the truer Universitie 30. Thus did the curious wit of Greece become A member of our private family And I with all the world convers'd at home Yea in their dialects too as fast as I Could my young breath transform nor was it long E'r many sate upon my single tongue 31. A quick survey of all those steps I took By which Philosophers have Nature traced Then Mathematicks were my busie books A thousand lines I placed and displaced To Heav'n upon the Artists Staff I went And studied round about the firmament 32. Of Optick lines and rays the powers I saw In Musicks mystick sweets unwearied Pains I spent long nights and dayes and strove to know What reason married concording strains What divorc'd discords never I confesse Did any knot so pose my brains as this 33. The treasures of Antiquity laid up In old Historick leav's I opened How Kingdoms sprung and how they made their stop I well observ'd with what brave Spirits did How they their honours managed and what The beams of their nobility did blot 34. My recreations were those which some Made their whole work and it was noble too When weary from my 〈◊〉 I was come To practise martiall feats I went and so In both her brave professions I strove To follow Pallas whom I most did love 35. Oft have I been abroad and seen the field With streaming ensigns goodly terror spred Where how much more I lov'd to die than yeild Upon my breast good witnesse you may read Ev'n these sev'n wounds whose mouths once open wide In mine own blood my virtue testifi'd 36. Oft have I rode alone into the Wood To finde some wilde Antagonist some Bear Some Boar some Lyon the accustomed foode Wherewith I diet this my hungry speare You well may gather by the certain Blow I gave yon' Beast I am no Learner now 37. And will you think Pride speaks the word if here I tell you that my Fame swell'd great and high In 〈◊〉 in City Country every where Reports of Aphrodisiu's Worth did flie No high strain'd Parallel was made but thus As good or brave as Aphrodisius 38. To Court I never went but fewer eyes Paid homage to the King 's than unto Mine Devoutly did the Ladies sacrifice Their Looks and Sighs and Languors at my shrine Oft has the Queen gone out alone whilst they Forgot to follow Her if I did stay 39. How many a prettie Embasie have I Receiv'd from them which put me to my Wit How not to understand but by and by Some Comment would come smiling after it But I had other thoughts to fill my head Books call'd Me up and Books put Me to bed 40. This my Disease being known a Lady sped To me an handfull of conceit cloth'd in So quaint a Cover that on it I read Full half an houre before I could begin To ope the book and what did that contain But a discourse to prove all Learning vain 41. Bold Title then said I if thou can'st make Thy Promise good by learning thou must do it With that I threw 't aside but could not slake My curious fond desire to look into it I look'd and read and saw how finely wit Had whip'd it self and then grew freinds with it 42. Then summon'd by Civility I went To court the Giver and my thanks repay Look not said I for polish'd complement I came not hither Madame to gain-say But thank you for your book if learning be So vain a thing Wit would prove foolerie 43. Between a blush and smile she welcome gave To her new Convert But sweet sir said she I sent another book in which you have More of my minde than in those leaves can be A faire-writ book if you it please to prove In rubrick lines and characters of love 44. I gave not that O no it was a Debt Which I did to all sweetnes pay in you How could I choose for had I more than it They would be more than due but having now But onely one poore heart your praise must be Not to disdain my helplesse povertie 45. I would not for a thousand Worlds receive It back again How delicate a Nest In your all-lovely bosome shall it have If by that favour you will make it blest If thence you cast it take 't who will for Me Ine'r shall love what hated is by thee 46. Yet give Me leave to ask what Lady 't is Thou wilt exalt to sit Queen in thy Heart Whether her face more gracefull be than this Which blusheth heer in pleading its own part Whether her Stock or her Estate afford More arguments than mine to wooe my Lord. 47. If not then by these loyall Tears I shed Before thy feet this my bold Truth forgive Thy love is due to me Heav'n never did Make such a Man for nothing but to Live Thou ow'st an Off-spring to the World which may With Hero's furnish it another day 48. As when the Pris'ner at the Barre has done His 〈◊〉 storie he does fix his eye Upon the Judge and from his mouth alone In hopes and fears expects his Destiny So look'd the Lady with prepared eyes To see her Joys or weep her Obsequies 49. Full loth was I to speak but lother by Inhumane lingring Silence to torment Her most suspended soul and make her dy Without her Sentence Many a sigh I sent Before to tell what Words were comming out At last this labouring Answer forth I brought 50. How wretched is his Blisse upon whose Heart Whil'st divers Ladies of choise Worth attend With Loyall passion He must either part And so destroy his own or empty send Them all away but One and thus be fain By many a losse to make one single Gain 51. Had I as many bosomes as I owe To such sweet Creditors as Thou with speed I would discharge my scores but first I vow To thee dear
sulphure doth confesse What is its work and where it kindled was 128. A double Alablaster Conduit hung Down from his Forehead where is nothing now But those two rotten Pipes not to be wrung Least with the Moisture down the Nose do flow That banefull Moisture which 't is hard to say Whether it be more Poyson than its Way 129. Two Rows of Roses on those Lipps did grow To sweeten every word that passed by But now scorch'd black as Hel's own mouth they show What kind of Breath is wont through them to flie A Breath like that which from the Chimneys topp Speaks it owne stink by what it vomits up 130. His Cheeks which lifted up but yesterday Two Hills of Spices now are sunk so low That like two hollow untill'd valleys they With nothing else but Desolation grow Now grizly Haire has spoil'd his polish'd skin Shewing what He to Satyrs is of kin 131. His lovely Hands are now two monstrous Paws Whose Nail's much longer than their Fingers be Sure his Imbrace is daintie when he throws Those Arms about his Love But prithe see What now behind the Gallants back doth trail His courtly Sword 's turn'd to a dangling Tail 132. Behold his goodly Feet where one great Cleft Davides two Toes pointed with iron Claws The rest of his fine Body must be left Sealed up close by Modesties chast Laws Yet mayst thou safely look into his Breast And see what Treasures there have made their Nest. 133. Look where ten thousand Charmes and kisses lie And Complements of every garbe and kind With which He doth on herdlesse Virgins flie And Correspondent Entertainment find Look where upon the Topp those Courtships be By which He wooed and inchanted Thee 134. In that slie corner and observe it well Lie various Shapes which alway changing be Shapes trim and smooth and faire without but full Of inward Poyson which industrious He Subtlie improv'd and dayly did devise Handsome Impostures and well-favoured lies 135. See'st thou not there the model of the Beast That hideous Witchery which chased Thee With all the amorous Story fairely drest To Court and cheat thy credulous Chastity Never did Cozenage with more lovely Art Or Face more honest act its divelish Part. 136. But there is something stranger yet behind See'st thou that Scroll It is a full Commission By which he made this Voyage ready sign'd And strengthned by the broad Seal of Perdition Come I 'l untwine the knot of Snakes which tie It up and lay it open to thine Eye 137. Loe here a scheem of such confounding Letters And scrambling Lines as never Conjurer writt His Forks Hooks Prongs Racks Gibbets Gridirons Fetters And other Tools of his infernall spight Are Belzebub's mad Alphabet But hear How well I ken his mystick Character 138. Satan the great by mine owne Power alone God of Hell Earth and Aire Immortall Foe To Men to Angels to Heav'n and Heavn's Son Monarch of Pride Rage Blasphemy and Woe Out of our royall grace to our right vicious And trustie friend and Cosen Aphrodisius 139. By these our Letters Patents We doe give Thee full Authoritie the Souleto seize Of hated Psyche that she may receive What share of Pangs our royall Self shall please Given at our flaming Court of Desperation This sixt Age of our Soveraigne Damnation 140. This being read He folds it up againe And thrusting it into the Furies breast Goe home says He and ask thy Soveraigne A larger Patent See thou art releas'd But here I hang the Withe if ever thou Returnst this Way thou mayst this token know 141. The loosned Fiend fetching a deep drawn Sigh And tearing his owne breast with helplesse wrath Flung downe his Patent and away did flie The Grove smoak'd as He went in all his Path No Tree did meet him though the place were full But downe He tore it and made hast to Hell 142. This Spectacle so wrought on Psyche's Heart That fill'd brimme full of holy shame and Ioy Her equall thanks and blushes she doth part Between he carefull friends Never may Day Shine on this face if I forget says she Your Loves and mine own reskew'd Chastity 143. Farewell fond Passions Heav'n above I 'm sure Is full as faire within as 't is without No Aphrodisius there but all as pure As is the spotlesse Chrystall or your thought Deare Phylax which from thence its pattern takes And a new Heav'n in your sweet Bosome makes 144. There will I fix my Heart there dwells my Love My Life my Lord much purer than his Home Whose Paradise shall be the onely Grove Henceforth to which my soul shall strive to come Forbid it Jesu any thing below Be master of this Soule whose Lord art thou 145. Thus sweetly breathing out her holy Passion To ease her high-swolln heart she homeward goes With her dear Consorts yet at every station Renews her thanks and her pathetike Vows At length got home She to her Closet hasts Where all her Soul at her Loves feet she casts 146. What praiers were there what thanks what sighs what tears What Languishments what amorous extasies What confidence what shame what hopes what fears What pains what joys what thoughts what words she dies And yet she lives and yet she dies againe And would for ever live so to be slain 147. But fainting Nature for 't was midnight now And farr sh' had travell'd and wrought hard that day Permitted sleep to grow upon her brow And though unwilling downe at last she lay Sweet was that rest but yet much sweeter was The Dream which now before her Soul did passe 148. Imagination swiftlie carried Her Into a Garden where more Beauties smil'd Than did in Aphrodisiu's Grove appeare And gentler Gales the aire with odours fill'd Lillies alone on every bed did grow Which scornd comparison with Northerne Snow 149. The goodly Walks with Alablaster were Pav'd all alone whose smooth and spotlesse face Layd fairlie ope unto the silver sphear Which roll'd above a comely looking glasse Whither upward she or downward turnd her Eye Still she 〈◊〉 the same Heaven's Majesty 150. No Fountaine bubled there but fed with springs Of purest Milk upon whose dainty shoare Unsported Pidgeons sate and wash'd their wings Though full as white and pure as it before But thus one Candor powr'd upon another Does kindely kiste and sport it with his brother 151. High in the midst a princelie Castle stands Invincible for strength and for delight Built all of Virgin-christall and by Hands As pure as the Materials were bright A cleerer Court was ne'r by Poets braine Built for Queen Thet is in her watery Main 152. Ten thousand Blushes stood before the Gate With Magnanimities all hand in hand As many Purities behind them sate And after those as many Beauties and Young smiling Graces whose sweet task it was To be the Guard of that delicious Place 153. As Psyche wonder'd at the stately sight She turns and spies her Phylax standing by What Place is
does answer it and now Becomes a Needle and its Eye can show 32. Then from his golden Locks that curled Grove Where thousand little Loves for ever play He pluck'd an Haire and this said He will prove Sufficient Thred to finish all thy gay Imbroyderie 't will stretch and alwaies be Longer and longer to Eternity 33. Heer take thy Tools and let th' Invention be Thine owne Conceit for who can better fitt The Emblematick gift of Chastitie Than thou the Mother both of Me and it She bowing low her thanks and Dutie throws Before his feet and to her work she goes 34. Millions of Graces tripped after hâ—r The fair attendants on her 〈◊〉 rain Unto that Tower of living Chrystall where Thy Vision lately Thee did entertaine That Miâ—â—ie Way which downe Heavn's Mountain flows Its beauteous smoothnes to her footsteps ows 35. Oft had she trac'd it for you see the Way Is broad and Heavn's faire amplitude doth suit Yet ne'r with cheerlier Count'nance than that Day 〈◊〉 the decotum she did well compute Rejoycing that this Virgin-work should be 〈◊〉 to the Mother of Virginity 36. The Castle Gares did in a smile stand ope To see their Queen and bid her wellcome in She looks about her in that curious shop Of Purities uncertain where to ' gin Nothing dislikes Her but she spends her care Among so many Bests which to preferre 37. The lofty Roofe of the illustrious Hall With Sighs and amorous Languishment was seel'd From whence upon the princely floor did fall Full many an hearty Teare which there did yeeld A 〈◊〉 Pavement which the cool Grounds Kisse Into chast firmitude did chrystalize 38. The Twilights teares 〈◊〉 in the Laps of flowers Reflected not so 〈◊〉 Heavn's rising Eye When Phebus let in the diurnall Howres And trimm'd his face upon the Morning skie As these reverberated that fair Look Which from the Virgins entring face they took 39. The Walls impeopled were with all the stories Of those whom Chastity had cloth'd in White From antient Abels most unspotted Glories Unto the latest Beames of Virgin-light That Abel who first to his 〈◊〉 tied Martyrdomes 〈◊〉 in whose Bed he died 40. But at the upper end a Table hung All of one sparkling Diamond faire and high Whose brighter lines can by no Angells tongue Be fully read It was the History Of Love himself crav'd by art so divine That every Word the Table did out shine 41. Long look'd shee on this pourtract and forgot By looking long almost for what shee came The Sight 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her eys that shee had not Her wonted power to be Queen of them At 〈◊〉 shee calls them home and bids withall Her heart come back which out with them had stole 42. Then ô. cries shee that this unworthy Hand Could draw those lines of Blisse of Life of Love A thousand yeares I d be content to stand And practise heer so I at length might prove Artist enough to forme one Copy which With more than all Heav'n would the Earth inrich 43. But my Almighty Lord and Sonne who did React his stories on this diamond sceen By his owne finger can be copied Onely by it Though He would make a Queen Of worthlesse Me yet He was pleased still In his poor Handmaid some defect should dwell 44. This Word straight summoned into the Cheek Of all the Graces which about her prest An universall Blush to see how meek Their Empresse was And give us leave at least Say they to copy this Humility More due to Us than unto royall Thee 45. But turning to the next her studious eye And reading in that Table fairely drawn The sweet Exploits of her Virginitie She blushed more than they and of their owne Blush made them all asham'd to see how farr It was out-blushed and out-grain'd by her 46. What help cries she for He is Lord and King What help if he be pleas'd to have it so If He my Memorie next his owne will bring And print it in a Book of Diamond too 'T is not the picture of what I did merit But what his love hath made me to inherit 47. With that the Graces all upon their knecs In a conspiracy of reverend Love Assault her thus Seek no more stories these Of thine the best imbroyderie will prove Degrade not what thy Son preferres nor be Because he loves thee thine owne Enemie 48. Nay gentle Sisters sweetly she replies I love my selfe too well to be so proud Let other Hands applaud my Victories But to mine own it must not be allow'd Were that my Work this Needle at each letter Would prick my Heart because I was no better 49. Loe in that Rubie Table there I see A heav'nly Storie well the Man I know A pretious Friend both to my Lord and Me When We with Him were Sojourners below Pure was his Life pure was his Office too Cleansing the Way where Purenesse was to goe 50. Whil'st on the noble Baptist thus her Eye And Praises dwelt a Grace had fill d in haste Her lappe with Lilies and the mayden prize Into a Chair of Alablaster cast The gentle Virgin smil'd at first to see 't Then down she sate and made her Cushion sweet 51. Her diligent Maydens compasse Her about And with a Jewell each one ready stands To her pure Work she falls and as she wrought A sweet Creation followed her Hands Upon her Knee apace the Table grew And every Figure to the Texture flew 52. As active Fancy in a Midnights Dream With strange extemporall dexterity What Sceens what Throngs what Worlds she lists doth frame Making the most divided things agree And most united quarrell though one Cell Be all the room for this vast spectacle 53. So wrought the nimble Artist and admired Her selfe to see the Work go on so fast Sure the ambitious Historie desired To this its own new honour to make haste And purchase to its single Rubie Beams The various Lustres of ten thousand gems 54. The forward Figures crowded close for all Would needs come in and rather chose to be Justled and throng'd and nipp'd into a small Yet a well ordered Epitomie Than in that little Dwelling loose their seat Where sweet Contraction would make them more great 55. And now the Girdle proves a Multitude Of sundry things made friends and tied in one But eminent among the rest is shew'd The lovely Master of the businesse John One-different John who as the Work doth rise Lives preaches washes suffers prison dies 56. Th' Imbroyderie finish'd thus that with more speed She might present it to her mighty Sonne She gives command her Birds be harnested Quick as the Word her ready Maydens run And from the milkie shore of the next spring Five Paire of her immortall Pidgeons bring 57. Her Coach was double gilt with that pure Light Whose grosser part fills Phebu's face with glory Not glaring like his Eyes but Milde and White Shining much like its Owners Virgin-storie Her Coursers take their place and
