CANTO the Sixth.
The Argument.
How Astragon to Heav'n his duty pays
In Pray'r, and Penitence, but most in Praise:
To these he sev'ral Temples dedicates:
And Ulfin their distinguish'd use relates.
Religion's Rites, seem here, in Reasons sway;
Though Reason must Religion's Laws obay.
How Astragon to Heav'n his duty pays
In Pray'r, and Penitence, but most in Praise:
To these he sev'ral Temples dedicates:
And Ulfin their distinguish'd use relates.
Religion's Rites, seem here, in Reasons sway;
Though Reason must Religion's Laws obay.
1.
THe noble Youths (reclaim'd by what they saw)
Would here unquiet war, as pride, forsake;
And study quiet Nature's pleasant Law,
Which Schools, through pride, by Art uneasie make.
THe noble Youths (reclaim'd by what they saw)
Would here unquiet war, as pride, forsake;
And study quiet Nature's pleasant Law,
Which Schools, through pride, by Art uneasie make.
2.
But now a sudden Shout their thoughts diverts!
So chearfull, general, and loud it was,
As pass'd through all their Ears, and fill'd their Hearts;
Which lik'd the joy, before they knew the cause.
But now a sudden Shout their thoughts diverts!
So chearfull, general, and loud it was,
As pass'd through all their Ears, and fill'd their Hearts;
Which lik'd the joy, before they knew the cause.
3.
This Ulfin by his long Domestick skill
Does thus explain, The Wise I here observe,
Are wise tow'rds God; in whose great service still,
More than in that of Kings, themselves they serve.
This Ulfin by his long Domestick skill
Does thus explain, The Wise I here observe,
Are wise tow'rds God; in whose great service still,
More than in that of Kings, themselves they serve.
4.
He who this Building's Builder did create,
As an Apartment here Triangular;
Where Astragon Three Fanes did dedicate,
To days of Praise, of Penitence, and Pray'r.
He who this Building's Builder did create,
As an Apartment here Triangular;
Where Astragon Three Fanes did dedicate,
To days of Praise, of Penitence, and Pray'r.
5.
To these, from diff'rent motives, all proceed;
For when discov'ries they on Nature gain,
They praise high Heav'n which makes their work succeed,
But when it falls, in Penitence complain.
To these, from diff'rent motives, all proceed;
For when discov'ries they on Nature gain,
They praise high Heav'n which makes their work succeed,
But when it falls, in Penitence complain.
6.
If after Praise, new blessings are not giv'n,
Nor mourning Penitence can ills repair,
Like practis'd Beggers, they solicite Heav'n,
And will prevail by violence of Pray'r.
If after Praise, new blessings are not giv'n,
Nor mourning Penitence can ills repair,
Like practis'd Beggers, they solicite Heav'n,
And will prevail by violence of Pray'r.
7.
The Temple built for Pray'r, can neither boast
The Builder's curious Art, nor does declare
By choice Materials he intended cost;
To shew, that nought should need to tempt to Pray'r.
The Temple built for Pray'r, can neither boast
The Builder's curious Art, nor does declare
By choice Materials he intended cost;
To shew, that nought should need to tempt to Pray'r.
8.
No Bells are here! Unhing'd are all the Gates!
Since craving in distress is natural,
All lies so ope that none for ent'rance waits,
And those whom Faith invites, can need no call.
No Bells are here! Unhing'd are all the Gates!
Since craving in distress is natural,
All lies so ope that none for ent'rance waits,
And those whom Faith invites, can need no call.
9.
The Great have by distinction here no name;
For all so cover'd come, in grave disguise,
To shew none come for decency or fame)
That all are strangers to each others Eyes.
The Great have by distinction here no name;
For all so cover'd come, in grave disguise,
To shew none come for decency or fame)
That all are strangers to each others Eyes.
10.
But Penitence appears unnatural;
For we repent what Nature did perswade;
And we lamenting Men's continu'd fall,
Accuse what Nature necessary made.
But Penitence appears unnatural;
For we repent what Nature did perswade;
And we lamenting Men's continu'd fall,
Accuse what Nature necessary made.
