And, warbling out the old, begin anew; And thus they pass their youth in summer season, Then follow thee into a better Region, Where winter's never felt by that sweet airy legion." Man at the best a creature frail and vain, 195 In knowledg ignorant, in strength but weak, Each storm his state, his mind, his body break; 200 From some of these he never finds cessation, Troubles from foes, from friends, from dearest, near'st And yet this sinfull creature, frail and vain, 205 In weight, in frequency and long duration, Can make him deeply groan for that divine Translation. 210 The Mariner that on smooth waves doth glide But suddenly a storm spoiles all the sport, 215 And makes him long for a more quiet port, Which 'gainst all adverse winds may serve for fort. So he that saileth in this world of pleasure, Feeding on sweets, that never bit of th' sowre, 220 Fond fool, he takes this earth ev'n for heav'ns bower. Their names without a Record are forgot, Their parts, their ports, their pomp 's all laid in th' dust, Nor wit nor gold nor buildings scape times rust: 230 But he whose name is grav'd in the white stone Shall last and shine when all of these are gone. 1678. A LETTER TO HER HUSBAND Phœbus, make haste: the day's too long; be gone; But stay this once, unto my suit give ear, 5 If in thy swift Carrier thou canst make stay, Commend me to the man more lov'd then life; ΙΟ My dumpish thoughts, my groans, my brakish tears, And if he love, how can he there abide? My Interest's more then all the world beside. He that can tell the starrs or Ocean sand, 15 Or all the grass that in the Meads do stand, The leaves in th' woods, the hail or drops of rain, 20 25 Like those far scituate under the pole, O how they joy when thou dost light the skyes. O Phœbus, hadst thou but thus long from thine 30 Tell him here 's worse then a confused matter- 35 Hath power to dry the torrent of these streams. Tell him I would say more, but cannot well: Oppressed minds abruptest tales do tell. Now post with double speed, mark what I say; LONGING FOR HEAVEN As weary pilgrim now at rest 40 1678. 5 his dangers past and travailes done; The burning sun no more shall heat, Nor stormy raines on him shall beat; The bryars and thornes no more shall scratch, ΙΟ And mayst be still more dear than formerlie Consider wel & wisely what the rod Wherewith thou art from yeer to yeer chastized Who wil not have his nurture be despized. Thou still hast in thee many praying saints, Of great account and precious with the Lord, And strive to please him both in deed & word. Cheer on, sweet souls; my heart is with you all, 1662. 1871 35 40 45 NEW ENGLAND ELEGIES FROM UPON THE TOMB OF THE MOST REVEREND MR. JOHN COTTON LATE TEACHER OF THE CHURCH OF BOSTON IN NEW-ENGLAND (BY B. W.) A living breathing Bible: Tables where Both Covenants at large engraven were; Gospel and Law in 's Heart had each its Colume, His Head an Index to the Sacred Volume; His very Name a Title Page; and next, As if Apollos were reviv'd in him Or he had learned of a Seraphim. 5 10 |