they wore your gentle Name 110. Some woefull Comfort it had been if We Had to one single Tyranny been damn'd But We at Home in forrein slavery Were held A Grievance we would not have nam'd In reverence to your Credit could the thing Have easie grown by our long suffering 111. What is that Charis unto Us that she In our Free State such arrogant sway must bear Or what made you so weak a Prince that We Must be Commanded by a Forreiner We grant She 's brave and Princely Yet wee know We owe Allegiance to no Queen but You. 112. She came from Heav'n if wee her Word may take But what woo'd Her from such a place as that To dwell in this ignoble World and make Her high Selfe stoop unto she knew not what I would be loth to wrong Her Yet I fear There 's something in 't why Heav'n gatrid of Her 113. And being here what-was the Trade she drove But how to barbarize your gentle Breast With strange Austerity and to remove Us from your love with which We once were blest Your smiles she all monopoliz'd and left Us quit of all things but your Hate bereft 114. If this Devotion be and heav'nly Zeal What is Unnaturalnesse Alas that We None but destructive Piety must feel And by Religion consumed be Alas that Heav'n and Godliness must thus Be forc'd to suffer injury with Us 115. Nor is proud Phylax one who with less Art Hath conzen'd you into this Tyrannie Soft are his Wings but cruell is his Heart Sweets in his Looks Gall in his Thoughts doth lie Fair does He speak you but the bait is cheap His streams run smoothest where the chanell's deep 116. Were you a Youngling and devoid of Friends Whose riper Arms might help your tender Hand To sway the Scepter then what he pretends With tolerable Sense perhaps might stand But must your Nonage still goe on and He For evermore the Lord Protector be 117. Now by your honour mighty queen 't is time For you no more to think your self a Childe Know your own power and loose it not in Him Who has your credulous Love too long beguil'd 'T is no discredite for a Prince to throw Away an Error and with it a Foe 118. Your Confidence in Him which flames so high Was kindled by his service in the Grove Yet what if that were but a Mysterie Of deep deceir and no exploit of Love If Phylax and not Aphrodisius were In all that Sceen of Charms the Conjurer 119. Who but the noble Aphrodisius there Bravely forgetfull of his own life from Immediate Death wide-gaping in the Boar Your helpless soul did reskew And from whom Did Phylax 〈◊〉 you but from his Imbrace Who your deliverer and your Lover was 120. And then enrag'd With shameless spight to see You to another your protection owe Upon the courteous strasngers Piety The powers of magick Malice He did throw How much more Monster was you Phylax there Who made the goodly Knight so foule appeare 121. Yet well it were if he would onely trie His Charms on Aphrodisius and for bear To exercise on Us his Witcherie But We alas so Metamorphoz'd are With that Rough-cast of shapes He on Us cleaves That you in your owne Subjects He deceives 122. We seem like Fiends for Rebells sure are so And monstrous things in your abused Eye Although ev'n Phylax in his Heart doth know Our Lives are not so deare as Loyaltie To honest-meaning Us And whose was this Desperate Enchantment if it were not his 123. 'T is true He talks of Love and needs will be The Paranymphus of the heav'nly spouse But surely I should ken as well as He All Mysteries of Love The whole world knows That my Creation onely aims at this And is my naturall Art less mine than His 124. That the Etheriall Prince makes love to you As to the dearest she that treads his Earth I easily grant because so well I know Your Majesties incomparable Worth But Heav'n forbid that I should Him esteeme So strange a Spouse as Phylax maketh Him 125. Sure He is King of sweetnesse and Delight And with more zeal abhorrs all Tyrannie Than Phylax loves it Sure his gentle Might Strives for a correspondent Victorie Not all the world shall make Me think that He Will ever wooe his Spuose by Crueltie 126. Lents Embers Vigils Groans Humi-cubations Tears Pensiveness disconsolate Privacie Severest Arts of all Mortifications Are not conditions required by An earthlie Suiter and can Heavn'ly He Imbitter thus his deare Suits Suavitie 127. Can He expect his tender spouse should prove Her Loyaltie pants with intire affection By nothing but self-hatred can his Love Finde no Security but your Destruction Pardon my fear great Queen you love not Him Whom such a spightfull Lover you can deeme 128. But farr be all such Omens hence Had I Or Nature any Glass which could present Your totall self to your considering Eye The gallant sight would make your heart repent This dangerous Heresie that Heav'ns gentle King Would use so harshly such a lovely thing 129. What is there of Delight of Love of Joy Of Grace of Beautie in this World below Or that above which did escape a way From the Creator's fingers when on you Himself he wrote and bade your Bosome be The Vniverse's rich Epitomie 130. But Phylax brews this cruell-flattering Plot Because it is his Rack and Hell to see That Fate or Fortune Psyche should allot To any Spouse but Him This makes Him be So subtly active in his secret Art How he may you and your great Suiter part 131. O then first for your own illustrious sake And next for Us wrapp'd up in you beware Of his Designs in time Just courage 〈◊〉 In what deserves your speediest stoutest Care Nor you nor We can be secure winle He Both from your Court and Favour 〈◊〉 be 132. Nor can your Palace be a dwelling Place For safety so long as Logos or Charis thus revell in your Princely Grace One Edict may 〈◊〉 them all and farr From this their 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Treachery Pack them to that foule place where Trayters lie 133. So shall your royall self securely dwell And your 〈◊〉 undeceived Hand Sway its own Scepter So shall We dispell By prest obedience unto your Command That caus lesse Error which upon our Head The foule Blot or Rebellion hath spred 134. So shall our reskew'd Liberries appear In their own Looks So We by Love shall doe More of your Will than disingenuous Fear And lawlesse 〈◊〉 e'r hal'd Us to So you no more shall mark'd and dreaded be For Rigor but reign Queen of Clemencie 135. So shall your sweetned Countenance proclaim That you Lov 's dear Adventure doe profess So shall you court with your Eys answering Flame Your Spouse's beams So shall His Tendernesse A soft capacity find in your Heart Of his destroying yet enlivening Dart. 136. Here bowing low Love sealed up her Lip With a Kisse on the
sweet Sir will have it so content Said she and meekly blushing in she went 39. Up flew Devotion and Chastitie The gallant Steeds which did the Chariot draw Her native Albion soon began to be Lost in a Sea of Air and now she saw The wealthy Fields of Gallia which as fast Behinde her fled as she did forward post 40. Then climbing higher in her yeilding Way Eternall Banks of obstinate Frost and Snow Which Winter on the Alps high back did lay Spight of the nearer Sun she leaves below And through the tumult of the justling Clouds Down into the Italian Heav'n she crouds 41. From thence she launch'd into that Region Which by the Adriatick Storms doth frown And sped her course above that Ocean About whose sides the Mid-land shores are thrown So well did Phylax steer that to a Port So far off ne'r was made a Cut so short 42. For having reach'd blest Palestine she flew Over the groveling Towns of Galile Untill the Steeds as if the place they knew At Nazareth brake off their Course where she Viewing the simple Village wondered why Her Convoy thither took such pains to flie 43. But Phylax having led her by the Hand To the unlikliest House Behold said hee This pretious Monument which still doth stand To chide their Arrogance who needs will be Immur'd in Cedar and roof'd o'r with Gold O who would think poor Dust should be so bold 44. This silly Mansion though it scarce would win Ev'n Poverty it selfe in it to dwell Was once the House Home where the bright Queen Of Glories kept her Court in this mean Cell Dwelt She in whose illustrious Family All Heav'n desir'd a Sojourner to be 45. She the transcendent Crown of Females She Great Jacobs Ladder Aarons budding Rod The Chrystall Princess of Virginity Davids fair Tower the Mother of her God Mary her selfe O may that lovely Name Be Blessings Nest and the dear Theam of Fame 46. There her plain Cates she eat or rather kept Her healthfull Rules of sober Abstinence There did she plie her Prayers and there she slept When midnight Zeal had tir'd her mortall Sense No Corner was in all this House but she Did dedicate it unto Piety 47. How many Temples in this narrow Room Erected were by her Devotion Who taught all Virtues here to take their Home But if Sin knock'd She bid it straight be gone For at her Door Humility she set A Potter which would no such Guests admit 48. Here on her pious knees she wept one day In wondring Meditation of that She Whom God would chuse to make the noble Way Unto his own fore-told Humanity O how she blest that Soule who ever was To be advanced to that matchlesse Grace 49. Not for a thousand Worlds would she have thought Her Selfe the long-designed She but rather Would with a thousand thousand more have bought An Hand-mayds place to wait upon that Mother To kisse her blessed feet or bear her Train In whom all Excellence rejoyc'd to reign 50. But whil'st her meek admiring Fancie flies Through this high Contemplation which drew Applauding joyous Christall from her Eyes A bright and gallant Stranger hither flew One who from Heav'n her sweet reflection brings Looking almost like Her but for his Wings 51. Youth bloomed in his Face the blessed Throne Where purest Beauties in fair Triumph sate Their brisk and sparkling Combination All ravishing Joyes into his Eyes had put His Looks commanded Love but did withall By potent Purity all Lust fore-stall 52. His Head was crown'd with its own golden Hair Which down his back its dainty Wealth did shed The Alabaster of his Neck was bare Sweetly betraying what below was hid In the green ambush of his Robe of Silk The Curtain drawn upon his Fleshie Milk 53. That Robe was guarded with the orient Lace Which on Aurora's Virgin Coat you see Neglect seem'd to have put it on yet Grace And Comelinesse would not prevented be But did in every carelesse fold and pleit To catch Spectators Wonder lie in wait 54. A silver Girdle did his Loins imbrace With the prest fashion of Travellers Like Loves sweet Bow his left Arm bended was Upon his Side whil'st high his Right Hand bears A Lillie which from thence received more Sweetnesse and Whitenesse than it had before 55. The Candor of his Wings was no such kinde Of glaring thing as in the Alpine Snow Or on the purest Cygnets neck we finde Or on the soft face of new Milk doth flow But a celestiall Tincture pure and bright Made not by scorching but by whitening Light 56. He was an heav'nly Citizen and one Whose place is in an higher form than mine In neer attendance on his Makers Throne He with his Archangelick beams doth shine Whence he when Heav'n has greatest businesse here Dispatched is the choise Ambassadour 57. But though his Eyes their education had Amongst those Claritudes which gild the skies They never yet at Home did seem to read So much of Heav'n at large as here he spies Epitomized in the lovely Glass Of Maryes modestly-illustrious face 58. And Hail said He Thou dearest Favorite Of our great King in whose selected Breast His Majesty with singular delight Doth take his private and mysterious rest Hail thou the Crown of Females on whose Head Their best exuberance all Blessings shed 59. The humble Virgin started at the sight But much more at the Salutation The complementall Youth did her affright Who us'd such charming Companie to shun Untill his Wings admonish'd her that he One of her wonted heav'nly Guests might be 60. But yet her lowly Soul could not digest The tumor of that strange Hyperbole Which still she boulted in her thought-full Breast Being suspitious least some Flattery Had borrow'd an Angelike shape by which A Woman it more easily might bewitch 61. O strange but nobly-pretious Jealonsie Which onely dost in holy Bosoms rest Thou art the Bar which dost accesse deny To whatsoever might an Heart molest Pride Usher to all Sins comes not neer thee So low thou liest so high strutteth hee 62. When Gabriel observ'd her doubtfull Look Where Blushes and where Palenesse mutually Their fearfull and their modest Stations took Mary said He thy meek Anxiety May spare its pains No Danger dares draw neer Her whom the Prince of Power doth hold so dear 63. He who is Lord of Love hath seal'd on thee His amorous Heart the choisest of his Graces The flowre of all his Sweets th' Immensitie Of his best Favours and his Joyes he places On thee alone whom he exalts as high As thou art sunk in thy Humility 64. Witnesse this Message I have now to tell How much too glorious for Me to bring The onely Message which could parallel The boundlesse Love of Heav'ns inamored King A Message which the World hath long expected But fit to thee alone to be directed 65. Behold thy blessed Womb shall Fertile be With a more blessed Son whom at the due And wonted Season
Lesse sweet they thought the Altar and would faine Be nestling in her Breast or Lap againe 28. But holy Simeon whose stout Expectation Grounded upon Heav'ns Credit did sustein His aged Life by potent Inspiration Forgot his leaden pace and flew amain Into the Temple for the nimble Blast Of Gods owne Spirit lent him youthfull haste 29. O how his greedy Soule did Worke and Beat And thinke the time an Age till He was come Unto his Blisses Shore where in the heat Of hastie Zeale He snatch'd his Saviour home Into his longing Armes and Heart which now Broke from his Lips and in these Words did flow 30. O Life thou now art out of debt to my Long-stretch'd Attendance and can'st nothing show Of further Worth wherewith to charme mine Eye And make it still be hankering heer below No I have seen what I did live to see The worlds Hopes and mine owne and heer-they be 31. Deare Lord of Heav'n heer is that hop'd-for He In whom lie treasur'd up Power and Salvation Which now thy love exposed hath to be The blessed Theame of humane Contemplation All Eyes may see this Face as well as I And cleerly read their owne Felicitie 32. This noble Face by whose Soule-piercing Rayes The 〈◊〉 untill now damm'd up in Night Admonish'd are to understand their Wayes And tread the open Paths of High-noone Light This Face whose more than golden Beauties be The glorious Crown of Iacobs Progenie 33. O Death if thou dar'st draw neer Life's great King Come take possession of my willing Heart That I a swarthy and unworthy Thing From his too radiant presence may depart I am too blest to live and cannot bear The burden of this heav'nly Lustre here 34. The good Old man thus eas'd his pious Zeal And having sacrific'd a Kisse upon The Infants royall Foot began to feel His Prayers were heard and that Death hasted on Which He to meet went home and order gave With sweet and hasty Joy about his Grave 35. As Echo unto his Devotion Loe The venerable Matron Anna came She whose Prophetick Heart did bid her goe To wait upon and to adore the same Young Son of Wonders that her Sex in Her As His in Him its duty might prefer 36. And here she met a full reward of all Those nights and dayes which in that place she spent Her Fastings now turn d to a Festivall Her longing Prayers which unto Heav'n she sent To pull it down now found it ready here For in the Infants Face it did appear 37. So cleerly it appear'd that She could not Restrain her Tongue from being Trumper to The Dawne of its convincing Brightnesse but Through Salems longest thickest Streets did goe Spreading her Proclamation to each Eare And Heart which long'd that heav'nly News to hear 38. This call'd so many wondering Eyes to gaze Upon the Mother and her fairer Son That from the glory of that populous Place To poor and private Nazaret she did run Where in her humble House she hop'd to hide Her humbler Selfe from Honours growing Tide 39. But Honour loves to scorn the Zealous Chase Of most ambitious eager Hunters and Pursues those modest Soules from place to place By whom she sees her orient Presence shunn'd Nor is she e'r out-run or fails to raise Their Names with Trophies and their Brows with Bays 40. But when in Salem the great News grew hot And flam'd to Herods Court the Tyrants Breast Swell'd with new Rage for much he feared that This Fire might reach his Throne which made Him cast Deep desperate Counsells in his jealous Minde How for this Danger he some Curb might finde 41. Mean while as holy Joseph sleeping lay To gain new strength to work his Winged Friend Rouz'd up his Soul by a Celestiall Ray Bidding him his swift flight to Egypt rend For Herod now contrives to slay said He The Childe and in Him both thy Wife and Thee 42. O that my Wings might be his Chariot But This noble Favour Heav'n reserves for thee Flie then But see thy selfe thou trouble not With thy Return for when the Storm shall be Cleerly blown over I will thither come And from thy Gods own Mouth recall thee Home 43. This said his nearest way the Angel took To Heav'n and flutter'd loud as He went up The noise made Joseph start who straight awoke And look'd about But He had gain'd the Top Of heav'n and in the Sphears inclosed was E'r Josephs mortall Eye could thither passe 44. Yet by the blessed influence He behinde Had left the Saint did Him intirely Know The priviledg'd Eyes of his religious Minde Had long acquainted been with him and now He doubts not but this was his Guardian who Had taught him oft what He instraits should doe 45. Whil'st by her sable Curtains Night as yet Muffled up Heav'n and kept the World in Bed Himselfe He dressed and made all things fit For his long journey On the Asse He spred His Coverlet and his own Pillow sweet And cleanly Hay he gave him for his meat 46. The Beast thus baited He his Axe his Saws His Planes Rules Mallets and his other Store Of busie honest Implements bestows In his large Bag the Treasury of his poor Industricus subsistance which he ties Fast to his Staffe and on his Shoulders tries 47. Two Bottles then all that the poor Man had Fresh filled at a neighbour Fountain He Puts on his Girdle with three Loaves of bread In a plain Pouch Then stepping reverently Unto the Bed where the great Mother lay Arise said He for Heav'n calls Us away 48. When She the bus'nesse heard and saw how He Had all things ready for their journey made Far be it she repli'd that I should be At any houre to follow Heav'n afraid Or that I for the Mornings light should tarry Who in my Arms my fairer Day doe carry 49. I can be no where lost deare Babe whil'st I Travell with Thee who never canst depart From thine own Home Wherever Thou dost flie Thine own Land still will meet Thee for thou art By thine eternall Right the Prince as well Of Ham and Egypt as of Israel 50. Arabia's Devotion has long since Supplid thee with this sacred Treasure to Defray thy Charges Thine own Providence Thy Purveyer was Thou knew'st we were to goe And hast layd in Provision e'r wee Could dream of any such Necessity 51. And yet Necessity is no such thing To mighty Thee whose all-commanding Hand Doth hold the Reins of Fate the bloody King Musters his Wrath in vain would'st thou with-stand His Spight in open Field But thou know'st why It will be now more glorious to File 52. This Journey 's but a step to Thee who from The Pinnacle of all Sublimity Thy Fathers bosome did'st a Pilgrim come And take up thy abode in worthlesse Me Me who from Heav'n much further distant am Than Memphis is from fair Jerusalem 53. With that She wrapp'd the Infant close and took The Asses back whose bridle