11.
Since the requir'd extream of Penitence
Seems so severe, this Temple was design'd,
Solemn and strange without, to catch the sense,
And dismal shew'd within, to aw the mind.
Since the requir'd extream of Penitence
Seems so severe, this Temple was design'd,
Solemn and strange without, to catch the sense,
And dismal shew'd within, to aw the mind.
12.
Of sad black Marble was the outward Frame,
A mourning Monument to distant sight)
But by the largeness when you near it came,
It seem'd the Palace of Eternal Night.
Of sad black Marble was the outward Frame,
A mourning Monument to distant sight)
But by the largeness when you near it came,
It seem'd the Palace of Eternal Night.
13.
Black beauty (which black Meroens had prais'd
Above their own) gravely adorn'd each part;
In Stone, from Nyle's head Quarries, slowly rais'd,
And slowlyer polish'd by Numidian Art.
Black beauty (which black Meroens had prais'd
Above their own) gravely adorn'd each part;
In Stone, from Nyle's head Quarries, slowly rais'd,
And slowlyer polish'd by Numidian Art.
14.
Hither a loud Bells tole, rather commands,
Than seems t'invite the persecuted Ear;
A summons Nature hardly understands;
For few, and slow are those who enter here.
Hither a loud Bells tole, rather commands,
Than seems t'invite the persecuted Ear;
A summons Nature hardly understands;
For few, and slow are those who enter here.
15.
Within a dismal Majesty they find!
All gloomy great, all silent does appear!
As Chaos was, ere th'Elements were design'd;
Man's evil fate seems hid and fashion'd here.
Within a dismal Majesty they find!
All gloomy great, all silent does appear!
As Chaos was, ere th'Elements were design'd;
Man's evil fate seems hid and fashion'd here.
16.
Here all the Ornament is rev'rend black;
Here, the check'd Sun his universal Face
Stops bashfully, and will no enterance make;
As if he spy'd Night naked through the Glass.
Here all the Ornament is rev'rend black;
Here, the check'd Sun his universal Face
Stops bashfully, and will no enterance make;
As if he spy'd Night naked through the Glass.
17.
Black Curtains hide the Glass; whilst from on high
A winking Lamp still threatens all the Room;
As if the lazy flame just now would die:
Such will the Sun's last light appear at Doom!
Black Curtains hide the Glass; whilst from on high
A winking Lamp still threatens all the Room;
As if the lazy flame just now would die:
Such will the Sun's last light appear at Doom!
18.
This Lamp was all, that here inform'd all Eyes;
And by reflex, did on a Picture gain
Some few false Beams, that thence from Sodom rise;
Where Pencils feign the fire which Heav'n did rain.
This Lamp was all, that here inform'd all Eyes;
And by reflex, did on a Picture gain
Some few false Beams, that thence from Sodom rise;
Where Pencils feign the fire which Heav'n did rain.
19.
This on another Tablet did reflect,
Where twice was drawn the am'rous Magdaline;
Whilst beauty was her care, then her neglect;
And brightest through her Tears she seem'd to shine.
This on another Tablet did reflect,
Where twice was drawn the am'rous Magdaline;
Whilst beauty was her care, then her neglect;
And brightest through her Tears she seem'd to shine.
20.
Near her, seem'd crucifi'd, that lucky Thief
(In Heav'ns dark Lot'ry prosp'rous, more than wise)
Who groap'd at last, by chance, for Heav'ns relief,
And Throngs undoes with Hope, by one drawn Prize.
Near her, seem'd crucifi'd, that lucky Thief
(In Heav'ns dark Lot'ry prosp'rous, more than wise)
Who groap'd at last, by chance, for Heav'ns relief,
And Throngs undoes with Hope, by one drawn Prize.
21.
In many Figures by reflex were sent,
Through this black Vault (instructive to the mind)
That early, and this tardy Penitent;
For with Obsidian stone 'twas chiefly lin'd.
In many Figures by reflex were sent,
Through this black Vault (instructive to the mind)
That early, and this tardy Penitent;
For with Obsidian stone 'twas chiefly lin'd.
