XXII. TO THE SAME. CYRIAC, this three years day these eyes, though clear, To outward view, of blemish or of spot, Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot.; Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear Of sun. or moon, or star, throughout the year, Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not Against Heav'n's hand or will, nor bate a jot Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask? The conscience, Friend, t' have lost them over ply'd In liberty's defence, my noble task, Of which all Europe rings from side to side. 5 10 This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask Content though blind, had I no better guide. XXIII. ON HIS DECEASED WIFE. METHOUGHT I saw my late espoused saint And such as yet once more I trust to have So clear, as in no face with more delight. 5 10 Iwak'd; she fled; and day brought back my night. PSALMS. PSALM I. Done into verse, 1653. BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astray Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat And in his law he studies day and night. Nor sinners in th' assembly of just men. 10 For the Lord knows the upright way of the just, 15 And the way of bad men to ruin must. PSALM II, Done Aug. 8, 1653. Terzetti. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations, Muse a vain thing, the kings of th' earth upstand With pow'r, and princes in their congregations Lay deep their plots together through each land Against the Lord and his Messiah dear? Let us break off, say they, by strength of band 5 Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear, Their twisted cords: He who in Heav'n doth dwell Shall laugh; the Lord shall scoff them; then, severe, Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell 10 I will declare: the Lord to me bath said, With iron sceptre bruis'd, and them disperse 20 And now be wise at length, ye Kings averse, Be taught, ye Judges of the earth; with fear With trembling; kiss the Son lest he appear 25 PSALM III. August 9, 1653. When he fled from Absalom. LORD, how many are my foes! How many those That in arms against me rise! Many are they That of my life distrustfully thus say; 5 Th' exalter of my head I count: Unto Jehovah, he full soon reply'd, Was the Lord. Of many millions The populous rout I fear not, though, encamping round about, Rise, Lord; save me, my God; for thou On the cheek-bone all my foes, Of men abhorr'd Hast broke the teeth. This help was from the Lord; Thy blessing on thy people flows. PSALM IV. August 10, 1653. ANSWER me when I call, And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest pray'r. Great ones, how long will ye My glory have in scorn? How long be thus forborne Still to love vanity? To love, to seek, to prize Things false and vain, and nothing else but lies? Yet know the Lord hath chose, Chose to himself apart. The good and meek of heart; (For whom to choose he knows ;) 5 10 15 Jehovah from on high Will hear my voice, what time to him I ery. Speak to your hearts alone, 20 As in a rocky cell Thou, Lord, alone, in safety mak'st me dwell. PSALM V. August 12, 1653. JEHOVAH, to my words give ear, My meditation weigh; The voice of my complaining hear, Shalt in the morning hear; I' th' morning i to thee with choice Will rank my pray'rs, and watch till thou appear. |