full well doth know No sooner doth her Ear drink his Command But 〈◊〉 her knees and heart and powers bowe For all things must be Naturall says she Which my Creators Voice injoyneth Me. 8. That Voice the Fountain was whence first she rose And ever since hath been the Rule whereby She 〈◊〉 her Course which way so e'r she goes That Voice which did awake Vacuity Into a full and mighty World at ease May change its Parts into what form it please 9. Yet seldome it unsheaths its Power but when Some high and singular Designe 's in hand Some Mystery of mighty Love and then Should the fast Centre in its Passage stand It must and will give way and to the Top Of Heav'n it selfe if need require climb up 10. For what 's the Centre 's close-shrunk Knot or what All heav'n and earth which round about it cling If in a righteous balance They be put With Love that little Word but mighty Thing Themselves they onely to Love's pleasure owe And cannot to His will refuse to bowe 11. Full low They bow'd to it when from the Yoak Of cruell Pharaoh Israels seed it drew Ten mighty Blowes it gave and every Stroke Some part of Nature in proud Egypt slew At length it roll'd the Sea upon an heap And op'd the Rebells Graves amidst the Deep 12. How fertile did it make the Wildernesse In Miracles in what illustrious Flames Renouned Sina's Temples did it dresse How did it teach the Rock to melt in Streams Bidding the Desert flow as it before Had charg'd the Sea to start from either shore 13. This set the Heav'ns to rain down Angels Bread Who every Morning did betimes fulfill Their wonderous Task and all the Desert spred With a thick candied Banquet which lay till The liquorish Sun delighted with the Taste On that Ambrosia daily broke his fast 14. This made the Winde turn Caterer and blow The People flesh This did the Cloud command By day to usher and before them goe With a coole shade This built that walking and Bright-flaming Pillar whose convoying Light Commission had to banish Night from Night 15. Jordan forbid by This presum'd not to Touch the Priests feet though through his 〈◊〉 they past This arm'd meer Sound against proud Jericho And storm'd the Citty by poor Trumpets Blast Whil'st the hugeBullwarks which all Ramms did scorn Fell prostrate down yeilded to the Horn. 16. This put more Might into a feebler Sound When unto Joshua's Mortall Voice 't was given To domineer amidst the Starry Round And 'gainst Dayes Gyant barracadoe Heaven This made the Clouds their gentle Drops forget And Storms of Stones on Israels Enemies spit 17. Yet all these Wonders but Preludiums were And glimmering Dawns of that illustrious Day Which in Times plenitude was to appear And the ripe Age of Miracles display For then the Word it selfe came down below From the worse Egypt's Yoak his World to draw 18. Decorum did require this Time should be The Crown of Times Those Forgeries with which The height of all Poetick Industry Did coine the Golden Age and it inrich With Fancies Gallantry could never rise To match this more than Golden Ages price 19. Phylax who knew all this resolv'd to shew Psyche a glimpse of it with whom when she Awoke he in his willing Chariot flew High through the yeelding Clouds and instantly Reach'd Palestines designed Zenith where He curb'd his Steeds on the commanded Aire 20. Psyche admir'd to see the Chariot stand Upon so thin a floor But then said he This Region is not onely in the hand Of Satans power No our Authoritie Is cleerer far than his though he would here Usurper as he is a Kings Name wear 21. Alas time was as hee remembers well When tumbled headlong from our lofty Home He could not stay himselfe but helplesse fell Through all this Aire to his infernall Doom Indeed he often crawleth up this way Yet 't is but like a Theife to steal his prey 22. But from this Prospect Thou shalt safely see The Sceens on which thy Lord his Wonders did Not all their number is too vast for thee Within the volume of one Day to read And yet as many as shall amply prove That all his businesse in this World was Love 23. That tract is Galilee you ' little Town The place where first his Might abroach He set Where hee was pleas'd a Marriage Feast to crown With his great Presence and Approofe of it Although his Mother were a Virgin He Would not to Wedlock seem an Enemie 24. No He himselfe at first ordained it As a delicious and sacred Tie By which indissolubly He might knit Two Bosomes in one Loves Conspiracy This is that reverend Knot by which alone Two are no longer Two but Both are One. 25. A Knot which He himselfe doth imitate Though in a puter and more mystick way Whil'st with his Spouse he doth concentricate Blending his heart with hers that so Both may Cleave in such unity as makes the Creature Strangely Partaker of its Makers Nature 26. A blessed Knot which ties Affection close Betwixt the Branches and the Root and bindes Up Families in peace which hanging loose By doubtfull Lines as oft as waspish Mindes By Discontents proud itch were spurred on Would split and be infallibly undone 27. Satan was well aware of this For hee Bewitch'd grave Plato's high-esteemed Pen To vent the Doctrine of Community As most conducing to the Weal of Men But when the moderate Pagans Project proved In vain a desperate Christians Tongue he moved 28. For He in Antioch found a Monster who Dar'd spit plain Poyson on this Mystery Avouching that all Nuptials did flow From cursed Hells Invention Hell said He Was the black Shop where Belzebubs own Hands Did forge and fashion Matrimoniall Bands 29. Unhappy Saturninus how hast thou Prov'd thine own selfe an Urcheon of Damnation What gain'st Thou else by fetching from below Thy Beings Root which was of Heav'ns plantation O most adulterous Soul who by thy vile Crime all the Worlds Beds do'st at once defile 30. Whil'st Jesus now sate sweetly at the Feast And added a new Banquet to that Meat For on his face the Eyes of every Guest As in the richer Dainties all were set A fit Occasion Him beseech'd to joyn To that Drie Banquet of his Face some Wine 31. The Wine was out When loe the Virgin Mother In courteous Pitty of the Bridgromes Want Which she as carefull was as he to smother Unto Her Son the Fount of all Things went And in a blush more lovely than the Bride Could shew that Day the busines signifi'd 32. But then her Son who was not hers alone But also Heav'ns and now resolv'd to shew A token of that high Extraction Began for 't was the first time to allow No Name of Mother to Her What says He O Woman what have I to doe with thee 33. This bus'ness Must not seem to flow from thy Sole Motion Heav'n and I
and trie How He from Juda's bosome might remove Intruding Hells pernitious monarchie For Heav'n forbid that Pitties Lord should fashioa A way to plunge Him deeper in Damnation 60. O no! may those black Mouthes for ever be Damm'd up with Silence and with Shame which dare Father the foulest deepest Tyranny Upon the God of Love And busie are In pleading it from his own Word although By it they make Him Contradictious too 61. But all the rest were faithfull Soules who stood True to their Lords Cause which they strove to write As He in His had done in their own blood And never started at the sharpest Fight But by their own Deaths studied as they Were able His great Death how to repay 62. James was the first old Zebedees elder Son To whom proud Herods Sword the way cut ope And gave Him leave that noble Race to run Which leadeth straight to Heav'ns illustrious Top. How little dream'd the Tyrant that He did Put on his Crown when He took off his Head 63. The next was Philip who with noble Heat Flew to the North and hunted out the Ice From those dull Hearts which ne'r with Heav'n did beat But with congealed stupid Ignorance freeze For his large Sceen was snowie Scythia where December takes his Walk through all the year 64. When He that Winter all on fire had set With Christian Flames He bent his Course into A Clime which should have been much warmer but At his lifes price He found it was not so For soon He saw that more than Scythias Ice Bound up the Heart of Hierapolis 65. Joves Name had left no room for Jesus there And when He tells the People of the shame The Nails the Crosse his Lord for them did bear He his own Torments did aforehand name Enough of Jesus now said They for We Will quickly make as good a God of Thee 66. Then with a thousand Taunts they pierce his ear And next with nails his sacred Hands and feet And so his Crosse with acclamations rear Where like a Mark to fury being set Flints neer as hard 's themselves they poure upon Him And from their World thus into Heav'n did stone Him 67. Thomas whose Doubts did fix his Faith so Fast That neither Life nor death could make it shake With Jesus in his Mouth through Parthia past And charm'd what Rome could never pliant make The AEthiop's too did hear his Voice but He Resolv'd to reach the Worlds Extremity 68. He had observed how the greedy West Into the East was drawn by thirst of Gold Which had the Suns and Natures Courses crost And into Jndu's Mouth the Ocean roll'd And will none goe a richer prize to win Than that fair Ore said He the Soules of Men 69. Sure Indians Soules of purer Metall are Than that which Avarice doth so far adore Thomas will thither trade though India were More Worlds off than it is from Jordans shore For in his Zealous Sails Gods Spirit blows And not to fetch but carry Gold He goes 70. If Gold be not too poor a Name to set Upon the forehead of his royall Wares Loves Joyes Peace Glory Blisse and every Sweet Of sweetest Paradise He thither bears For these and more than these inshrined be In Jesu's Name Heav'ns best Epitomie 71. With this He traded to make India rich And not Himselfe who now could not be poor As having more than All though not so much As any thing layd up in provident Store He knew his Lord was Plenties King and He Did as his own account His Treasury 72. Close to his work without all further care He falls and having op'd his Merchandize Come Buy saies He for though these Wares be far Above your glittering Ore's adored price Yet you on Trust may goe for all this Blisse Give but your Faith and yours the Treasure is 73. The Brachmans wonder'd at the generous Man So did the sage Gymnosophists untill A barbarous unmoved Faction Pass'd a blinde Act of Spight to seize and kill The noble Merchant who as ready stood To poure it forth as they to suck his Blood 74. Arm'd with their Kings Consent and with their spears Unto his Heart they ope their cruell way Whil'st He with sweet content their Madnesse bears And for his Doubting Hand returns this Pay This finall Pay for that now faithfull Hand Which deep in debt to 's Masters Side did stand 75. The younger Jame's whose noble Family Advanc'd Him to be Brother to his Lord Much neerer grew of Kin by Piety No man with stouter fervor Him ador'd Nor with more resolute Constancy than He Witnesse his reverend Forehead and his Knee 76. His Knee all plated with Austerity Which on the Temples Pavement night and day Did naked dwell till it arriv'd to be Hard as the Marble which beneath it lay There never grew on painfull Camels Knees So stiffe a Proofe of Patience as on His. 77. His Forchead which was sealed with the same Stamp of Severity for by Prostration Its fleshie Tendernesse hee overcame O sacred Impudence of Humiliation Whil'st wicked 〈◊〉 armed were with Brasse His prous Front in Brawn immured was 78. A Brawn which shall hereafter check their Pride And foolish Superstition who by new Coyned Devotion will the Old deride And think no worship from the Body due But in pretence their Conscience tender is Maintain their dainty Fleshes Tendernesse 79. His dearest Meat and drink was to fulfill His Masters Pleasure Ne'r did dangerous Grape Its blood on his abstemious Palate spill Nor stain his sacred Cup for mean and cheap His Liquor was the virgin Fountains were His onely Cellars and his onely Beer 80. Ne'r did the rampant flesh of Birds or Beasts Reek in his Kitchin nor sweat on his Board Chaste Moderation cooked all his Feasts And well she knew how to content her Lord His highest Fare were sober modest Fishes Where Water serv'd for Beer the aptest Dishes 81. Ne'r did perfumed Oiles his Body dew With their soft Flattery of delicious Sweat Unmanly Bathes his skin did never brew Nor cheat his Vigour with effeminate Heate His Limbs in active Linnen us'd to dwell Being never muffled up and lost in Wooll 82. Nor was that Linnen though full course and plain Contemned in the Peoples Eye for they On bended knees were Suiters to obtain His leave their offrings on its Hemm to lay That as hee through the Streets was passing by Their Lips and Kisses they might sanctifie 83. O how imperious is meek Piety Whether it will or no commanding All Spectators into Love and Reverence hee Who counts Blisse by true Honor must let fall All other Plumes and wisely learn to dresse Body and Soule in humble Holinesse 84. Nay now the surly Priest among the rest Of James his matchlesse Worth convinced is And finding him to be the holier Priest Grants him into the Oracle free Accesse Of which mysterious Place he had the glory And none but hee to make his Oratory 85. He was the holier
therefore by these glorious Preachers heer With high Solemnity was witness'd that His Crosses and his Nayls mysterious shame Thenceforth might not amaze or scandall them 298. Then Moses at his feet his Rod threw down In token that He had fulfill'd his Law And came to give a better of his own To which not onely Jacob's seed should bow But all the World whose largest farthest Bound With Jesus and his Gospell was to sound 299. That done a Veil He drew upon his face And cri'd Bright Lord this shade I us'd of old Because my count'nance too illustrious was For the blear eys of Israell to behold But now mine own have need of it to cover Them with the splendor with which thine run over 300. Thine Eyes a spectacle of fairer Bliss Than I of old beheld from Nebo's Head How well was I reserved then for this Days nobler priviledge not suffered To enter and my Wonder feed upon The farr less wonderous Sweets of Chanan 301. But in a generous meek Expostulation Elias argued with his glorious Lord And why said He in most triumphant fashion Did'st thou whirle Me to Heav'n and not afford Me leave to tast one Drop of Deaths cold Cup Since thou thy self resolv'st to drink it up 302. Must JESUS and must not Elias die Must God and not a Worme Forbid it Thou Who of all order art the Deitie And Death unto Mortality allow 〈◊〉 be contented with the last to stay 〈◊〉 till Time dies if then I also may 303. Yet for my self or Heav'n I would not die O no but glorious Lord for Thee alone In thy dear Cause and for thy Name if I The Roabs of Martyrdome may once put on My passage unto Heav'n shall brighter be Than when my flaming Coach transported Me. 304. But heer thy Spouse with a well-pleased Eye Dismiss'd them both Into his Chariot Elias leap'd and back to Heav'n did flie As swift as Arrow by the Tartar shot And Mose's wrapp'd his Veil about his Head And home to Abraham's Bosome hastened 305. When loe a beauteous Cloud roll'd on and spred Its shady Curtains on the Mountains Top In which his own Voice God had treasured And now it brake no other Rain did drop But this sweet Shoure This is my Darling Son Hear Him in whom my Joys doe dwell alone 306. The faint Disciples on their faces fell Amaz'd that Thunder could distinctly speak Mean while their Master did his Beams recall And charg'd his Glories all to hasten back His Godhead needed now no more probation That Glimps being doubled by Heav'ns Attestation 307. Forthwith his Rayes shrunk back into his breast And moderate Beautie repossest his face The orient Lustre which his Clothes had drest Unto their native hue resign'd its place And He returns to his Capacity Of what He long'd for Shame and Misery 308. But turn thee now to Salem ward and see Yon' monument of thy Lords power and Love That hill is Sion and that Pool where He Doth wet his foot is Siloam above Its Bottome lies for in the Mountains breast Its Springs of living Silver make their Nest. 309. Right honest are those Springs and brake not out By wanton Chance but upon Bus'ness flow'd What was th' occasion and how brought about Is not a Story known unto the Crowd But I deare Psyche will unlock to Thee The Bowells of this ancient Mystery 310. When Hezekias heer at Salem sate On Juda's Throne th' Assyrian Power swell'd high And turned sinfull Israell's florid State Into the worst of Woes Captivity For Assur was become an Iron Rod Which Veng'ance put into the Hand of God 311. That first Success so puff'd the Rod with Pride That it forgot the Hand which it did sway And now would needs it self become a Guide Unto it self and choose on what to prey Alas the rash Rods project soon was crost And neer two hundred thousand Twiggs it lost 312. Whilst Rabsheka the foule-mouth'd Generall With Horse and Men and Braggs and Blasphemie Lay against Salem on the suddaine all Provision of Water 'gan to be Short in the Town excepting Tears which now They could be spared least most high did flow 313. This venerable Esay mov'd to trie What He with Mercy and with Heav'n could doe He tun'd his Prayer by the Peoples Crie Which with such Violence to the Sphears did goe That back it bounded unto Sions foot On which He kneel'd and made the Spring leap out 314. The thirstie People all came flocking in Their Mouthes their Bottles and their Potts to fill Th' Assyrians wonderd what they meant but when They spi'd their business about the Well They made a Party out resolv'd to stopp The new-born Spring or else quite drink it up 315. The Citizens themselves to flight betook So did the Fountain too and shrunk its Head Into the Hill and called back its Brook Commanding every Dropp to goe to bed And not to prostitute themselves and be Deflowr'd by Assurs Lipps impurity 316. The Streams obey'd and swifter than the speed Of the impatient Horsmen homeward ran So when the prudent Dame has summoned Her crawling Frie from the incursion Of Violence the nimble Serpents shoot Themselves into their Mothers ready throat 317. The disappointed Souldiers rav'd and swore To see the Fountain mock and scorn them so And cri'd these Jewes have by some Magick Power Broached this weily Spring from Hell to doe Spight to Senacheribs strength and shew that We Cannot so strong as wretched Water be 318. Thus they retired in Disdain and Wrath When straight the thirsty Jewes came back again And loe the Spring found out its former path And courteously met them on the Plain Kissing their feet and smiling in their face For whose sole Service He so watchfull was 319. Thus checkering his Work he never fails To faile his Foes and to befriend his Friends Full often Assur tries but ne'r prevails The wary nimble Fountain alway sends Him empty back And yet could not refuse With liberall Streams to wait upon the Jewes 320. Thus the Sabbatick Fount which all the Week Keeps close at home and lets no Drop spurt out Exactly watches and attends the Break Of the seav'nth Day and then as quick as thought Poures out its Flood and sacrifices all Its Plenty to that holy Festivall 321. A Man there was who from his Mothers Womb Retired Natures dark and secret Shop Into the World but not to light had come Whose Birth did Him and not his Eyes set ope Compar'd with Him cleer-sighted was the Owle So was the evening Batt and earthed Moule 322. For on his brow sate an anneiled Night Which his Birth-Day could not confute In vain His Mother hired the Physitians Might To war against that Shaddow and constrain That imbred sturdy Blacknesse to relent In vain her money and her love she spent 323. Lesse thick the Darknesse was which did revenge The lustfull glances of old Sodoms Eyes When the hot Lovers damped by a strange Invasion of Pitch with
Oaths and Cries Tumbled and toss'd themselves from place to place And sought Lots Door in one anothers face 324. As Jesus spi'd this helplesse Wight for He Warch'd to surprise all Objects of Compassion Speeded by his own heav'nly Charity He to his Succour flies Such is the fashion Of generous Love which never stayes to be Woo'd and importun'd to a Courtesie 325. The simple Man perceiving one draw nigh Fell to the Beggers covetous Dialect Craving for Money Friend that is not my Largise thy Lord repli'd which doth infect Those who desire it Surely Thou would'st finde What Bane thou begg'st wert thou not double Blind 326. Money is that unhappy Dust which flies Full in the face of undiscerning Man And heaps such Mists of Blindnesse on his eyes That Heav'n He cannot see If thou did'st skan Thy state aright Thou might'st thy Blindness blesse Who seest not how monstrous money is 327. I l'e make a thinner Clay than Money which Shall far exceed the Worth of Gold to Thee They are not moneys beams which doe inrich The World with Light and Glory but from Me Alone flow forth those clear and genuine Raies Which blesse the Age with sweet and golden Days 328. This said three times He spit upon the ground And temper'd with his Hand a Soveraign Clay No Salve by deepest Art was ever found Which could so sure all Maladies allay Should pretious Balsame now prove sick and die This Ointment could work its Recovery 329. With this the Blinde Mans Eyes He Oynted yet Was pleased not forthwith to give them sight First an experiment He meant to get Whether his inner Eyes of Faith were bright Then with his Favour to reward and grace The Pool which long before so pious was 330. Bethesda Waters swell'd with full-tide Fame Wherefore though apt Occasion Him invited Time was when He refus'd to honor Them But pour'd his royall love into this sleighted Though worthy Pool which as his Partner He In this his Miracle vouchsaf'd to be 341. To Siloam goe said He and wash thine Eyes And thou shalt see what I to thee have given The joyfull Man with holy Credence hies Him to the Place No Hart was ever driven By scalding Thirst more greedily unto The Rivers than He to this Spring did goe 342. He went to drink not with his Mouth but Eyes Which as He washed loe they 'gan to ope Out flew black Night and all those duskie Ties By which his Sense before was chained up Straight his released sparkling Pupills show'd Like sprightfull Lightning from the broken Cloud 343. And now he lives and sees that he does live And Heav'n and Earth more than by hear-say knows Now every Parcell of the World doth give Him a Remembrance unto whom He owes His power of seeing it O happy hee Who must in every Thing his Saviour see 344. Since from the Darknesse of the first Abysse The Universe was wakened unto light Ne'r was atcheiv'd so strange a Cure as this Which on condemned Eyes bestowed fight In spight of Nature who had put them out Before she gave them leave to look about 345. Now Psyche turn thine Eye to yonder Town Great Salems little Neighbour Bethany A place of dear Remembrance to thine own Beloved Lord from Salems tumults He Would oft retire into that calmy place And still as oft's He came He welcome was 346. For there two Sisters dwelt an holy Pair Industrious Martha who the World did love Yet not so much but Jesus was more dear Although the practick Trade of Life she drove The Cream of her Solicitude she spent To purchase more than secular