22.
The Seats were made of Ethiops swarthy wood,
Abstersive Ebony, but thinly fill'd;
For none this place by nature understood;
And practise, when unpleasant, makes few skill'd.
The Seats were made of Ethiops swarthy wood,
Abstersive Ebony, but thinly fill'd;
For none this place by nature understood;
And practise, when unpleasant, makes few skill'd.
23.
Yet these whom Heav'ns mysterious choice fetch'd in,
Quickly attain Devotion's utmost scope;
For having softly mourn'd away their sin,
They grow so certain, as to need no Hope.
Yet these whom Heav'ns mysterious choice fetch'd in,
Quickly attain Devotion's utmost scope;
For having softly mourn'd away their sin,
They grow so certain, as to need no Hope.
24.
At a low Door they enter'd, but depart
Through a large Gate, and to fair Fields proceed;
Where Astragon makes Nature last by Art,
And such long Summers shews, as ask no seed.
At a low Door they enter'd, but depart
Through a large Gate, and to fair Fields proceed;
Where Astragon makes Nature last by Art,
And such long Summers shews, as ask no seed.
25.
Whilst Ulfin this black Temple thus exprest
To these kind Youths, whom equal soul endeers;
Goltho and Ulfinore, (in friendship blest)
A second gen'ral shout salutes their Ears.
Whilst Ulfin this black Temple thus exprest
To these kind Youths, whom equal soul endeers;
Goltho and Ulfinore, (in friendship blest)
A second gen'ral shout salutes their Ears.
26.
To the glad House of Praise this shout does call!
To Pray'r (said he) no Summons us invites,
Because distress does thither summon all)
As the loud tole to Penitence excites.
To the glad House of Praise this shout does call!
To Pray'r (said he) no Summons us invites,
Because distress does thither summon all)
As the loud tole to Penitence excites.
27.
But since dull Men, to gratitude are slow,
And joy'd consent of Hearts is high Heav'ns choice;
To this of Praise, shouts summon us to go;
Of Hearts assembled, the unfeigned Voice.
But since dull Men, to gratitude are slow,
And joy'd consent of Hearts is high Heav'ns choice;
To this of Praise, shouts summon us to go;
Of Hearts assembled, the unfeigned Voice.
28.
And since, wise Astragon, with due applause,
Kind Heav'n, for his success, on Nature pays;
This day, Victorious Art, has given him cause,
Much to augment Heav'ns lov'd reward of praise.
And since, wise Astragon, with due applause,
Kind Heav'n, for his success, on Nature pays;
This day, Victorious Art, has given him cause,
Much to augment Heav'ns lov'd reward of praise.
29.
For this effectual day his Art reveal'd,
What has so oft made Nature's spies to pine,
The Load-stones mystick use, so long conceal'd
In closs allyance with the courser Mine.
For this effectual day his Art reveal'd,
What has so oft made Nature's spies to pine,
The Load-stones mystick use, so long conceal'd
In closs allyance with the courser Mine.
30.
And this in sleepy Vision, he was bid
To register in Characters unknown;
Which Heav'n will have from Navigators hid,
Till Saturn's walk be twenty Circuits grown.
And this in sleepy Vision, he was bid
To register in Characters unknown;
Which Heav'n will have from Navigators hid,
Till Saturn's walk be twenty Circuits grown.
31.
For as Religion (in the warm East bred)
And Arts (which next to it most needfull were)
From Vices sprung from their corruption, fled;
And thence vouchsaf'd a cold Plantation here;
For as Religion (in the warm East bred)
And Arts (which next to it most needfull were)
From Vices sprung from their corruption, fled;
And thence vouchsaf'd a cold Plantation here;
32.
So when they here again corrupted be,
(For Man can even his Antidotes insect)
Heav'ns reserv'd world they in the West shall see;
To which this stone's hid virtue will direct.
So when they here again corrupted be,
(For Man can even his Antidotes insect)
Heav'ns reserv'd world they in the West shall see;
To which this stone's hid virtue will direct.
33.
