THE PILGRIM. IVE me my scallop-fhell of quiet, GMy staff of faith to walk upon; My scrip of joy, immortal diet; My gown of glory (hope's true gage), Sir Walter Raleigh. 1522-1618. UT what, or who are we [alas] B That we in giving are so free! Thine own before our offering was, George Wither. TRUE RICHES. In vain do men The heavens of their fortunes' fault accuse, Sith they know beft what is the best for them; For they to each such fortune do diffuse. As they do know each can most aptly use. For not that which men covet moft is beft, Nor that thing worst which men do most refuse; But fitteft is, that all contented reft With that they hold; each hath his fortune in his breast. It is the mind that maketh good or ill, That maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor; Hath not enough; but wants in greater store ; For wisdom is moft riches: fools therefore Spenser. 1553-1599. WHEN WE PUT OFF OUR APPAREL. S ere I down am couchéd there, Where now I hope to rest, I first from what I daily wear, So in my grave ere I shall be In bleft reposure laid, Of many rags yet worn by me My fruitless hopes, my foolish fears, My fleshly joys, my needlefs cares, Yea, that self-love which yet I wear Of these and all such rags as these, My soul and body shall have ease, Nor fears of death, nor cares of life, Nor dreaming joys, nor waking grief, Therefore inftru&t Thou me, O God! With what vain things ourselves we load, Oh, help me tear those clouts away, And let them so be loathed : That I on my last rising day With glory may be clothed. And now when I am naked laid, That nothing make my heart afraid, And guard me so when down I lie, That fleep or wake, or live or die, I ftill may safe remain. George Wither. 1588-1667. LOVE. TILL LOVE. But out; Than thorns and thiftles springing from the curse. Edmund Waller. 1605-1687. |