Content 347. Pathetick Mary one whom Mercy made Her chosen triumph This was 〈◊〉 She Who in the hottest Troop of Sinners had A leading Place such stout Impiety Incouraged her Heart that Hell could not Put her on any Task but she would do 't 348. For seav'n foule Devills had themselves possest Of all her Soule and with imperious Port In the usurped Palace of her Breast Their throne erected and maintain'd their Court What Proclamations or Warrants They So ever issu'd she did straight obey 349. But Jesus who did square his Pitty by No Merit hee in Mortall Man could read But for his Rule took their Capacity Of Succour found how much this Heart did need His potent Help which He forthwith applied And made her Live who now seav'n times had died 350. For from the bottome of Her poys'ned Breast Seav'n hideous Deadly Sins she vomited And having thus disgorged Hell which prest Her down so low to Heav'n she rais d her head Flaming with purest fire of Love as she Before had smoak'd in Lusts Impurity 351. Her brave Devotion she did measure now By the Large Size of Mercy she had gained For as that Mercy did no limits know So to Infinitude her Love she strained She strained hard and would have reach'd the Top If Mortall Passion could so high climb up 352. O Psyche hadst Thou but been by when She Unto her Lord upon Loves Errand came Thou might'st have seen impatient Piety Mount in the boldnesse of its noble Flame First at his Feet it 'gan and then it spred With fair and liberall Fulnesse to his Head 353. That fragrant Ointment which she us'd before To her own lustfull Skin to sacrifice She now on Jesu's sweeter Feet doth poure And adds another showre from her own eyes Then wiping them with her late crisped Tresses She offers there her consecrated Kisses 354. She mindes not what Spectators think or say Love is secnre and carelesse She does mean E'r from her Lovers Feet she goe away To oint or weep or wipe or kisse them clean And by this generous Zeal she Sanctifies Her Locks her Lips her Ointment and her Eyes 355. But as the sprightfull Flame disdains to stay Below and with undaunted Ardor strives To reach its lofty Sphear So she one Day The Reins unto her gallant Passion gives And takes aime at the Top of Heav'n for this I 'm sure said she on Jesu's Temples is 356. She had a Box of Ointment of high price Yet not so pretious as her loving Lord Could the Worlds wealth meet in one Sacrifice All this She freely could to him afford And now unbrideled Love such haste did make That straight the Box or her own Heart must break 357. Indeed both brake and both she poured on His Head who is of Sweets and Hearts the King Straight through both Heav'n Earth the Odours ran Which shall for ever with their Praises ring For now't has lost its Alabaster Cell The glorious Nard in all the World doth dwell 358. Thrift grumbled at the Cost but Jesus who Excessive in his Love to Mary was Vouchsaf'd her generous Soule free leave to goe In the same princely and licentious pace He knows the heats of this unweildy Passion And will allow it brave Immoderation 359. All other Passions eas'ly bounded are Because their Objects are in limits ti'd But Love alone
with infinite carrieer Still further everlastingly doth ride Being loose at God himselfe in whom Immensity affords her boundlesse room 360. Now Psyche thou mayst eas'ly judge how dear Was this Seraphick Woman to thy Lord. She had one onely Brother who for her Sake and his own was to his Love preferr'd He falling sick she sent the News unto Her Master waiting what hee pleas'd to doe 361. He who had never yet his help delay'd When loving Mary did his Mercy woe Till Phebus twise the World had compass'd stay d He stay'd indeed but 't was that hee might goe With advantageous Glory and his stay Might prove but ripened Love and not Delay 362. Mean while his Sicknesse so prevail'd upon Good Lazarus that his Soule it chased out Jesus whose eyes through all things cleerly ran Beheld it as it went and saw it brought On Angells Wings into the blessed Nest Of naked Peace and Quiet Abraham's breast 363. Where when it was reposed Lazarus Our Friend is fallen fast asleep said He But I intend to wake Him Come let Us Delay no longer but to Bethany And Lord what needs it his Disciples cri'd If Lazarus sleep what harm can Him betide 364. 'T is true their Lord repli'd for now he lies Safe in the bosome of Serenity Yet what his Rest is little you surmise Not knowing that in Death true sleep can be Alas all other Rest compar'd with this Scarcely the shaddow of true Quiet is 365. Death is that onely sleep which puts an end Unto this weary Worlds tempestuous Cares And pious Soules unto that Shore doth send Which knows no Dangers Labours Griefs or Fears Our friend is dead and glad I am that I Was not at Bethany when He did die 366. Glad for your sakes whose faith now dead shall by His Death revive This said He forward went And they with Him But e'r at Bethany He did arrive two other dayes were spent He could have taken coach upon the back Of any Winde but now chose to be slack 367. First busie Martha met Him as He drew Neer to the Town for when hee coming was The fame of his Approach before Him flew Which her sollicitous ears soon caught and as She threw her selfe upon her knees she cried Had'st thou been here my Brother had not died 368. Dear Lord of Life if thou had'st but been here Death would have his due distance kept if not For love of Thee or Us at least for fear Of his own life And yet thy Power is but Deferred not precluded God will still Each syllable of thy Requests fulfill 369. Nor weep nor doubt dear Martha Jesus cried Thy Brother shall again to life return I doubt it not sweet Master she replied But in the universall worlds new morn When all Things spring into fresh life that He Shall with his Body reinvested be 370. I am said He the Resurrection and The life Whoever doth beleeve in Me Although he be a Pris'ner in the land Of Death shall unto life released be Nay he shall never taste of Death who is Living by Faith in Me Beleev'st thou this 371. Heer dazeled by his high Discourse Great Lord She cri'd my Faith doth take Thee for no lesse Then Gods Almighty Son who by his Word Wert promised this cursed World to bless This said three times she kiss'd the ground and home Made hast to bid her pensive Sister come 372. As when the powerfull Loadstone's placed neer Th' inamored Iron leaps its love to kisse So Mary when she heard how Christ was there Speeded to meet her dearest Hapiness And falling at her highest Throne His Feet Martha's Complaint She did again repeat 373. Short were her Words but copious were her Tears Love-ravish'd Pleaders strongest Eloquence For in her Eyes those fertile springs she bears Which by their ever-ready Influence Confirm Her Queen of Weepers Ne'r was seen A more bedewed Thing then Magdalene 374. For Love though valiant as the Lyons Heart Is yet as soft as the milde Turtles Soule And mourns as much knowing no other Art By which to slake the mighty Flames which roule About her Bosome and would burn her up Did not her streams of Tears that Torrent stop 375. If when the Clouds lament the hardest stone Under their frequent Tears relenteth How Will Maries thicker Showers prevail upon The Heart of Jesus which did never know What Hardnesse ment He straitway melts and by His Groanes does his Compassion testifie 376. Then turning to the Grave he broach'd his Eyes And vi'd with Maries streams whither it were In Pitty of Mans fatall Miseries Who did his own Destruction prepare For neither Gods nor Natures Hand but he Digg'd his own Grave by his Impietie 377. Or in deep greif his dearest Freinds to see Of his Omnipotence distrustfull still Or in soft Sympathie with those whom He Of Tears and Lamentations saw so full What e'r the reason were He showred down Those streams for Mans sake and not for his own 378. O Tears you now are Perls indeed since He Who is the Gem of Heav'n hath brought you Forth Now you may worthy of Gods Bottles be Who from Gods radiant Eyes derive your Worth All holy Drops which are of kin to you By that Affinitie must glorious grow 379. Let flintie Bosomes build their foolish Pride On their own Hardnesse and the Weeping Eye As an effeminate childish Thing deride And inconsistent with the Braverie Of Masculine Spirits Yet truely-noble Hearts With Jesus will not scorn to Weep their parts 380. But He now from the Tombe commands the stone To be remov'd which sealed Lazarus up Alas an harder Marble lay upon Poor Martha's Heart which Faiths access did stop Corrupted was her Minde which made Her think And talk so much of Foure Days and the Stink 381. What are Foure Dayes that their poor intervention Should able be to raise a scruple here And intercept his soveraign Intention To whom Eternitie doth bow A Year An Age a World is no stop unto Him Upon whose Will depends the life of Time 382. Stinks and Corruptions no Retardments are To his productive Power who doth derive Through Putrifactions Pipes and there prepare The life which to all Creatures he doth give For by his Law which knows no violation Corruption Mother is to Generation 383. The Stone removed and the Cave laid ope Jesus the mighty King of Life and Death With awfull Majesty his hand lift up And then his Voice forming his royall breath Into these high imperious Words which Earth And Heav'n obeyed Lazarus come forth 384. A mighty Voice indeed which reach'd the Breast Of Abraham where the Soule in quiet lay But at these potent Summons made all haste Back to its own The Patriark they say Kiss'd the sweet Spirit and intreated it To bear that Token unto Jesu's feet 385. But when it came into the Cave it found What there the Thunder of this Voice had done Shatter'd and scatter d all about the ground Lay adamantine Chains which
Him from within whilst every Part Rack'd and transfixed with intestine Streins In streams of purple Tears bewail'd its Pains 173. Down to the Ground this sweating Torrent flows To wash away the Curse which on it grew Whilst moated in his melted Selfe thy Spouse The noble fight doth with fresh Strength renew His Mortall Nature three stout Onsets gave To his immortal Piety and Love 174. Father He cri'd by that thy tender Name Commiserate thy most afflicted Son If thy Omnipotence a way can frame How to exempt Me from my Passion O let thine Hand which brings this Cup to Me Far hence remove it and my Misery 175. But straight by most athletick Braverie Above himselfe He gets and nobly cries Although all Bitternesse triumphant be In this sad Cup it amply does suffice That from thy Hand it comes Thy Will shall be And not mine own the Rule and Rein to me 176. Thus reverend Abraham when by Gods Command He was to bath his Sword in Isaac's blood Divided was in his own bowells and With his brave Selfe in competition stood Till valourous Piety her Powers strain'd And the hard Laurell of Selfe-conquest gain'd 177. But when thy mighty Lord atchieved had This triple Conquest Judas and his Rout Like furious Boars into the Garden made And for their Prey all rang'd and rov'd about Not knowing He as ready was to be Betray'd as they to work their Treachery 178. For like a most victorious Champion who Before his other Foes has conquer'd Fear He meets their Furie asking Whom with so Eager and strong a Chase they hunted there Their traytorous Spight and whom it sought He knew Yet this brave Challenge in their face he threw 179. Jesus of Nazareth We seek said they Alas Blinde Soules He came to seek out you And lead you safely in the Kings high way Unto his Throne above that on your brow Heav'ns Crowns for ever might have shin'd but ye In nothing would be Found but Treachery 180. Nor they nor Judas Psyche now did know Thy Spouses face which flamed heretofore With gracious Beauty but was clouded now With his strong Agonies all bloody Gore Thus like some duskie Meteor Phebus shows When an Eclipse upon his Count'nance grows 181. But He who would not be unknown to those Who came to suck what Blood was left behinde Which burned in his Veins till it got loose And flow'd as largely as his liberall Minde Revests his Look with gracefull Majesty And makes this brave Profession I am He. 182. If ever Thou hast seen what killing Dread Doth on base-hearted Traytors seize when They Are by their awfull Prince discovered Whose Voice and Looks their spurious Courage slay Treble this Fright and then conceive what Fear Shot through the Soules of these vile Caytiffs here 183. A stream of Horror drove them trembling back And over whelm'd Them flat upon the Ground And in the depth of this dismaying Wrack Their shivering Spirits had been surely drown'd Had He not spred his Pitty over Them Whose Swords and Staves and Spight all made at Him 184. O how will they endure his Dreadfull Eyes Which all this World on flaming fire shall set When He in triumph sweeping through the skies Shall hither come and mounted on his great Tribunall once again crie I am He No more the Prey but Judge of Treachery 185. When they no Lanthorns nor no Torches Light Nor Juda's Conduct any more shall need But by our Trumpets death-awakning fright Be summon'd up and by our hands be led Into the presence of Heav'ns glorious Son Whom then they would not finde but cannot 〈◊〉 186. But now He brideled in his awfull Raies And on condition his Disciples may Without disturbance goe their severall 〈◊〉 Offers himselfe unto his Foes who lay Quaking before Him but took courage now Perceiving They again might 〈◊〉 grow 187. As when a serpent bruis'd and beaten back Spies any way to reinforce her fight Her head she raises and deep care doth take Her Wrath and Poyson how to spit aright So did these Elves start up and cheer their Head And this Iscariot was to doe the Deed. 188. Iscariot that Prince of Treason now Forgetfull of his royall Masters Love And of the Dint of that majestick Blow Which strook Him and his Armie down to prove His cursed Selfe Earths Lucifer led up Against the Lord of Hosts his desperate Troop 189. And then none but a golden Arrow shot Burnish'd with faire and complementall grace Yet in as mortall Venome dipp'd as that Which Eve's Heart felt when she saluted was By faire-tongu'd Hell and by the Tempter driven With courteous Treason from her earthly Heaven 190. Hail Master was the Word What Ear could now Disrellish such a suger'd Noise as this Or once suspect Discording Jarrs should grow In such soul-plying Accents Master is The Phrase of Service Hail of Love Yet He Could make these honest Words insidious be 191. And when his faithlesse Tongue her part had done His Lips succeeded in the Treachery With matchlesse Impudence He ventured on Against the very face of Majesty And to make sure his Project should not misse Seal'd it upon his Master with a Kisse 192. O Wit of Treason could no Signe but this The gentlest Token of soft Courtesie Be made the Marke of deepest Barbarousnesse Monstrous Iscariot how dost thou by thy Inhumane Kindnesse both a Traytor prove Of Loves great Master and the Badge of Love 193. Is not a Kisse the soft and yeilding Signe Which clapps the Bargain of Affection up The sweet and joyous Marriage between The tenderest Pair of Lovers Lip and Lip The closing Harmony which when the Tongue Has done its best compleats the pleasing Song 194. Is not a Kisse the most delicious Seal By which Friends Cement their concording Hearts Must this Betrayed be Must faithlesse Hell Poyson this dainty Truth Must Hatreds Arts Be clothed in the softest sweetest Dresse Of courteous Peace and amorous Tendernesse 195. Must sweet Arabia's Beds breath out a Stinck And harbour all the Bane of Thessaly Must milkie Lilies stain their Leaves with Ink Must Roses Buds with Thorns all prickly be Must Silk and Down be harsh Must Honey flow With Gall Must Summer Gales bring Ice Snow 196. O what will Treason not presume to doe Which more than all those strange Mutations makes In this own venturous Fact of Judas who Ev'n in this Tie of Love all Friendship breaks Who biteth with his Lips not with his Teeth And strives to Kisse his dearest Lord to death 197. But though Iscariot his own Love betrayes His Lord triumphs beyond all Treachery And doth against the Traytors Hatred raise A Counterwork of heav'nly Lenitie O Mystery of Love though Jesus may Betrayed be no Plots his Grace betray 198. Who teacheth all Succeeding Traytors how To burnish over that foule rankling Brasse Of impudence which arms their sullen Brow To tip Rebellion with meek Lies to grace Their arrogant Treaties with submissive Words Whilst
a gallanter Damnation 251. Didst Thou not promise Me but even now The dearest Torments of thy deepest Hell Deceive me not again If ever thou Wert carefull of thy Credit now fulfill Thy bounteous Word or look no more to be Served by Man if thou reward'st not me 252. Come then burn up these Lipps which learn'd of thee Their killing Kisse Dash out these Brains which thou Taught'st how to project that fell Treachery Tear this curs'd Carkase which is wholly now At thy disposall that each Limb may feel No portion but the totall Wrath of Hell 253. Take this dispairing Soule and let it be The Prey of thy eternall Furies 't is No groundlesse Challenge that as due to Me I claim the utmost of thy Spight unlesse Thou hast thine infinite Debt to Me forgot Jesus and Heav'n into thine hands I put 254. Jesus and Heav'n Names which I now must hate As having made them my eternall Foes O how I long to be in that free state Where generous Blasphemy no Bridle knows Where I may Rage as loud's Heav'ns Thunders 〈◊〉 And being cursed curse for overmore 255. Here the full Tide of furie stopp'd his Throat Yet still He star'd and struggled with his Grief Still he tore off his hair his Breast He smote And through Self-tortures hunted for Relief His Tongue He bit because it would not speak And stamp'd the Earth which would not open break 256. But as the Hair the Fat and Pitch which were Into the Dragons throat by Daniel cast Did burn and boile and rage and tumble there Far more than in the Pot untill at last With most impatient swelling Toiments They 〈◊〉 through his monstrous belly burst their way 257. So did this Mixture of Griefe and Dispair Flame in Iscariots bosome till it grew So strong and big that all his Entrails were Conquer'd with Tortures and in sunder flew His Body split and through that cruell Wound Pour'd his more barbarous Bowells on the Ground 258. Thus from this Prison his black Spirit ran Into that blacker Jaile reserv'd for it Next to the Center of Damnation Where now it raves in chains at Satans feet Ensore'd the pois'nous flames he spews to drink O that all Traytors w ould of Judas think PSYCHE OR LOVES MYSTERIE CANTO XII The Banquet ARGUMENT TO seal his dear Remembrance safe and sure On the soft hearts of his selected Sheep Love institutes his parting Feast so pure So sweet so rich that Psyche rap'd by deep Desire at its Description sues to be A Sharer in that Bords Felicity 1. BUt ô how large a Name is Treason which Doth in another fatall Channel run And from this Universe's Cradle reach Down to its funeral Pile No Ocean E'r stretch'd its Arms so wide or spread such store Of shipwrack'd Mortals on its helplesse shore 2. And this Selfe-treason is an imbred Feind Whose bus'nesse is to undermine her Home Whose most unnatural Nature is to rend Her too too loving Dames unhappy Wombe Who knaws her selfe and with 〈◊〉 Spight Free Veng'ance takes on Luxuries delight 3. For she her selfe is Luxury a Weed Which grew at first in an unlikely Place Who would suspect that such a cursed Seed Should Paradise's blessed Plants disgrace Yet as the Serpent in those Beds did lie So did this full as venomous Luxury 4. Under the beaureous Tree of 〈◊〉 there 〈◊〉 found her first and saw her 〈◊〉 up With 〈◊〉 Zeal and restlesse Pains one 〈◊〉 But dangerous and forbidden Fruit to crop Foole as she was she help'd her up and knew Not that by it her selfe she downward threw 5. Yet She to Adam needs would her commend And He unkindely courteous could not Denie to hugg his Spouses seeming friend Who Death and Hell strait through his bosome shot And now the Dainties of all Paradise Could not his foolish appetite suffice 6. No He must taste of that which never was Design'd to blesse the Palate But the Soure Revengefull Fruit was quit with Him for as It in his Teeth did stick with all the power Of stupefaction them on edge it set Proving his fatal Torment not his Meat 7. Nor could He chuse but leave his wretched Heirs Th' inheritance of this enchanting Pain Which down through all his Generations stayers Fail'd not its propagated Bane to drain This hankering itching liquorishnes did run Hot through the Veins of his remotest Son 8. Which Fervor did betimes so furious grow That the old World on fire with Lust it set A fire which with the heat of Hell did glow And was as stinking and as black as it A fire which joynd with other sinnes grew stout And found the Deluge work to quench it out 9. But then Earths face being washed clean and white She smil'd on Heav'n with a well-pleasing Grace And God vouchsafed humane Appetite A full Commission over all the Race Of Birds of Beasts of Fish that He might see How abstinent Man would prove now being free 10. For generous spirits then doe most abstein When they are Lords of their own Libertie When Virtue is entrusted with the Rein And room is given for Self-victorie When high-straind Moderation may prove No Act of Dutie but a Work of Love 11. Mans Appetite to every thing was free Bating the Blood in which the Life doth swimm Blood is the tincture in which Crueltie Stains all her clothes a tincture for the grimm And salvage Tygres not for Man who is Or should Professor be of Tendernesse 12. Indeed good Noah who both Worlds had seen The Old and New and was more Worth than both Indeavoured to keep himselfe as clean As now the Earth was wash'd And that no sloth Might tempt and steale him into Luxurie Buckled his Bones to painfull Husbandrie 13. And that the Pains He in his Vineyard took Might be requited by the Fruit it bare He shed the Grapes into his Bowle whose Look Might well have been his Monitor to beware Its rubie die had He but understood He would have shunn'd this Liquor too as Blood 14. But as it smil'd and sparkled in his face And mov'd with generous fervor in the Cup The un-suspicious Saint invited was With equal cheerfulnesse to drinke it up So untri'd Pleasures by their daintis skin And sweet behaviour approbation win 15. The flattering Liquor as it downward went Knock'd at his Heart and easie entrance got Where with his Spirits it did complement And soft delicious Fire amongst them put Noah rejoyc'd to feele his bosome glow And his old Ages Ice begin to thaw 16. This Bait drew down another for alas Good Man he little knew that Treacherie In his Soul-cheering Cup infused was Or that his Wine which sparkled e'r would be Destructive flame But Embers often rise Into Combustion when We least surmise 17. He freely takes a second Draught and now The Liquor gather'd strength and grew more bold Impatient to be supprest below Up to his Head it found a way and roll'd About his Brains wherein there 'gan to swimm