Religion then (whose Age this world upbraids,
As scorn'd deformitie) will thither steer;
Serv'd at fit distance by the Arts, her Maids,
Which grow too bold, when they attend too neer.
Religion then (whose Age this world upbraids,
As scorn'd deformitie) will thither steer;
Serv'd at fit distance by the Arts, her Maids,
Which grow too bold, when they attend too neer.
34.
And some, whom Traffick thither tempts, shall thence
In her exchange (though they did grudge her shrines,
And poorly banish'd her to save expence)
Bring home the Idol, Gold, from new-found Mines.
And some, whom Traffick thither tempts, shall thence
In her exchange (though they did grudge her shrines,
And poorly banish'd her to save expence)
Bring home the Idol, Gold, from new-found Mines.
35.
Till then, sad Pilots must be often lost,
Whilst from the Ocean's dreaded Face they shrink;
And seeking safetie near the cos'ning Coast,
With winds surpris'd, by Rockie Ambush sink.
Till then, sad Pilots must be often lost,
Whilst from the Ocean's dreaded Face they shrink;
And seeking safetie near the cos'ning Coast,
With winds surpris'd, by Rockie Ambush sink.
36
Or if success rewards, what they endure,
The Worlds chief Jewel, Time, they then ingage
And forfeit (trusting long the Cynosure)
To bring home nought but wretched Gold, and Age.
Or if success rewards, what they endure,
The Worlds chief Jewel, Time, they then ingage
And forfeit (trusting long the Cynosure)
To bring home nought but wretched Gold, and Age.
37.
Yet when this plague of ignorance shall end,
(Dire ignorance, with which God plagues us most;
Whilst we not feeling it, him most offend)
Then lower'd Sayls no more shall tie the Coast.
Yet when this plague of ignorance shall end,
(Dire ignorance, with which God plagues us most;
Whilst we not feeling it, him most offend)
Then lower'd Sayls no more shall tie the Coast.
38.
They with new Tops to Fore-masts and the Main,
And Misens new, shall th' Ocean's Breast invade;
Stretch new sayls out, as Arms to entertain
Those winds, of which their Fathers were afraid.
They with new Tops to Fore-masts and the Main,
And Misens new, shall th' Ocean's Breast invade;
Stretch new sayls out, as Arms to entertain
Those winds, of which their Fathers were afraid.
39.
Then (sure of either Pole) they will with pride,
In ev'ry storm, salute this constant Stone!
And scorn that Star, which ev'ry Cloud could hide;
The Sea-men's spark! which soon, as seen, is gone!
Then (sure of either Pole) they will with pride,
In ev'ry storm, salute this constant Stone!
And scorn that Star, which ev'ry Cloud could hide;
The Sea-men's spark! which soon, as seen, is gone!
40.
'Tis sung, the Ocean shall his bonds untie,
And Earth in half a Globe be pent no more;
Typhis shall sail, till Thube he discrie,
But a domestick step to distant Shore!
'Tis sung, the Ocean shall his bonds untie,
And Earth in half a Globe be pent no more;
Typhis shall sail, till Thube he discrie,
But a domestick step to distant Shore!
41.
This Astragon had read; and what the Greek,
Old Cretias in Egyptian Books had found;
By which, his travail'd soul, new Worlds did seek,
And div'd to find the old Atlantis drown'd.
This Astragon had read; and what the Greek,
Old Cretias in Egyptian Books had found;
By which, his travail'd soul, new Worlds did seek,
And div'd to find the old Atlantis drown'd.
42.
Grave Ulfin thus discours'd; and now he brings
The Youths to view the Temple built for Praise;
Where Olive, for th'Olimpian Victor Springs;
Mirtle, for Love's; and for War's triumph, Bays.
Grave Ulfin thus discours'd; and now he brings
The Youths to view the Temple built for Praise;
Where Olive, for th'Olimpian Victor Springs;
Mirtle, for Love's; and for War's triumph, Bays.
43.
These, as rewards of praise about it grew;
For lib'ral praise from an aboundant Mind
Does even the Conqueror of Fate subdue;
Since Heav'n's good King is Captive to the Kind.
These, as rewards of praise about it grew;
For lib'ral praise from an aboundant Mind
Does even the Conqueror of Fate subdue;
Since Heav'n's good King is Captive to the Kind.
44.
Dark are all Thrones to what this Temple seem'd,
Whose Marble veins out-shin'd Heav'n's various Bow;
And would (eclipsing all proud Rome esteem'd)
To Northern Eies, like Eastern Mornings show.
Dark are all Thrones to what this Temple seem'd,
Whose Marble veins out-shin'd Heav'n's various Bow;
And would (eclipsing all proud Rome esteem'd)
To Northern Eies, like Eastern Mornings show.
45.
From Paros Isle, was brought the milkie white;
From Sparta, came the Green, which cheers the view;
From Araby, the blushing Onichite,
And from the Misnian Hills, the deeper Blew.
From Paros Isle, was brought the milkie white;
From Sparta, came the Green, which cheers the view;
From Araby, the blushing Onichite,
And from the Misnian Hills, the deeper Blew.
46.
The arched Front did on Vast Pillars fall;
Where all harmonious Instruments they spie
Drawn out in Boss; which from the Astrigall
To the flat Frise in apt resemblance lie.
The arched Front did on Vast Pillars fall;
Where all harmonious Instruments they spie
Drawn out in Boss; which from the Astrigall
To the flat Frise in apt resemblance lie.
47.
Toss'd Cymbals (which the sullen Jews admir'd)
Were figur'd here, with all of ancient choice
That joy did ere invent, or breath inspir'd,
Or flying Fingers touch'd into a voice.
Toss'd Cymbals (which the sullen Jews admir'd)
Were figur'd here, with all of ancient choice
That joy did ere invent, or breath inspir'd,
Or flying Fingers touch'd into a voice.
48.
In Statue o're the Gate, God's Fav'rite-King
The author of Celestial praise) did stand;
His Quire (that did his sonnets set and Sing)
In Niches rang'd, attended either Hand.
In Statue o're the Gate, God's Fav'rite-King
The author of Celestial praise) did stand;
His Quire (that did his sonnets set and Sing)
In Niches rang'd, attended either Hand.
49.
From these, old Greeks sweet Musick did improve;
The Solemn Dorian did in Temples charm,
The softer Lydian sooth'd to Bridal Love,
And warlick Phrygian did to Battail warm!
From these, old Greeks sweet Musick did improve;
The Solemn Dorian did in Temples charm,
The softer Lydian sooth'd to Bridal Love,
And warlick Phrygian did to Battail warm!
50.
They enter now, and with glad rev'rence saw
Glory, too solid great to taste of pride;
So sacred pleasant, as preserves an awe;
Though jealous Priests, it neither praise nor hide,
They enter now, and with glad rev'rence saw
Glory, too solid great to taste of pride;
So sacred pleasant, as preserves an awe;
Though jealous Priests, it neither praise nor hide,
51.
Tapers and Lamps are not admitted here;
Those, but with shadows, give false beauty grace;
And this victorious glory can appear
Unvayl'd before the Sun's Meridian Face:
Tapers and Lamps are not admitted here;
Those, but with shadows, give false beauty grace;
And this victorious glory can appear
Unvayl'd before the Sun's Meridian Face:
52.
Whose Eastern lusture rashly enters now;
Where it his own mean Infancy displays;
Where it does Man's chief obligation show,
In what does most adorn the House of Praise;
Whose Eastern lusture rashly enters now;
Where it his own mean Infancy displays;
Where it does Man's chief obligation show,
In what does most adorn the House of Praise;
53.
The great Creation by bold Pencils drawn;
Where a feign'd Curtain does our Eies forbid,
Till the Sun's Parent, Light, first seem to dawn
From quiet Chaos, which that Curtain hid.
The great Creation by bold Pencils drawn;
Where a feign'd Curtain does our Eies forbid,
Till the Sun's Parent, Light, first seem to dawn
From quiet Chaos, which that Curtain hid.
54.
Then this all-rev'renc'd Sun (God's hasty Spark
Struck out of Chaos, when he first struck Light)
Flies to the Sphears, where first he found all dark,
And kindled there th'unkindled Lamps of Night.