no power alone to stand upright Stoop now you see your Saviour on his Knee Who doth sustaine your Being by his might Stoop now you see Him to his Servants bow And the Most-high submit himself 〈◊〉 72. To stand on foolish Terms of 〈◊〉 now Is but to found your glorie on your shame Is it not more illustrious to bow With Jesus then with Lucifer to aime Above your reach O why will Dust forget The place originally due to it 73. But what 's Gods bus'nes at his Servants feet Even to Wash and Wipe them 〈◊〉 O now Stoop lower still lower and lower yet For at the lowest you are not so 〈◊〉 As He the 〈◊〉 King who here Hath made himself a 〈◊〉 Minister 74. When Jesus by his Water ciensed had Hir Servants seet and by his Grace their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what Preparation must be made By all who ever mean to have their Parts In his pure 〈◊〉 down he sits again And them with 〈◊〉 doth entertain 75. The Ends of sumptuous Banquets use to be Crown'd with most soveraign Varieties Which may the Convives learned Luxurie With deep and new found Ravishment surprise And Jesus would not have this Supper want That costly Point of Princely Complement 76. Indeed the Supper which They now had eat Into the Belly its direct way took Where in the Kitchin of poor Mortall Meat It was committed unto Heat to Cook And Heats best skill could onely dresse it 〈◊〉 To feed the Body which contained it 77. But Christs 〈◊〉 Designe was now With such a royall Feast to blesse the Bord As might make Spirits fat and healthfull grow And thriving Nutriment to Soules afford Such Nutriment as might full power give Unto his Guests eternally to live 78. In his Almighty Hand he took the Bread And pour'd his plenall Blessing upon it Never on any but his own dear Head Such potent Benediction did sit Indeed it was that Blessings Echo and Bounded upon his Body in his Hand 79. For having broke that Bread He reached it To his Disciples saying Take and eat This is my Body broke for You and let My dear Remembrance live in this your Meat But Jesu's Feast must not be drie for Wine Equall to this high Dainties He doth joyne 80. He takes the Cup and Drink Yee all of this It is my Blood of the new Testument Says He which shed and freely given is To wash the Sins of all that will repent As often as you of this Chalice drink Of Me your liberall Redeemer think 81. Sweet Jesu ô how can thy World forget Their royall 〈◊〉 and his 〈◊〉 who Upon their Tables his own Self hath 〈◊〉 Who in their holy Cups fails not to flow And in their Dishes lie Did ever Friend So 〈◊〉 a Token of his Love 〈◊〉 82. Infallibly there dost Thou flow and lie Though Mortall Eyes discover no such thing Quick sighted Faith reads all the Mystery And humble pious Soules doth easily bring Into the Wonders 〈◊〉 and there Makes all the 〈◊〉 of this Truth 〈◊〉 83. She generously dares on God relie And trust his Word how strange soe'r it 〈◊〉 If Jesus once pronounces This is my Body and Blood Far far be it cries She That I should think my dying Lord would 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in his 〈◊〉 of Drink and 〈◊〉 84. His Word is most Omnipotent and He Can doe what e'r He says and more than I Can or would understand What is 't to me If He 〈◊〉 Humane Capacitie Surely it well becomes Him so to doe Nor were He God if He could not doe so 85. Let Him say what He will I must denie Him to be God or else Beleeve his Word Me it concerneth not to verifie What He proclaims I onely must afford Meek Credit and let Him alone to make Good whatsoever He is 〈◊〉 to speak 86. Grosse and unworthy Spirits sure They be Who of their Lord such mean Conceptions 〈◊〉 That parting from his dearest Consorts He No Token of his Love did leave with Them But simple Bread and Wine a likely thing And well-becoming Heav'ns magnificent King 87. A likely Thing that when the susty blood Of Bulls and Goars cannot wash Sin away The Blood of Grapes should with a stronger Flood 〈◊〉 over whelm and drown the Worlds 〈◊〉 O no such Virtue in no Blood can dwell But that which through the Veins of God did thrill 88. Ask me not then How can the thing be done 〈◊〉 power of Sense or Reason can 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 are what Demonstration 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as this My God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if you once can prove that He can lie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 too I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 89. What thank is it that you can credit that Which your own sense and Reasons eye reads plain Heavn's much to them beholden who will not Beleeve it higher is than they can strein Who jealous are of God and will not be Induce'd to trust him further than they see 90. And yet had you these modest eyes of mine You in this gloomie Cloud would see the Sun That Sun who wisely doth disdain to shine On Those who with bold Prying presse upon His secret Majestie which plainly I Because I make no anxious search descrie 91. This is the valorous Resolution Of Gallant Faith and this will serve to be The blessed Rule by which all those will run Who are the Scholars of Humilitie Yet I must tell thee Psyche itching Pride Will not hereafter thus be satisfied 92. A thousand waspish Syllogismes will Be buzzing from the Mouthes of those who build Their ground works of Religion on the skill Which they for granted take their brains has fild Till Quaeries Doubts Distinctions Niceties First grow to Schismes and then to Heresies 93. Needs will they prie into the Manner how This mystick Miracle to passe was brought And madly being not content to know What Christ thought fit to teach them study out They know not what and make this banquet prove A Sacrament of war and not of love 94. Some peep too neer and spie what is not there Some carelesly take what is there away Some will confesse no Miracle for fear That should prove Consequential which they Would not have so and that themselves should be Forc'd to acknowledge more than they can see 95. Some sift Existence Substance Accidents And make the Laws of Aristotle be The Umpiers in Religion Thus the Rents Which Art strives to sew up in Pietie By that unworthy clownish Needle are Onely made wider than before they were 96. O happy world if all would once agree In that which Jesus hath so plainly taught If those short Words might but sincerely be Imbraced and no more in question brought If for the Manner they would trust their Lord And for the Substance take Him at his Word 97. For Heav'n its faithfull wheel shall sooner turn And backward hale the Sun into the East The Northern Polar Bear shall sooner burn And Siriu's mouth be sealed up with Frost The Earth into the
Scorns to be balanc'd with the richest Treasure O then what mighty Depth of Worth or Height Of purest Pretiousnesse can serve to measure The value of the Life of Jesus which Doth earth with all the best of Heav'n enrich 29. A Life more worth than all the Breath which 〈◊〉 The panting Hearts of the whole World beside More worth than all the Tract of Ages and Old 〈◊〉 himself A Life which nobly vie'd With vast 〈◊〉 so sweet immense And pure was its Miraculous Excellence 30. For whilst all Humane Life was by the Breath Of the contagious Serpent tainted So That by the rankling Principles of Death It from its Cradie was condemn'd unto Its Herse He 's kept unsteind and scorned all The gaping Graves Pleas for his Funerall 31. Yet this dear Life of his he held lesse dear Than worthlesse men so generous was his Love That He his own Hearts Blood could freely spare To ransome theirs desiring so to prove Ev'n by their own Souls Rule that they to Him More dear than his all pretious Self did seem 32. They and the worst of them for he did not Pick out some worthy Freinds for whose sweet sake His Life 〈◊〉 was content to offer but Ev'n for his 〈◊〉 that dear Oblation make 〈◊〉 was Leves highest Gallantrie and fit For Him who was the Mighty King of it 33. This was the brave Exploit which Phylax now To ravish Psyche's Heart meant to display For though the bus'nesse she before did know Yet t was at Distance Circumstances may Make deep Impression and the present Sceen Of Miracles more Admiration win 34. Besides he knew her Soule was fired now With noble vigour from the Heav'nly Bord And would delight to towre and travell through The 〈◊〉 wonders of her loving Lord. This made him bring her from the sacred Cave When by the holy Kisse Sh 'had took her leave 35. Then up he leads her unto Calvarie The Hill of Marveils that that Prospect might Yeild her with uncontrolled Libertie Of Loves chief stations an open sight And there arriv'd Mark now my Deer said He What further Wonders Jesus did for thee 36. Wert Thou enthroned on the proudest Hill Which on the glorious Back of Heav'n doth rise Thou couldst not with a nobler spectacle Feast the brave Hunger of thy wondering Eyes Than from this Mountains most renowned Head Thou by my Finger and my Tongue shalt read 37. In yonder street of Ruines once there stood The High-preist Anna's House but Caiaphas Who was his Sonne by Marriage not by Blood Unlesse joynt thirst of guiltlesse Blood may passe For 〈◊〉 His Dwelling had Where now thou see'st that Heap of rubbish made 38. Those Caytiffs who had in the Garden seiz'd Upon thy Lord to Annas hull'd him first To see what Censure his grave spight was pleas'd To passe on Him for whom it long did thirst But He with cruel Favour Him dismist Unto his Sonne the bolder bloodier Priest 39. Thus through the 〈◊〉 and Scorn to 〈◊〉 Is Jesus sed He smil'd within to see With what successe his Bargain crowned was And thought his Money well bestow'd which He To 〈◊〉 gave Yet in his Face and Eye He still maintain'd his Priestly 〈◊〉 40. So hast thou seen a Lyon cast his Eye Upon his harmlesse Prey with grave Disdaine As if he could afford to passe it by Whilst He his greedy Paws can scarce contein Or with his Teeth bite in their own Des Of Blood so certain is his salvage Ire 41. Like one who jealous was of Peace and Law He calls Him to account and asks Him why He strove Disciples after Him to draw And with his new-found Doctrine multiplie Sects in the Church and 〈◊〉 in the State Both which religious Loyaltie must hate 42. Such Impudence upon Sinnes face doth reign That whilst the Laws of Heav'n and Earth she breaks She dares on Innocence throw her own stein And in high Zealloud exclamations make Against all Innovations which on Them Shee chargeth for whose blood her Thirst doth flame 43. Thy Lord well understood his vain Demand And why said He requir'st Thou this of me Loe my Accusers crowd on either hand Who in their spight against Me all agree My Doctrine publick was Hear then what 〈◊〉 Against Me now I challenge Them can say 44. Tin no Conventicles Cloysters did Shrowd any Lessons that I meant to preach The Synagogue and Temple witnessed And so did they Themselves what I did teach My Gospel it concern'd the World to know And from my Lips in publick it did flow 45. This said A 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 by First bent his angrie Brow and 〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉 With which at Jesu's Face his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Crying Bold fellow can Goas 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 no 〈◊〉 Answer Now we see What 〈◊〉 of Manners grow 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 46. Wouldst 〈…〉 The 〈…〉 For how 〈…〉 〈…〉 who though He 〈◊〉 This 〈…〉 Can yet approve himself both 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 47. But hear what from the Lambs Mouth Meekness spok If in my Answer any Crime there be Accuse Me Thou and let the High-priest look That legall Justice be perform'd on Me If not before the face of Justice Seat Why dost Thou mine injuriously beat 48. Soft was this Answer but their Breasts were Stone And beat it back The unrelenting Priest With all the Scribes and Elders joyn'd in one Conspiracy of Haste their Projects cast To hire False-witnesse as before they bought That Treason which Him Pris'ner thither brought 49. Is this the reverend Sanhedrim which here Hunts for a Lie that Truth may not escape Must grosse Injustice poyson Mose's Chair Must bloody Spight put on Religions shape No wonder if the People forward be To tread their Leaders Stepps to Injury 50. Whole Troops of Witnesses came thronging in With thicker Articles When Rulers dare Once egg the Vulgar on to act that sin In which Themselves cannot for shame appear Bold Calumnie thinks Law is on her side And with all furious Impudence doth ride 51. But this rude Rout were younglins yet and raw Knights of the Post and had not conn'd their Lie With wary Art As yet They did not know What need they had of perfect Memory This made each one of Them accuse his Brother Whilst all their Stories jarr'd on One another 52. Yet They must not be chidden whose Intent Aim'd onely at the Publike Good least this Should unto others prove Discouragement Who might urge Articles with more Successe Alas those Men were well-affected but Quite out of Count'nance by the Court were put 53. Their honest Meaning by the Sanbedrim Is kindely constru'd and with Thanks requited That others might with subtler Art to trim Their fairer Accusations be invited For still the patient Court expects to see Who will the next Calumniators be 54. But when the first Miscarriage did dismay All other Lyars Satan who stood by Quick as his Thought snatch'd unto Hell his way To fetch some help leasts the Priests Villany And his great Hopes should intercepted
And that he ment upon the Aires high back To shew himselfe in State to Us but now His Crosse is all the Chariot he can show 316. He often bragg'd that God was his great Sire How is it then his Father owns Him not Sure were He worth the owning all the Quire Of Heav'n would hither Flock to hide this Blot Of his broad Shame with their pure Wings bear Him hence in triumph to his native Sphear 317. Shame on your Blasphemies you shamelesse Rout Of Priests and People Jesus aimeth not To save Himselfe but You who sting and flout His noble Patience He has not forgot That in his Soveraign Hands and Fingers still The whole Train of Omnipotence doth dwell 318. For those Almighty Hands he stretcheth out And busie is in working your Salvation He could Come down but stayes till he has wrought That mighty Act of his victorious Passion He could come down but stayes till he may draw Up after Him this groveling World below 319. He could come down did you not fix Him there Not with your Nails but with your stronger Sins He could come down were his own Life as dear To him as yours But on his Wrongs he winns And by all resolute Love strives to prevail Against all Spight and Rage which him 〈◊〉 320. O Psyche cruell were those Scoffs but yet More stinging Scorn then this is still behinde For now the very Theeves upon him spit Their odious Taunts and seem in Him to finde What their vile Soules amidst the Miseries Of their own cursed Crosses dare despise 321. Ink scorns the Snow foule Night accuseth Day The dirty Puddle mocks the virgin Spring Dark Shades contemn the Suns meridian Ray Black Night-ravens call the Swan a swarthy Thing Ignoble Bats revile the Eagles Eyes And Hell it selfe insults o'r Paradise 322. Art thou that mighty Christ said they and yet Hang'st here the Game of all Contempt and Spight Can Heav'ns great Son his Selfe so far forget As rather to endure to Die then fight Discredit not by yeilding cowardly The Lord of Hosts if he thy Father be 323. Come justifie that royal Title there Which now but laughs at thine ignoble Head Approve thy Selfe King of the Jews and fear Not to redeem thy Fame and Life But spread Thy Favour too on Us that under Thee The Soveraign We may glorious Nobles be 324. For since in these thy deep Misfortunes We Of all thy World thy sole Companions are We well in your restor'd Prosperity May promise our Desert the deepest share So spake the Theeves and then they roar'd for Pain But quickly fell to scoffe and curse again 325. And shall not Heav'ns Artillery now attend Its wronged King and vindicate his Cause Can Earth hear this and not in sunder rend Snatching these Elves into her deepest Jaws No Jesus now no Veng'ance doth approve But that of patient and Silent Love 326. Sweet Veng'ance which so strongly wrought upon One of this loud blaspheming Pair that he Converts his Curses to Devotion And prompts his Fellow unto Piety Rebuking sharply his malitious Tongue Which still persu'd his Lord with shameless Wrong 327. Then like a wise and sober Theif indeed He seeks to steal into his Saviours grace O King of Heav'n he cries I plainly read Thy Majesty though in thy clounded Face Sure Thou hast taught mine Eyes this skill ô then Compleat this Mercy which Thou hast begun 328. When in thy Kingdome Thou shalt mounted be Upon thy Throne of Glory ô forger Those Wrongs which ignorant I did poure on Thee On Thee the God of Innocence but yet Forget not Me who must for ever die Unlesse repreived by thy Clemencie 329. Jesus whose Goodnesse never did disdain 〈◊〉 hear and answer a meek Sinners Crie Though his provoked Lips he did refrain Amidst those thick Storms of loud Blasphemie With gracious Sweetnes doth Assurance give Unto the Dying Theif that he shall live 330. Fear not said He thy Death is drawing nie But it shall prove the Gate of Life to Thee My Word the Pillar of all Certainty I freely pass Thou from that cursed Tree Shalt step this Day to Paradise and there Under the Bowers of Blisse with Me appear 331. The Preists and People laugh'd and scoff'd to hear Him talk of giving Blisse who hung in Pain Blinde Fools who could not now discern how clear His Power shin'd which thus its Prize could gain Out of Hells Mouth with Loves sweet constreint Make of a Cursing Theif a Praying Saint 332. By this deer Token He to every one Of them aforehand did their Pardon seal If they would doe what the meeke Theif had done And to his Grace with penitent hearts appeal But most unhappy They this deep Designe Of Love did obstinately countremine 333. Profoundly did this Scorn of Mercy tear Thy Spouses most compassionate Breast But He Observing now his dearest Followers there The Mother of Him and Virginitie With faithfull John a keen and double Dart Of fresh Greif shot quite through his bleeding Heart 334. For in his Mothers tender Soule he saw That cruel Sword stuck deep which Simeon Foretold so long agoe The Virgin now Who at the first brought forth her blessed Son Whithout all Pangs doth in hard Labour strein And pays her Debt of puerperiall Pain 335. O how the Bowels of her yearning Heart Are tent and torn her hands her feet her head All bear their proper Torments and no Part Can say To me these Sorrows doe not spread For from her Sons deer Body every Wound Doth on her sympathetik Self rebound 336. Her Temples are with thick-set Thorns hedg'd in Nail'd unto Tortures are Her dainty Feet Tatter'd and mangled is Her tender Skin Her Flesh plow'd up Her veins wide open set And all her modest Body to the view Exposed is of every shameless Jew 337. On Her those Jeers and Taunts and Blasphemies Their venome pour and swell with Greif her Breast That Breast which noble Love so straitly ties And coments to her Sons that not the least Division can interpose nor make This Double One themselves for single take 338. If She had in her other Self if she In Mary had been Crucifi'd the Crosse Had tolerable been but thus to be Destroy'd in Jesus is so vast a Loss That Mari's swallow'd up in it and this Calamitie becomes both Hers and His. 339. Her Hope her Joy her Life her Love her Blisse Her Heav'n her Son her God all these She now Beholds betrayed to her Enemies And what has Mary more How shall she row Through this vast Sea which in each gaping Wave Presents her ô how much more than a Grave 340. As oft as to the Crosse she opes her Eyes Death rusheth in Yet she as oft doth Die As unto their Compassion she denies That ruefull Spectacle If Psyche I Or Thou or any Seraph had been so Beseig'd with Soveraign Griess What could We do 341. What could we doe but sink Yet noble she Struggling amidst a