Then this all-rev'renc'd Sun (God's hasty Spark
Struck out of Chaos, when he first struck Light)
Flies to the Sphears, where first he found all dark,
And kindled there th'unkindled Lamps of Night.
55.
Then Motion, Nature's great Preservative,
Tun'd order in this World, Life's restless Inn;
Gave Tydes to Seas, and caus'd stretch'd Plants to live;
Else Plants but Seeds, and Seas but Lakes had bin.
Then Motion, Nature's great Preservative,
Tun'd order in this World, Life's restless Inn;
Gave Tydes to Seas, and caus'd stretch'd Plants to live;
Else Plants but Seeds, and Seas but Lakes had bin.
56
But this Fourth Fiat, warming what was made,
(For Light ne'r warm'd, till it did motion get)
The Picture fills the World with woodie shade;
To shew how Nature thrives by Motion's heat.
But this Fourth Fiat, warming what was made,
(For Light ne'r warm'd, till it did motion get)
The Picture fills the World with woodie shade;
To shew how Nature thrives by Motion's heat.
57.
Then to those Woods the next quick Fiat brings
The Feather'd kind; where merrily they fed,
As if their Hearts were lighter than their Wings;
For yet no Cage was fram'd, nor Net was spred.
Then to those Woods the next quick Fiat brings
The Feather'd kind; where merrily they fed,
As if their Hearts were lighter than their Wings;
For yet no Cage was fram'd, nor Net was spred.
58.
The same Fifth voice does Seas and Rivers Store;
Then into Rivers Brooks the Painter powres,
And Rivers into Seas; which (rich before)
Return their gifts, to both exhal'd in Showrs.
The same Fifth voice does Seas and Rivers Store;
Then into Rivers Brooks the Painter powres,
And Rivers into Seas; which (rich before)
Return their gifts, to both exhal'd in Showrs.
59.
This voice (whose swift dispatch in all it wrought,
Seems to denote the Speaker was in haste,
As if more Worlds were framing in his thought)
Ads to this World one Fiat, as the last.
This voice (whose swift dispatch in all it wrought,
Seems to denote the Speaker was in haste,
As if more Worlds were framing in his thought)
Ads to this World one Fiat, as the last.
60.
Then straight an universal Herd appears;
First gazing on each other in the shade;
Wond'ring with levell'd Eyes, and lifted Ears,
Then play, whilst yet their Tyrant is unmade.
Then straight an universal Herd appears;
First gazing on each other in the shade;
Wond'ring with levell'd Eyes, and lifted Ears,
Then play, whilst yet their Tyrant is unmade.
61.
And Man, the Painter now presents to view;
Haughtie without, and busie still within;
Whom, when his Furr'd and Horned Subjects knew,
Their sport is ended, and there fears begin.
And Man, the Painter now presents to view;
Haughtie without, and busie still within;
Whom, when his Furr'd and Horned Subjects knew,
Their sport is ended, and there fears begin.
62.
But here (to cure this Tyrant's sullenness)
The Painter has a new false Curtain drawn;
Where Beauty's hid, Creation to express;
From thence, harmless as light, he makes it dawn.
But here (to cure this Tyrant's sullenness)
The Painter has a new false Curtain drawn;
Where Beauty's hid, Creation to express;
From thence, harmless as light, he makes it dawn.
63.
From thence breaks lovely forth, the Worlds first Maid;
Her Breast, Love's Cradle, where Love quiet lies;
Nought yet had seen so foul, to grow afraid,
Nor gay, to make it crie with longing Eyes,
From thence breaks lovely forth, the Worlds first Maid;
Her Breast, Love's Cradle, where Love quiet lies;
Nought yet had seen so foul, to grow afraid,
Nor gay, to make it crie with longing Eyes,
64.
And thence, from stupid sleep, her Monarch steals;
She wonders, till so vain his wonder grows,
That it his feeble sov'reigntie reveals;
Her Beautie then, his Manhood does depose.
And thence, from stupid sleep, her Monarch steals;
She wonders, till so vain his wonder grows,
That it his feeble sov'reigntie reveals;
Her Beautie then, his Manhood does depose.
65.
Deep into shades the Painter leads them now;
To hide their future deeds; then storms does raise
Ore Heav'n's smooth face, because their life does grow
Too black a storie for the House of Praise.
Deep into shades the Painter leads them now;
To hide their future deeds; then storms does raise
Ore Heav'n's smooth face, because their life does grow
Too black a storie for the House of Praise.
66.
A noble painted Vision next appears;
Where all Heav'ns Frowns in distant prospect waste;
And nought remains, but a short showre of Tears,
Shed, by its pitie, for Revenges past.
A noble painted Vision next appears;
Where all Heav'ns Frowns in distant prospect waste;
And nought remains, but a short showre of Tears,
Shed, by its pitie, for Revenges past.
67.
The Worlds one Ship, from th' old to a new World bound,
Fraighted with Life (chief of uncertain Trades!)
After Five Moons at drift, lies now aground;
Where her frail Stowage, she in haste unlades.
The Worlds one Ship, from th' old to a new World bound,
Fraighted with Life (chief of uncertain Trades!)
After Five Moons at drift, lies now aground;
Where her frail Stowage, she in haste unlades.
68.
On Persian Caucasus the Eight descend,
And seem their trivial essence to deplore,
Griev'd to begin this World in th' others end,
And to behold wrack'd Nations on the Shore.
On Persian Caucasus the Eight descend,
And seem their trivial essence to deplore,
Griev'd to begin this World in th' others end,
And to behold wrack'd Nations on the Shore.
69.
Each humbled thus his Beasts led from aboard,
As fellow-Passengers, and Heirs to breath;
Joynt Tenants to the World, he not their Lord;
Such likeness have we in the Glass of Death.
Each humbled thus his Beasts led from aboard,
As fellow-Passengers, and Heirs to breath;
Joynt Tenants to the World, he not their Lord;
Such likeness have we in the Glass of Death.
70.
Yet this humilitie begets their joy;
And taught, that Heav'n (which fully sin survays)
Was partial where it did not quite destroy;
So made the whole World's Dirge their song of praise.
Yet this humilitie begets their joy;
And taught, that Heav'n (which fully sin survays)
Was partial where it did not quite destroy;
So made the whole World's Dirge their song of praise.
71.
This first redemption to another led,
Kinder in deeds, and nobler in effects;
That but a few did respit from the Dead,
This all the Dead from second Death protects.
This first redemption to another led,
Kinder in deeds, and nobler in effects;
That but a few did respit from the Dead,
This all the Dead from second Death protects.
72.
And know, lost Nature, this resemblance was
Thy frank Redeemer in ascension shown;
When Hell he conquer'd in thy desp'rate cause;
Hell, which before Man's common Grave was grown.
And know, lost Nature, this resemblance was
Thy frank Redeemer in ascension shown;
When Hell he conquer'd in thy desp'rate cause;
Hell, which before Man's common Grave was grown.
73.
By an Imperial Pencil this was wrought;
Rounded in all the Curious would behold;
Where life Came out, and Met the Painters thought;
The Force was tender, though the strokes were bold.
By an Imperial Pencil this was wrought;
Rounded in all the Curious would behold;
Where life Came out, and Met the Painters thought;
The Force was tender, though the strokes were bold.
74.
The holy Mourners, who this Lord of Life
Ascending saw, did seem with him to rise;
So well the Painter drew their Passions strife,
To follow him with Bodies, as with Eyes.
The holy Mourners, who this Lord of Life
Ascending saw, did seem with him to rise;
So well the Painter drew their Passions strife,
To follow him with Bodies, as with Eyes.
75.
This was the chief which in this Temple did,
By Pencils Rhethorick to praise perswade;
Yet to the living here, compar'd, seems hid;
Who shine all painted Glory into shade.
This was the chief which in this Temple did,
By Pencils Rhethorick to praise perswade;
Yet to the living here, compar'd, seems hid;
Who shine all painted Glory into shade.
76.