thousand Deaths at last Snatch'd from her mighty Losses Victory Whilst at the feet of Gods great Will she cast Her own as gallant Abraham when He Preferr'd before his Isaac Pietie 342. Yet what was Isaac unto Jesus ô With how much dearer Prize did Mary part Though Isaac pretious was He could no so Profoundly be ingrav'd in Abrahams Heart As Jesus in his Mothers yet is She Content of her Hearts Heart depriv'd to be 343. O heav'nly Mother never Agonie Was more heroick than was this of thine Excepting that of thy great Son when He His humble Patience did prove Divine Decorum 't was that Thou should'st tread alone The hardest Steps of Glory next thy Son 344. But Psyche though this Amazon of Love So stoutly fought yet John who stood by her Was of a weaker Metall far and strove With lesse Successe the Passion to bear He strove a while but at the last poor Saint As Griefe became outragious he grew faint 345. For when his loving Eyes beheld that Breast Upon whose Sweets his Head was wont to lie And those dear Arms which us'd to hug him fast And chain him unto Blisse The Tyranny Which now possessed them soon overthrew His tender Heart and all his Comforts slew 346. Jesus observ'd them Both and saw how she Although her Pain and Sorrow greater were Yet made them bow unto her Will how He Suffer'd his lesser Griefe to domineer Over his wounded Soule and seeing this Felt what he saw in Both for Both were His. 347. He felt their Tortures but with deeper sense Then they themselves and more Excesse of Pain His Soule being temper'd to all Excellence Of dainty Softnesse which did entertain Ev'n in its Bowells every Torments Darts He spi'd in any of his Spouses Hearts 348. Witnesse his bounteous Care before he dies ' To cheer them by a pretious Legacy His noble Mother far above all price Ev'n in that dearest of Relations he Bequeaths to John and John to her again That in his stead her Son he might remain 349. Sweet Legacie where though the Mother be The richer Gift considered alone Yet is the Balance equaly Now Iohn's inhanced by the Name of Son For that high Name intitles him to be No lesse than Jesu's priviledg'd Deputy 350. A long-long Houre had now run out since by His weeping Wounds the King of Mercy hung Yet all this while from the hard Peoples Eye Not one drop of Compassion he had wrung This made the Sun though on his high-noon Throne Fear his own Eyes had not their duty done 351. But looking wistly He perceived how Men had exiled all Humanity This Sight upon his face a Blush did throw In shame and horror at the Prodigie He blush'd and shut his royall Eyes and hurld More than Cimmeria all about the World 352. In mourning Weeds the heav'nly Sphears at last Upon their dying Master will attend And with no gaudy Tire of Light be drest Now all the Powers of Hell and Darknesse bend Their uncontrolled spight in Him to damp All other Lights divine original Lamp 353. The Aire was frighted at this monstrous Change When Midnight seized upon highnoon Day Marching with Apparitions and strange Phantomes of duskie fire in fierce array Whilst every hollow Winde which passed by Bemoan'd with sad Groans this Calamity 354. The lesser Sparks of Heav'n all started as Their sudden priviledge who now might view The open face of Noon not knowing what Had thrown upon the Sun his Sable Hue With doubting twinckling Eyes on him they gaze Seeing him down yet in his highest Place 355. Each gentle fair-condition'd Bird and Beast Hi'd them unto their Nests and Dens for fear Onely some ominous Ravens and Scritchowles prest With Beasts of Prey Night through the black Aire And fit Companions for these Jews they were Who in all Horridnesse their Brethren are 356. Frights and Dismays walk'd not so thick upon The face of Egypt when 't was buried In a strange three-days Night as now they run Both there and here for every where they spread Having as large a Circle as the Sun Who now from all the World at once was gone 357. The grave Astronomers who with Phoebus were Of old 〈◊〉 and knew all his Gistes His way his Jnns his Hosts and whersoe're His restles Coach in his bright path 〈◊〉 Wonder'd what sudden Monster did arise And rob him of his Locks and of his Eyes 358. 'T is plain the Moon was innocent for She Knew not the buis'nes being far away No less than Halfe the Heav'ns Immensitie Betwixt Hers and Her Brothers Station lay For whilst He flourish'd in the perfect height Of Day She groveled in the Depth of Night 359. But grant by some portentuous Wheel She from Her proper Place was whirl'd thus farr away Yet how could her poor Bulk usurp the Room Of His vast flames and damm up all the Day Sure Phoebus scorns that Her small Blot should rob The totall Beautie of his mighty Globe 360. O No 〈◊〉 was a larger Blot than so A Blot in which all Blackness did combine A Blot which no Comparison doth know A Blot made up of every foulest Sinn A Blot as hideous as profound and wide As Impudence could make 't was Deicide 361. No wonder now Heav'n would no longer be Beheld those who did its King destroy That Phoebus his less reverend Majestie Deny'd to them whose onely work and joy Was to eclipse and quench that Soveraign Sunn Whose open Eyes His durst not gaze upon 362. And yet this Darkness a faint Copie was Of that more monstrous Pitch which stuck upon The Eyes and Hearts of the blind Jews Alas This Prodigies stern Admonition Could not awake their Thoughts to search and see How Heav'n was frighted at their Crueltie 363. The itching Wit of their immortall Spight Draws every Thing into new B lasphemie Behold say They the most audacious Might Of His insufferable Witcherie Whilst other Wizards onely on the Moon Or Starrs throw Darkness He choaks up the Sun 364. But now the Ninth Houre of the Day drew on And brought the last Act of this Tragedie Along with it that Houre in which alone More Horrors than 〈◊〉 Agese'r did see In one Consp 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 met And in Array themselves all armed set 365. His other 〈◊〉 but faint Praeludiums were Which onely gathering Clouns did overspred But now the Tempest in its full Carrieer Broke down and sous'd directly on his head JESUS was now encompass'd with the Stream And ev'n into his Soul the Waters came 366. The Waters of that dismall Cup which He Both fear'd and lov'd eschew'd and chose to Drink The fatall Dreggs of Wrath and Misery Of every black and dreadfull Thing the Sink A Dead Sea unto which Gomorrha's Lake Compar'd would wholsome Milk and Hony speak 367. Heav'ns Justice who had with a constant Eye Observ'd all Tribes of Men and noted down Each little Slip each broad Impiety With all the Trappings Time and Place had thrown
ward whether He is gone Who stamp'd them heer their Eys will know no Lid But make the Beams recoil the Rafters run Aside and suffer no Concameration To damm the way of Jesu's Exaltation 291. Thus Psyche have I made thee trace thy Lord To his last footsteps through a thousand ways All set with Mercie and made good my Word Thou seest how He a countermure doth raise Against Sinns Battery and thou needst not fear Hells Spight now Heav'n for thee doth take such care 392. Nor durst I doubt but thine owne Heart will say This thy long Pilgrimage is well requited Which hath presented thee a full Display Of that wherewith all Angells are delighted Whose Souls then with sublimest Joy do leap When on these Mysteries of Love they peep 293. Their Harness heer upon his Steeds he threw Who all this while were feeding on the Hill The meaning of that warning Psyche knew And on her knee prayd him to tarry till She gave the Reins to her Devotion As other Pilgrims unto theirs had done 294. He smil'd and stayd But She flat on her face Innumerable Kisses heap'd upon The venerable Stepps and long it was Before her amorous Sighs and Tears had done At length her Bosome with the Dust she fill'd And cri'd Go thou and my foul Body gild 295. Then casting up to Heav'n her zealous Eye After her Spouse a thousand Thoughts she sent To whom her panting Soul strove hard to flie Upon the Wings of her high Ravishment But when she felt her self stick still to Earth Fresh Tears at first and then these Words brake forth 296. Why may my Heart not be where most it is O Thou my dearest Life ô Jesu why Since Thou art mounted to the Topp of Bliss And leav'st Me Dead have I not leave to Die Never was any Ghost but I till now In its own Body bound and chaind below 297. I by thy Cross and Death was wholly slain And by thy Resurrections Life I grew Alive and safe and vigorous again But thy Ascension doth my Death renew Since nothing of my Life poor I can finde But these bare footsteps left Me heer behinde 298. Sweet Lord by these thy Psyche cannot live Though for thy Sake they pretious are to Me O no! their Worth doth but more reason give To long for most inestimable Thee If any footstepp Me can satisfie It must be that which next thy foot doth lie 299. Hast Thou not said that Earth thy Footstool is As well as Heav'n thy Throne O mighty Lord 'T will be thy Handmaydes most accomplish d Blisse If thou but unto Me make'st good that Word Loe I thy Dust the Footstool crave to be Of thy now Heav'n-enthroned Majesty 300. High my Petition is and bold I know And yet the worthlesse Dew must needs aspire To Heav'n it selfe when once it gins to glow With Phoebu's sweet and most attracting Fire Nor can the Spark in its dull Ashes lie But must have leave to venture at the Skie 301. Alas what is this weary World to Me What are the silver Sphears and golden Sun Could I reign Queen of every Thing I see At my sole Nod would all Earths Kindreds ran What were this Empire worth now Thou art gone Whom Psyche must esteem her Crown alone 302. 'T is not thy heav'nly Paradise that I Ambitious am to see 't is not thy Court Of Angels though by Phylax's company I guesse their Worth 't is not the Pomp and Port That flows about thy throne Nor doe I long To dance unto thy Quires eternal Song 303. My Heart doth pant for Thee and onely Thee And could'st Thou be in Hell I never more Would loose a Looking up to Heav'n but be Inamored of that Abysse and poure My Longings and my Labours downward till I at thy Feet my Vows and Soule could spill 304. O why art Thou so infinitely sweet Or rather Why must We that Sweetnesse know If Thou deer Jesu dost not think it meet Unto our Fires their 〈◊〉 to allow Away Thou flyest and Forsaken We Ev'n by thy sweets and Blisse tormented be 305. How can I help this my excessive Passion Or how can it deserve these Torments Since Thine own Love doth professe Immoderation And guilty is of boundlesse influence In which soft Sea of Fire whilst drown'd I am What can I doe but burn with answering Flame 306. Blame Me not blessed Lord it is not I But Thou thy Selfe rebounding from my Heart Who beat'st Heav'n with this Importunity And call'st for Ease for my mysterious Smart Had'st Thou by Love not stampd thy Selfe upon My Soule now Psyche had let Thee alone 307. Remembet Jesu what it is to be Forsaken ô remember thine own Crie When in thy Desolation on the Tree Thy Father Thou didst challenge May not I Use thine own Words My God my God why now Dost Thou thy desolate Psyche leave below 308. Upon this Olivet my Calvary I finde and to my Crosse am nailed here Ten thousand Torments in my Bosome lie And full as many Thorns as planted were Upon thy Tempels in my Heart doe stick Where all the Bowels of my Soule they prick 309. O Love why must thine onely Tyranny The Bounds of other Cruelties exceed Why will it not allow the Courtesie Of Death unto thy Vassals who are Dead By its reviving Slaughters and desire To be free Holocausts in thy sweet Fire 310. Her Passion here beyond expression grew Yet though She with her Tongue no more could speak With her resolved Eyes to Heav'n she flew And there a long Oration did make Both long and fluent in th' exuberance Of Tears the streams of strongest Eloquence 311. But Phylux having to Her tender Heart Thus far indulg'd thought fit to stop Her here Psyche said He imagin not Thou art Inamored more than the Disciples were Of thy Ascended Lord yet desolate They Warn'd by the 〈◊〉 meekly went away 312. I in their room that Warning give to Thee On Heav'n why dost Thou naile thine eyes in vain Thy Saviour is too high for Thee to see Till on a Cloud He posteth back again Then shalt Thou look thy Fill of Blisse and be To all thy Loves Extremities let free 313. Mean while thine Adorations and Imbraces On his dear Name and Memory thou mayst poure Come le ts away that by these signal places Of Mercies Triumphs thy soft Heart no more May tortured be Here on her hand he laid His own and raised up the heavie Maid 114. Then in his Chariot gently Her he set Who on the Footsteps kept her hankering eye But instantly he mov'd his reins to let His Coursers know he gave them liberty Forth with their goodly mains in answer They Shook in proud hast and gallopped away PSYCHE OR LOVES MYSTERIE CANTO XV. The Poyson ARGUMENT LEaving his Psyche carefull Phylax arms With whole some sage Advice her tender breast Yet shee the Venome of Heretick Charms And Spurious Reasons wiles could not resist Phylax returns and in his
streams let flow Which his tempestuous grief did thither blow 108. And now his Lips no more had power to speak In Zealous Kisses He does them imploy He kiss'd the Soile where once that Blood did reek Which all the Earths Redemption did pay And every Kisse did new Desire beget Of more affectionate Imbracing it 109. Psyche observing his sweet Passion swell With such Devotion soon forgot her own And with the Stranger in such love she fell That at his feet her self she bowed down She bowed down and little thought that then She stoop'd to enter the forbidden Gin. 110. But as the wary Seaman when He spies The amiable Mermaid floating nie Turns from the dangerous Bait his jealous Eyes Hoiseth his sail up and his Oars doth plie So this Devoto seeing Psyche there Confess'd and fortifi'd his holy fear 111. For starting at the unexpected sight Shield me my blessed Guardian said He Satan who doth with everlasting spight Disturb the Course of Zealous Piety Hath to facilitate my molestation In this fair Damosell sent me my Temptation 112. But whosoe'r thou art goe seek thy Prey Where rampant Lust in furious Bonfires reigns Thy Beauties Lustre must not thaw its way Thorow my tame and now long-cooled veins How know I but thou art some fair dress'd Feind To make Me foule and here Himself He sign'd 113. Ravish'd with this Religious Jealousie Sweet Sir said Psyche I was hither come Upon that errand which your Piety Hath here dispatched in that very room I purpos'd my devoted sighs to blow And make mine Eyes their liquid Dutie know 114. My bounteous Lord took my Intent I see For actual Deed and hath rewarded it He knew no blessing would more welcome be Unto my Heart then this which here I met And this art Thou in whom I plainly read The love of Him of whom my soul is Head 115. I heard thy holy Sighs and hearty Grones As towards Heav'n from thy Sweet Breast they flew I heard thy generous Lamentations And by those zealous Characters I knew That Jesus had by his Soule-conquering Dart Engrav'd Heav'ns best impression on thy Heart 116. I thank Thee that thou wert of Me afrayd For much I reverence that pious fear Yet be assured thou hast met a Maid In whom no Embers of black fervor are No no my Heart will no such Guests allow For it too well doth Aphrodisim know 117. Indeed I might have been what you suspected Foule Satans Agent and a feind of Hell Had our deer Lord the care of Me neglected And not seal'd sure on mine his blessed Will And so might'st Thou had He not spread above Thy helplesse head the Banner of his Love 118. That Love which wheresoe'r I finde it shine Doth humble Reverence from my heart command Wonder not at my Case but make it thine And think how thou could'st shun or how withstand Thy Charming Self If I immodest be Like Love will pardon Loves Immodestie 119. Yet 't is no Boldnes to admire the Sunn To love the starrs and what more lovely is Their Sovercign and ours what I have done To Thee great Jesus gave me leave to his Own Self to doe Wherefore no more admire That I grow warm now I come neer thy fire 120. My Warmth is pure as is its spring in thee I mix'd it not at all with other fires And onely on thy Zealous Pietie I feast the Hunger of my chaste Desires I am a stranger here and hither come On Loves deer businesse from my British Home 121. But in this Land of Holinesse I meet Such deer Remembrances of Heav'n that I Desire my native Albion to forget And where my Saviour did both live and die Me thinks I heer am neerest Him who is Whither I live or die mine onely Blisse 122. Yet some Acquaintance and Companion I Would gladly gain with whom my foul might live In holy freindships sweet society And mutual Heats of Zeal from Him receive Heav'n puts you in my way and if you be What you appear you will be kinde to Me. 123. This said sometimes to Him her pleading Eye Sometimes to Heav'n She turn'd and by that mute But most mysterious Importunity Sollicited her earnest bashfull suit Urging by this her yeelding silence more Strong Arguments than she had spoke before 124. Mov'd with her soft Expressions and her Tears For these flow'd out as thick and sweet as they The Man gives credit unto both and cheers His clowded Looks and cries O happy Day Which hast discover'd unto Me a Breast Of Heav'ns pure dove the chaste unspotted Nest. 125. Pardon dear Stranger pardon my Mistake And be no longer in that Name to me What recompence I can I vow to make To thy misprised slandered Pietie I at thy bounteous Offer catch and will Both thy Desire and mine own Joyes fulfill 126. Rare are those friends as Birds of Paradise In this unworthy world but seldome seen Whose Harts in one no other Cement ties But heav'nly Zeal and Love and had I been As good as I am vile thy Offer were Worthy to be unto my Soule most deer 127. If by the royall Law of our great Lord Pretious in our esteem our Foes must be O what Embraces must We then afford To them who Us out vie in Charitie Come gentle Soule and this chaste Token take That to thy Wish my heart I pliant make 128. Here by an Holy Kisse for that of old The Symbole was of Christian Consent He seal d his Words then reverently took hold Of her right Hand and down the Mountain went Leading Her to his Dwelling whither she Went cheerly on fearing no Treacherie 129. Into the Vulturs Nest thus slies the Dove Thus to the smiling Shelfs the Ship doth run The stranger thus to the enchanted Grove Goes for delight Thus to the fatal Den Of the fair tongu'd Hyoena skips the Lamb The Childe thus leaps into the playing flame 130. Come to his House Authades for his Name Was so pray's Psyche not to take it ill That since she in a busy season came His sacred Office He did first fulfill Before on her He waited But said He The work though great will soon dispatched be 131. In his eighth journey Phoebus now did run Since his first-born Authades did enjoy Who by the rule of his Religion Was bound to circumcise the Childe that Day Which with a consecrated knife of stone He did and gave his own name to his Son 132. The Infants Wound the softer heart did slay Of Psyche who strait wrep'd and knock'd her breast And then with indignation turn'd away But cunning He perceiving how his Guest Dis-rellished her welcome to her stepp'd And 〈◊〉 first demanded why shee weep'd 133. In sullen silence she made her Replie Compos'd of Frowns and of compleat disdain Till forc'd by his milde Importunitie She gave her angry Tongue a liberal Rein Shame on my credulous Love which thus said she Bewithc'd me to the Den of Heresie 134. Are you
Frand uncase 241. But as away he sneaked Psyches ' Friend More swift than flies the Eagle to her Prey The whining Aire with sprightfull Wings did rend And shot himselfe through the directest way To his dear Charge for whom his Heart did quake As knowing well what Tempests hers did shake 242. For by Loves faithfull Sympathie though he About his other work far distant were He still preserv'd a soft Vicinitie With Psyche's Soule and felt each wound which there Sophistick Darts had made though foolish she Perceived not her sugered Miserie 243. At his approach for joy the Virgin wept Not thinking that those tears to shame were due Syneidesis still in her bosome slept And her unto her self forbore to shew She to her own Breast was more stranger than The Tartar to the AEthiopian 244. But Phylax almost out of breath for hast Suck'd in fresh spirits and then demanded who It was that gather'd up his heels so fast And fled from his approach If he had no Cause of his flight but me 't is meet that I Said he suspect him for you Enemy 245. No sure replyed Psyche for nor I Nor Logos could discover ought but love He freely taught Us many a veritie And what he undertook did cleerly prove Some sudden busines snatch'd him hence not fear Of you whom doubtles He doth hold most dear 246. Phylax who knew Him and Authades too The total matter gently sifted out And wrought upon his Pupils softnes so That his design He subtly brought about For full confession from her charmed tongue Of both her Doctors Principles he wrung 247. But then He groand and smote his pittying Breast And fixed upon Hers his speaking eye By which the mixed language He exprest Of Love and Wrath of Hope and Jealousy And by this Prologue setting ope the door He from his Lips his troubled Minde did poure 248. Left I my charge ô Psyche to the Winde When hence I took my journey or to thee If in my dearest Cabinet thy Minde I my advice depos'd why must it be That the weak breath of any Charmer Thou Dost meet that holy Pawn away may blow 249. My heart mis-gave me when away I went Or rather when with thine I left it here Full well thou knowst what earnest pains I spent To arm thy tender Soule with sacred fear O why with foolish confidence would'st thou Disarm thy self and make room for the blow 250. That blow which struck so deep into thy breast That if some soveraign Balsame makes not speed If strait thy wounded Bosome be not drest If Heav'n be not as quick new life to shed Into thy Soule as Hell was to betray It unto Death this is thy fatal Day 251. Alas those Doctrines onely Poisons were Squeez'd from the dregs of the infernal Pit Less Pestilential those Venoms are Which desperate Basilisks and Vipers spit Nor Aphrodisiu's nor Agenor's tongue With such sure bane thy careless Bosome stung 252. Canst thou ô Psyche thus thy Lord repay For all the Treasures of his Love which He Into thy poor heart poured day by day Canst thou rob Jesus of his Deitie And tear Him from his Throne whil'st royall He His heav'nly Kingdome doth prepare for thee 253. Pert Logos here no longer Patience had But setting up his insolent crest he cri'd Good sir and take you me for one so mad That in my proper road I cannot ride But both my Self and Way I needs must loose And willingly deep Precipies choose 254. If Eyes of Colours sober Judges be If Tongues can censure what is soure and sweet If Ears can Discords know from Harmonie If Touching may decide in Cold and Heat Why may not I presume that I am set In Reasons Chair and know the Powers of it 255. Unless I to my Essence give the Lie These Doctrines sure are built on Demonstration But if you onely must be Psyche's eye Ev'n pull me out that I no perturbation Thus in the way of your designes may throw So in your Conquest you compleat shall grow 256. Psyche was glad to heare this Challenge beat So high and hop'd that Phylax would relent And were Angelick Loves Heroick Heat Less resolute than it is just discontent Had quenched Phyla'x flames which now by this Bold opposition did more stoutly rise 257. With secret instance he did Charis draw Down from her Heav'n to joyn her Powers with his She when the Virgins wounded Heart she saw Melted with Pitty at her deep Distresse And by victorious Sweetnesse op'd a way Into her Breast and Thelema made her Prey 258. Which Phylax seeing Logos strives in vain Said He to countermine my care of Thee Greater Affronts than these I can sustain Rather than Psyche should destroyed be All this and more I will forget so Thou Wilt goe and see a Sight I have to show 259. Logos look'd bigg and struggled might and main But Thelema was tractable and tame And the bold Rebell quickly did constrain Unto her pliant Minde his own to frame Poor Psyche sigh'd and wept and halfe afraid Phylax with her to doe his pleasure pray'd 260. He well considering her Disease had need Of nothing more than Haste in her Physition Staid not to parle but made all loving speed To snatch her from these Jaws of deep Perdition Whilst yet with Chari's soule-subduing Heat Her melted and convicted Heart did beat 261. Ready at hand his well-known Chariot was In which he takes her up and guides the Rein Forth with the sprightfull Steeds flung on apace Through the fair Road of the aereal Plain Till they to Gitton in Samaria came Their journeyes Butt where Phylax checked Them 262. Then lighting down Come Psyche come said he This is thy newfound Doctors native Town Here thou their true Original shalt see And from what kinde of Nest they all are flown This House their Fathers was Come we will in And view the Birth-place of Heretick Sin 263. Thus entred They When loe the House they finde So full of Doors and Rooms and Galleries Which by quaint Turnings to and fro did winde That Psyche quickly lost her rouling Eyes As she had done her Se fe had Phylax not Of all the Labyrinth full knowledge got 264. Thorough a thousand strange Meanders He Into a private Room conducted her Where she a far more private Door did see But little thought what kinde of Den was there Lurking behinde it so alluring was The holy Beauty of its cheating Face 265. A goodly Crucifix was there displayd Altars were rear'd and many Bibles ope By which majestick Liturgies were laid With lofty-tuned Anthems on the Top Art plac'd a Quire of Angels hovering And made the gorgeous Roof all seem to sing 266. There might you see Faith with her Eagles Eye Hope with both Hands her Anchor holding fast And with her open Bosome Charity Whose Looks such seeming current Beams did cast That those who were not well aware might deem She at Heav'ns genuine Fires had kindled
Daughter and thou dost resist The course of thy Designe whilst thou dost shut Out Arts and Sciences the Wings whereby Proud Spirits as well as Generous soar high 33. But if thou choosest Virtues craggie Way And dar'st despise whate'r Thou see'st beneath If thy dull Bodies Burden cannot sway Thee downward if this Life to thee be Death If high thine Aim if heav'nly be the Heat Which doth in thy Heroick Bosome beat 34. Right generous is thy Enterprise but yet Strong Difficulties throng about it thick Bold inbred Dangers will encounter it Whilst thy wilde Passions all against it kick Nay thine own Heart unlesse thy Care be great Will Traytor prove and its own Plots defeat 35. Besides All They whose Bosomes tainted be With banefull Sins Contagion will joyn Their malice in a fell conspiracie Thy single Piety to undermine For all thy Virtue checks and chides their Vice And Thy fair Glories shame their Villanies 36. Thou art their Scandal and their Fame doth call Upon their deepest wariest Cares for aid Against that Blot thy Beauty throwss on all Those who of Virtues Hardship are afraid What Weapons wilt thou finde to force back them How shall thy Vessell strive against the Stream 37. Yet through this rampant Sea of Opposition Couldst Thou force ope thy way What wouldst Thou doe Against those stouter Billows of Perdition Which foam and roar wherever Thou dost goe Hell and its Prince their utmost Powers combine To terrifie and to enervate thine 38. And sure this Tempest would effect its Spight On thy weak Bark did not kinde Heav'n descend In pare aforehand did not Grace's light With cordial Assistance Thee befriend Did she not steer thy course and bid thee ride Secure upon the most outrageous Tide 39. Thy Life is nothing but a Tragick Sceen Of most inevitable Death if she By seasonable Help comes not between Thy faint Soule and its dire Catastrophe Grace onely doth condemned Man reprieve From fatall Woes and teach his Life to live 40. T was blessed Charis who so fast did move Phylax his Wings when He to Psyche flew And with the wholsome speed of heav'nly Love Her from the Jaws of the Cerinthians drew By shewing her the horror of that Pit Where Heresie and all her Brood did sit 41. But Phylax from that Grotreturned now His Chariot takes again and her with it Straight Gitton and Samaria sunk below For warned by the motion of their Bit The lusty Coursers took their sprightful wing And justling through the Clouds away did fling 42. As Psyche wonder'd whether they would flie She found her Selfe rapt to a gentle Sphear No Winde durst ever venture up so high Nor blow up any Tempests tumults there The onely Gales which in this Orb did move Were the delicious Breaths of Heav'n and Love 43. The onely Clouds which there did meet her Eye Thick Volumes of religious Ineense were The onely Noise which rooled through that skie Were holy Echo's that to her did bear The sweet Resounds of those rich Anthems which The Throats and Hearts of joyfull Saints did stretch 44. She mused much to think what Creatures were Inhabitants in that calm Sea of Blisse When loe a Troop of glistering Towers drew neer As her swift Chariot further on did presse And straight a goodly Palace fill'd her Eye With large and high-erected Majesty 45. Directly thither for they knew the way The Coursers speeded neighing as they slew But Phylax pluck'd the Reins to bid them stay When neer unto the outer Gate they drew Then lighting with his Virgin-pupill He Warnd her to ponder well what She did see 46. Never said he my Dear those Eyes of thine Though they have travell'd through the World so far Were honored with Object so divine As these with which they now saluted are No Pile e'r swell'd to such bright statelinesse All Princes Courts are Cottages to this 47. That pompous Fabrick which great Davids Son Built for a greater King was poor and plain If it be brought into comparison With this Magnificence which here doth reign As Shaddows doe the Substance so does that But blindly intimate this Temples state 48. The Gold which shin'd the Stones which sparkled there Were all th' ignoble Sons of dirty Earth But these substantial Glories flaming here Owe to Heav'ns Wombe their most illustrious Birth Nor was the Work atcheiv'd by Mortal Hand Which firm as Immortality doth stand 49. Hadst Thou my Wings and through the Sphears couldst flie Heav'ns most imperial Palace there to read That Spectacle would onely feast thine Eye With a more ample Copie wider spred And fuller drawn a Copie of what here Is written in a smaller Character 50. Mark well its Situation Caucasus The Alps th' Athlantick Mountains Ararat Noble Olympus nobler Lybanus Are in their highest exaltations not Halfe so sublime as is this royal Hill Which almost in both Worlds at once doth dwell 51. It s Head thou see'st to Heav'n next Neighbour is And upon Hell its Foot is surely set On Hell which often has repin'd at this Oppressing Burden and oft strove to get Its neck from under it but still in vain The Powers of all that vexed Pit did strein 52. For loe the Mountain's all one solid Rock Compacted in the Strength of Unity Though Hills of Brasse should yeild unto the shock Of Violence though Earths vast Base should be Shouldred out of its place this Mount would stand And laugh to scorn them who against it band 53. So stands the craggie Promontory sure With head erected high above the Storme When all the Windes against its Site conjure And thousand Waves with high-swolln fury arme It stands and sees the Blasts blown out of breath And all the 〈◊〉 shattered beneath 54. But mark the fabrick of this outer Gate And tell me if thou ever saw'st a more Unlikely Passage to a Court of State Strong the Materialls are but yet the Door Is built so low and so extreemly narrow That Worms not Men seem fit to scramble thorow 55. And Worms indeed the Passengers must be Poor thin and humble Things which enter here Big puffing Pride must never hope that She Shall through this Portal crowd or Worldly Care Swelld with Incumbrances and lagg'd with Sin At this small mystick Needles Eye thrust in 56. He whose unhappy Bosome 's stuff'd with Gold Whilst all his Baggs lie heaped in his Heart He who in Fat and Ease himselfe doth fold And never was shrunk up by any Smart Too burlie is to enter here and fit Through Hells wide-gaping Jaws alone to get 57. All secular Impostumes which doe rise From any Humors Superfluity From any Lusts or any Vanities From inward or from outward Luxury Can at this humble Passage finde no room But damm the Way to all that Laden come 58. This said He led the 〈◊〉 to the Gate Where though she shrunk and closely gatherd up Her selfe within her Selfe yet still to great She found her bulk that she was 〈◊〉 to stoop
thing which here Earth useth as a Bait to Luxurie Pride Avarice or any Crime which bear Cheif Rule in Mortal Hearts whil'st heedlesse they Mark not the Hook ev'n when they are its Prey 221. A general Proclamation then she made That none who unto her did homage owe In any Case presume abroad to gad Unlesse Necessitie along did goe As their Companion who might limits set Both to their Walk and what they did in it 222. As when an head-strong Torrent wont to throw His lawlesse Arms or every Mead where He Listed to riot is enjoyn'd to slow In a strait Chanels Regularitie The Stream with belking indignation beats And foams agamst the Banks with murmuring threats 223. So with vexatious and yet fearfull Wrath Her Subjects pent up in these narrow bounds In sighs and groans rebell against their Path And every one his fretfull greif expounds In a long commentary of Complaint The onely freedome of their new restraint 224. Were other Subjects yok'd so close as We Their Company would lighter make our yoke For Misery spred in Communitie Abates the terror of her cruel look But how said they shall we endure alone The total weight of her Dominion 225. Were it the Fashion any where beside For Sence and Passion thus in Chains to lye Our Soules it would not torture to be ty'd At home in endlesse slavery but why Must all the World laugh at our woes whil'st we The sole examples of this Bondage be 226. Psyche who all their struggling Murmurs heard With awfull Majesty enflam'd her Eye And Come said she if I must needs be Fear'd Who would much rather have been Loved by All you my Subjects be it so for still Keep you intirely such I must and will 227. Yet since the Fashion 's all your plea and you Of singularitie tax this your state As far as Reason leads I will allow You your own Wish But see you kick not at My royal Love not force me to the Fashion Which Princes use in Rebels Insultation 228. Know then the Fashion I have put you in Is that which made the Saints of old so sine That they the Eyes of Heav'n it self could win And ravish all but those to whom divine And earth-despising Bravery doth seem Dimmer than is pale Gold and Silvers beam 229. Yea that illustrious Realm whose situation Lies higher than the Stars does not disdain To own what you repute a servile Fashion But every Angel his own Will doth chain Close to his Soveraigns Law and never flies Abroad but when great Bus'nesse him imployes 230. Tell Me not then what Garbs and Humors are By the blinde foolish World ador'd but take Your copie from those Patterns which out-dare The Worth of any Parallel and make Those Men your Pitty who make you their Scorn Your Fashion gorgeous is but theirs forlorne 231. These Words with such convincing Horror flew Upon the faces of the mutinous Rout That all their Murmurs Blasts away they blew And still'd the thoughts which in their bosoms wrought And since their Stomacks nothing had to Say They nothing had to Doe but to Obey 232. Thus from exterior Troubles sequestred Psyche at home close to her Bus'nesse fell She long before the Sun was out of Bed And call'd it Morning e'r the East could tell Aurora rising was for I said she Have fiercer Steeds to rule than Phoebu's be 233. Then higher into Heav'n than He doth ride She took her leap so stout and sinewie were Her early Mattens which her Soul did guide Unto the Pinnacle of Glory where Her Praises and her Prayers she before The foot-stool of her mighty Spouse did poure 234. Her Hands then letting down she set them to Their early Task and this was to prepare Clothes for the Orphans and the Widdows who Now all by Charities Adoption were Become her Children thus did prudent she Bravely make fruitfull her Virginity 235. And in this voluntary Off-spring she Took high delight for those who Parents are By Natures Work too oft engaged be In an unnatural Broods vexatious care But she from hers no Discontent could finde Being the chosen Children of her Minde 236. Yet with her Work her Prayers she mingled so That she of both a goodly Checker made In whatsoever Bus'nesse she did goe Heav'n interwoven was for all her Trade Was but a faithfull Prentise-hood to Him Whose royal Temples wear Heav'ns Diademe 237. So though the Mariner with busie care Attends his Card yet oft he lifts his Eye To take direction from that trustie Star Which darteth on his Voyage Certainty And by this mixed study safely rides Over the proudest and the furthest Tides 238. No idle Visits her abroad could draw Yet whensoever the despised Poor Were sick she by the royal Gospel Law Thought her selfe thither summon'd to restore Unto her needy Lord the help which she Had oft receiv'd from his Benignity 239. For Him on all those fickly Beds she saw His pained broken Limbs His parched Skin His burning Tumors His black stripes His raw And gaping Wounds which did so strongly win On her Compassion that her own they proved Whilst her soft Bowells them both felt and loved 240. The odious Sores which would have loathing bred Ev'n in the Surgions eyes she gently view'd Her choisest Plaisters tenderly she spred And all her Powders with delight she strew'd Her Selfe of her own Clothes she robb'd to winde About the Naked and the Maimed binde 241. By the Diseases greatnesse she did measure The worth of her distressed Company The foulest Lepers yeilded choisest Pleasure To her Attendance who aspir'd to be A Servant unto those whose Noisomeness Both Parents Love and Childrens did suppress 242. In vain her Senses turned back their head Since She what they abhorr'd resolv'd to love In vain her daintier Passions murmured And to recall her from that Office strove Her Resolution she the more profest And ever Kiss'd the Sores which she had drest 243. The coy-ey'd Ladies with a squeamish Look Admir'd and loath'd her lowly Complement Not for a World would their fine Fingers brook The Touch of what her Kisses did resent As soft and sweet yet could not their Disdain Her Zeal discourage or her Lips restrain 244. Still She her Mercifull Designe persues And by divine Insinuation tries How in her Potions she may Heav'n infuse And reach the Soules mysterious Maladies Heart-startling Hints she sprinkles here and there And poures in heav'nly Cordials every where 245. Nor by this paradoxick Zeal alone Did she run counter to the Worlds carreer But valiant in her high Devotion Adventur'd further yet to domineer Over her Flesh and Blood whose lustie Heat By rigid Abstinence she down did beat 246. She ne'r by set and customary Time Was summon'd to unneceslary Meat But earnest Hunger alway told the Chime By which she was admonished to Eate And then her Meal she measured not by Her Stomackfull but bare Sufficiency 247. And thus her food she did her Servant make Whilst others
I onely be a barren Tree When all the World besides so fruitfull is Forbid it mighty King of Souls said she Let not thy Psyches Heart the glory miss Of honouring Thee although my life it cost That life 's best saved which for Thee is lost 355. Much time in this Imployment having spent She chang'd her Task but not her Industry For next her Contemplations she sent To wait upon her Spouses Majesty The Marvells of his mighty Love to read Which over her and all the World was spread 356. And here with sympathetick Exultation And amorous fervor she her Soule did melt For in the tract of every Speculation His Acts and Passions in her Breast she felt Which alwayes Sad or Cheerly was as she His Sorrows or his Joyes in thought did see 357. A longer Pilgrimage she now did make And travell'd all the way with more Delight Than when by Phylax's Conduct she did take To holy Palestine her Zealous flight Longer she dwelt on every Monument Of what her Lord for her had done or spent 358. A thousand times she sigh'd and wonder'd why Brisk generous Spirits who hunt noble Stories Through all Books else should not be ravish'd by The Lustre of the Euangelick Glories But more exactly strave to know the List Of Casars Acts than what was done by Christ. 359. She sigh'd and wonder'd how a Christian Heart Which did not give its blessed Name the lie Could possibly forbear to snatch its part In its Redeemers noble History How Love could quit its loyal selfe and yet Not know whatever of its Spouse was writ 360. But all this while on Logo's Wings she flew Though sometimes Thelema did flutter by And these were much too short and weak she knew To towre and double that Sublimity Which makes Perfections third and highest Story The Crown of Saints and all the Angels Glory 361. She therefore taking Thelema apart With all the winning Art of Courtesie Devised first to charin her mighty Heart And make it plyant to the Plot which she Had laid to catch her into Blisle And then She gently grasp'd her hand and thus began 362. O Thou the dearest of my Servants who Dost wear the Keyes of all that I possesse Yea and of Me thy native Soveraign too Who have no power to stir abroad unlesse Thou op'st the Door How doe I wish that I Had more to trust with thy Fidelity 363. But since I neither am nor have no more Let this suffice to binde thine Heart to Me In gratitude thou canst no lesse restore Than prest Complyance though I ask of thee Some hard and costly Matter so to prove The rate and value of my Steward's Love 364. But I my proper Interest can bate And by my Subjects Gains account mine own What e'r advantage doth inhance their State I take it as Accrewment to my Crown They are my Riches nor can I be poor So long as they increase their teeming Store 365. All I desire shall onely be That thou Wouldst venture to imbrace thy highest Blisse And now dull Sense and Passion valiant grow Now Logos through all Heav'n so busie is Not Flinch alone nor be content to stay In any lower Region than They. 366. Remember that thy Wings of Strength are made And that no Flight's too high or long for thee That nothing ever made thy Courage fade Unlesse thy Selfe didst timorously agree To thy Defeat Henceforth be brave and bold Thou canst not fail if thou but holdst thine Hold. 367. Jesus the Soveraign Lord of Thee and Me Will give thee leave to make Himselfe thy Prey Reach then thine Arms of noble Love that he Imprisoned in thy Imbraces may Thorough thy happy Heart his Sweetnesse thrill And with the best of Heav'n thy bosome fill 368. If this Adventure thou esteem'st too high Throw down thy Selfe before His blessed Feet He cannot let thee there despised lie But with his ready favour thee will greet And for that Resignation of thing Hug and imbrace thee till thou prov'st divine 369. This gallant Challenge wrought so strong upon The generous Heart of Thelema that she The forwardnesse of her submission Forthwith profess'd upon her bended Knee And Heav'n forbid said she I should deny Your Pleasure or mine own Felicity 370. Though not at Jesu's royal Feet ô no I am too vile to aime my Pride so high Yet Madame here at yours my Selfe I throw To be accepted and disposed by Your Love and Wisdome Use Me as you please Loe I return you yours and mine own Keyes 371. Triumphant Joy straight flam'd in Psyche's Breast The Virgins ready Loyalty to see Whom she embraced thrice and thrice she kist And sweetly forced to rise from her Knee Then all her 〈◊〉 she took which to her side Weeping and Smiling in one Knot she ti'd 372. And now I feel my Selfe a Queen said she A Queen indeed Yet be assured thou O faithfull Mayd shalt finde thy Selfe more free By this Subjection than when thou didst bow To thine own Inclinations which have To Vanity full oft made Thee a Slave 373. Exalated thus unto her own Desire Into her pious Oratory She More cheerfully than ever did retire To celebrate a new Solemnity An Holocaust she hastes to sacrifice For which her own brave Zeal the Fire supplies 374. Did golden Mountains tempt her now to stay Did Millions of Worlds made up in one Inestimable Bait lie in her way And woo her but to let one Minute run Before She fell to work not all the force Of those strong Complements could stop her Course 375. No She of joyous Love in travell is And feels the dainty Pangs of Parturition Till she brings 〈◊〉 her mighty Sacrifice 'T is not all Heav'n can ease her smart condition Speed Speed alone would usefull be she knew Whose Wings she snatch'd and to her Bus'nes flew 376. A Preface then of thousand Sighs and Tears Before her brave Oblation she spred As many Groans unto her Soveraigns ears Like Harbengers of her Designe she sped Then prostrate on the ground her face she layd And of her humble Heart the Altar made 377. Upon this Altar bound both Hands and Feet Her Thelema she for the Offring threw And bend thy gracious Eye said Shee thou sweet And gentle Lamb of Heav'n to Me who sue For thy acceptance of this Sacrifice Which at the footstool of thy Mercy lies 378. Thy royal Bounty gave it unto Me But I alas perceive my Self too weak To manage such a great Estate To thee I therefore render it O gently take It home again and govern it for Me The feeble Handmayd of thy Majesty 379. Doe with it what Thou wilt so it be Thine I care not what betide it for I know Thy Pleasure like thy Self must be Divine O see how it pants and heav's if Thou Wilt not accept it let it lie for Me How can I love what is despis'd by Thee 380. As when the Lightning flasheth from the Skie Down to the ground it
and Praise in a triumphant Song Whence all the World with Hallelujahs rung 107. When lo a Flood of new and gorgeous Light Came sweetly pouring down and chang'd the Sceen Which swallow'd up the former Pageant quite For nothing now but Claritude was seen This fetch'd a sigh from Psyche who had view'd With hearty joy that holy Multitude 108. But Charis quickly her again did cheer For by her speedie skill she instantly A wonderous City on the stage did rear Whose beauty so enamored Psyche's Ey That she was sad no longer for the Change But joy'd about the spectacle to range 109. Square was the City for it was the Seat Of everlasting Firmitude and this Substantial Figure which it self doth meet In every equal Angle tyed is Sure to it self but the Round rolling World Alas before was into Nothing hurld 110. The Fabrick of the Wall was fair and high Much higher than the proudest Battlement Of the old Heav'ns whose lofty Majesty Down unto Mortal Eys such wonder sent For they were but the Type and shade of this Which Heav'n of Heav'ns and Crest of glory is 111. And correspondent was it mighty Base Unto that Height for upon twelve Foundations All most unmoved it erected was No wonder that it fears no Perturbations No wonder that this onely City is Of Peace and Quiet the Metropolis 112. The first Foundation is of Jasper green For Florid must this Building ever be The next of Sapphire in whose face are seen The proper Lines of heav'nly Claritie Astone which doth corroborate the Heart And friendly help to Chastity impart 113. The third of Star-like Chalcedonie which Upon the Sapphir's Region being set With Constellations doth it enrich A cheerly Gem is this and scorns to let The tedious insulations of Fear Or of Disconsolation to draw neer 114. The fourth of Emerald of Lust the true And constant Foe and of all Poisons too The fift of Sardonyx of blushing hue The sixt of Sardie antidore of Woe Quickner of Wit The seav'nth of Chrysolite Which Melancholie's Mists away doth fright 115. The eight of Berill rich in modest grace The nineth of Topaz full of flaming Gold Which dares out-look black Night Of Chrysoprase The tenth of kin unto the formers mould The next the cordial Jacinth and the last The sober and the healthfull Amethyst 116. On these Foundations stood engraven fair Twelve honored Names the Names of them who spred The gentle Lambs Religion every where And stones to build this City gathered From every Soile and from the furthest Shores On which the barbarous Ocean foams and roars 117. As Psyche reach'd her Wonder round about This gallant Structure she on every side Three goodly Gates of which each One was wrought Out of a single massie Perl espi'd With these did LOVE keep open House and all The East and West the North and South did call 118. Invited therefore thus She enter'd in Where paved all with Gold she found the Street With Gold not of our earthly Metalls kin But of a purer nobler Breed and meet To kisse the Feet of Saints it being as Tralucid as the fairest virgin Glasse 119. But straight a purer Thing than that she met A River all of living Chrystall which Came smiling down the Street and over it A multiplying Tree its Arms did reach From either side whose Twigs though sound and strong Bow'd with the blessed Fruit which on them hung 120. Twelve Sorts of Fruits it duely bore and yet Faild not each Moneth again to Bud and Blow Such endlesse Vigor reign'd all over it That to its smallest Leaves it did allow More Virtue than Arabia's Spices had Or all the famous Balm of Gilead 121. They never were applyed to the Wound Of any Nations but forthwith from Pain Releas'd they were and rendred whole and Sound When Humane Surgery had strove in vain O noble Tree whose very Shaddow is Th' eternal Roof of sure substantial Blisse 122. Under these verdant Boughs and on this shore Of flowing Life walk'd Psyche to descry The Spring which was the Mother to such store Of pure and ever-reeming Suavity When loe a glorious Throne she spi'd from whence Gush'd out these vivid Blisse's Influence 123. A Throne of pure and solid Splendor framed On which the Soveraign of Immensity With such intolerable Brightnesse flamed That none of all the purest Standers by Could with Cherubick or Seraphick Eyes His vast 〈◊〉 comprise 124. But at his Right Hand mitigated by His Marriage with poor Flesh did sit the Lamb Whose spotlesse Fleece was sweetned Majesty Whose Sceptre with Loves gentle Rayes did stream Whose Hand to poure his Blessings forth was spred Whose Crown was Honor wreath'd about his head 125. From his fair Eyes flow'd that eternal Day Which all this new Jerusalem doth gild No other Phoebus needed to display Himselfe upon this Region which was fill'd With cleer enlivening Fires that did 〈◊〉 And make ev'n grosse and mortal Eyes Divine 126. Here Psyche cleerly saw those things which she Before by Logos her Embassader Descri'd at distance and imperfectly Gods naked Attributes were marshall'd here Deep Mysteries in one another wove Infinitudes and Miracles of Love 127. Here vast oraculous Profundities And wondrous Words from Wisdomes Lipps she heard Such Words as taught her where the Reason lies Why God himselfe doth wear the Name of Word Words raised to so soveraign a Pitch As mortal Tongues must never hope to reach 128. Here she beheld how from Divinity Beatitude its glorious Selfe displaid And unto all the holy Company It s unexhausted Influence convey'd For Millions of Millions at hand With meek Attendance on the Lamb did stand 129. Right gallant was the Equipage in which They were disposed That symmetrious Grace Which round about the World it selfe did reach To this far fairer order'd State gave place When guilty onely of it selfe it slunk Aside and into Inanition sunk 130. Never was Graecian or Romane Court Though Fame had trumpetted their Praises high Contrived in such wise Majestick Sort As this Perfections own Polity Which by one universal Spirit doth move And by no Laws is governed but Love 131. All Saints and Angels knew their proper place And lov d it best because it was their own Among them all no difference there was Of Inclinations for each one had thrown His Will down at his Soveraigns Footstool and Own'd no Desires but onely his Command 132. In him they liv'd and lov'd and joy'd and by That Resignation received were Into some Portion of Divinity For Jesu's Fulnesse had enough to spare Nor was his Diademe diminsh'd though To all of Them their Crowns he did allow 133. They all were Crown'd and yet not flattered With 〈◊〉 and empty Soveraignty So wide the Circuit of this Glory spred That All with boundlesse Bounds it did supply This Reaim of Blisse of Kingdomes was the Spring And every Subject made a mighty King 134. For what was proper unto every One Proved the Joy and Riches
thonghts took up When to the Fountain of her Drink the sweet 〈◊〉 of Heav'n her Course and Thirst did stop When to her sleep she was disturbed by The 〈◊〉 Rest of Fternity 190. The dear Remembrance of her Soverdign Lord Boild in her Soule and would not slaked be So that while tortured she could not afford Unto her Body what Necessitie Crav dat her Hands she faint and feeble grew And by Degrees her Mortal self she slew 191. She slew her Flesh which pin'd and sunk away She slew the Vigor of her Senses which Like unbent Bows all damp'd and uselesse lay But by these Slaughters she did but inrich The Life of her afflicted Heart which still With stouter and more active Fire did swell 192. So high it swell'd that what soe'r came neer The mighty Torrent strait became its Prey Yea ev n the Bridles too subdned were Which still she hop'd and strove on it to lay Her Meditations all to Passion turned And whatso'er she Did or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 193. In 〈◊〉 unto such a 〈◊〉 The Sceptie of his 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 194. 〈◊〉 be it of a Thing But weak and mortal and Dust's wretched Heir Doth with immortal Pains and Wishes sting And spur the Soule unto unwearied Care Discouragement in vain doth muster up All Troops of Obstacles 〈◊〉 way to stop 195. No no the generous Lovers Heart disdains Not to approve his Passion infinite With gallant Obstinacie he maintains Against the Will of Heav'n and Earth the fight 〈◊〉 win his Idol for whose sake had he Ten thousand 〈◊〉 they all should ventur'd be 196. For in her Image which He hath enshrin'd High in the 〈◊〉 of his loyal Breast Such Charms and strong Attractions He doth finde As rob Him of all Power to resist He runs and in such strange and furious wise That Love is slandered with want of Eys 197. The whole World knows how Hamors royal Son Scorn'd his Religion and his foreskin too When Dinah's Love had full possession Of his subdued Soule How David who Was Heav'ns choise Darling durst Heav'ns Law despise For what he read in Bathsheba's fair Eys 198. Who hath not heard what Power one Heart 〈◊〉 Upon two mighty Nations both content For love or her to run so strangely mad Upon a mortal War whose furie rent Up Ilium by the roots which to the 〈◊〉 Of Lust a wofull Holocaust became 199. No 〈◊〉 then 〈…〉 With such mtolerable 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Whose 〈…〉 〈◊〉 Charms whose royall 〈◊〉 Draw with 〈…〉 Outvi'd by 〈…〉 〈◊〉 201. For all those Wounds bleed nothing else but Fire Fire which remembring its original Flame With never-wearied struggling doth aspire Back to the radiant place from whence it came It s proper Element are Jesu's eyes And thither in heroick Zeal it flies 202. And what can tortured Psyche doe who by This most unruly Heat to Heav'n is haled And yet by Mortal Lifes repugnancy Fast to her Body and dull Earth is sealed What can she doe in this Extremity Of raging Life and Death at once but Crie 203. Hardy and bold she grows in her Complaint For lifting upward her enamored Eyes Although her sickly Voice were low and faint Yet full of sinews were her serious Cries Which thus she suiting them unto her Passion Tun'd by the stout Key of Expostulation 204. O Lord of Gentlenesse ô why dost Thou Make Love so cruel to tormented Me Why would thy bounteous Justice not allow Me any other Rack but Suavitie Why must my Gall be onely Honey why Of nothing else but Life must Psyche die 205. Why didst Thou not permit Me to decease When thou hadst left Me to my Selfe alone So had thine Handmaid been repriev'd from these Extremities of Pangs so had I gone Whole to my Grave who now must Melted be By thine unsufferable Sweets and Thee 206. And am I not a Worm or worse than so Why dost Thou build such Triumph then on Me Why dost thou not pick out some Seraph who With this sublime and blessed Misery Might bravely grapple or why might'st Thou not At Phylax's nobler Breast my Dart have shot 207. O be not angry 't is not I that speak But tortured Necessity my Heart A thousand times desir'd but cannot break Else had my Lips not dared thus to part And ope themselves into Complaints but now Excuse together with my Fault doth flow 208. Not for innumerable Worlds would I Have been without that Apparition but Should full as many Worlds their Tyranny Combine against my Soul they could not put Me unto any Torture so extream As the Remembrance of my blessed Dream 209. In Sweetnesse why art thou so Infinite Or why must that Infinitude appear Unto a Soule to fire it with Delight If to the Fountain it must not draw neer To quench its burning Thirst O Jesu be Still what thou art but then be so to Me. 210. Be so to Me and ô be so with Speed Death is not Death compared with Delay Alas one Moment now doth far exceed All those long years which I till this sad Day Have tediously measured and now I older by an Age each Minute grow 211. Fain fain would I Let thee alone and be Content to wait thy longest Leisure still But ô all-lovely Thou still urgest Me And violently dragg'st my Conquer'd Will Thou dragg'st me yet wilt not permit that I Should follow home to my Felicity 212. If thou wilt Kill Me loe I am Content But ô vouchsafe to let my Slaughter be By Death not by this breathing Banishment From my best Life most ameable Thee O pitty pitty thy poor Handmaids Crie Whose Tongue cleaves to her Mouth whose Throat is drie 213. Fain would she here have fainted but her Pain Whose load so heavy on her Shoulders lay With courteous Cruelty help'd to sustein Her parched Vigour that it still might prey Upon her Patience and consume her still O strange Disease which doth by Curing Kill 214. Phylax mean while unseen perceiv'd that she Unto Heav'ns Suburbs was arrived now And that the Springs of her Mortality By this high Stretch began to crack for though Her Selfe her Change's Dawn could not descry He saw her final Houre was drawing nigh 215. This rous'd his Love in due time to prepare For his dear Pupills neverending End About her funeral he took decent Care Because himselfe could not stay to attend Those Rites when she had once Expir'd for he Her noble Paranymphus was to be 216. He was to be her Convoy when she flew Unto her royal Spouses marriage Bed This made him dresse his Count nance with a new Festivity his Wings this made him spread With fresh and snowie Down that his Lords Bride In that soft Coach of triumph home might ride 217. And in this joyous Hue to her he came Yet his sweet Presence She regarded not For Burning in her more delicious flame She of all other Things the Sense forgot The Phaenix thus amidst her funeral fires See's nothing else and nothing else