Lord Astragon a Purple Mantle wore,
Where Nature's storie was in Colours wrought;
And though her ancient Text seem'd dark before,
'Tis in this pleasant Comment clearly taught.
Lord Astragon a Purple Mantle wore,
Where Nature's storie was in Colours wrought;
And though her ancient Text seem'd dark before,
'Tis in this pleasant Comment clearly taught.
77.
Such various Flowrie Wreaths th' Assembly wear,
As shew'd them wisely proud of Natures pride;
Which so adorn'd them, that the coursest here
Did seem a prosp'rous Bride-groom, or a Bride.
Such various Flowrie Wreaths th' Assembly wear,
As shew'd them wisely proud of Natures pride;
Which so adorn'd them, that the coursest here
Did seem a prosp'rous Bride-groom, or a Bride.
78.
All shew'd as fresh, and fair, and innocent,
As Virgins to their Lovers first survay;
Joy'd as the Spring, when March his sighs has spent,
And April's sweet rash Tears are dry'd by May.
All shew'd as fresh, and fair, and innocent,
As Virgins to their Lovers first survay;
Joy'd as the Spring, when March his sighs has spent,
And April's sweet rash Tears are dry'd by May.
79.
And this confed'rate joy so swell'd each Breast,
That joy would turn to pain without a vent;
Therefore their voices Heav'n's renown exprest;
Though Tongnes ne'r reach, what minds so nobly ment.
And this confed'rate joy so swell'd each Breast,
That joy would turn to pain without a vent;
Therefore their voices Heav'n's renown exprest;
Though Tongnes ne'r reach, what minds so nobly ment.
80.
Yet Musick here shew'd all her Art's high worth;
Whilst Virgin-Trebbles, seem'd, with bashfull grace,
To call the bolder marry'd Tenor forth;
Whose Manly voice challeng'd the Giant Base.
Yet Musick here shew'd all her Art's high worth;
Whilst Virgin-Trebbles, seem'd, with bashfull grace,
To call the bolder marry'd Tenor forth;
Whose Manly voice challeng'd the Giant Base.
81.
To these the swift soft Instruments reply;
Whisp'ring for help to those whom winds inspire;
Whose louder Notes, to Neighb'ring Forrests flie,
And summon Nature's Voluntarie Quire.
To these the swift soft Instruments reply;
Whisp'ring for help to those whom winds inspire;
Whose louder Notes, to Neighb'ring Forrests flie,
And summon Nature's Voluntarie Quire.
82.
These Astragon, by secret skill had taught,
To help, as if in artfull Consort bred;
Who sung, as if by chance on him they thought,
Whose care their careless merry Fathers Fed.
These Astragon, by secret skill had taught,
To help, as if in artfull Consort bred;
Who sung, as if by chance on him they thought,
Whose care their careless merry Fathers Fed.
83.
Hither, with borrow'd strength, Duke Gondibert
Was brought, which now his rip'ning wounds allow;
And high Heav'ns praise in musick of the heart,
He inward sings, to pay a Victor's vow.
Hither, with borrow'd strength, Duke Gondibert
Was brought, which now his rip'ning wounds allow;
And high Heav'ns praise in musick of the heart,
He inward sings, to pay a Victor's vow.
84.
Praise is devotion fit for mightie Minds!
The diff'ring World's agreeing Sacrifice;
Where Heav'n divided Faiths united finds;
But Pray'r in various discord upward flies.
Praise is devotion fit for mightie Minds!
The diff'ring World's agreeing Sacrifice;
Where Heav'n divided Faiths united finds;
But Pray'r in various discord upward flies.
85.
For Pray'r the Ocean is, where diversly
Men steer their Course, each to a sev'ral Coast;
Where all our int'rests so discordant be,
That half beg winds by which the rest are lost.
For Pray'r the Ocean is, where diversly
Men steer their Course, each to a sev'ral Coast;
Where all our int'rests so discordant be,
That half beg winds by which the rest are lost.
86.
By Penitence, when we our selves forsake,
'Tis but in wise design on pitious Heav'n;
In Praise we nobly give, what God may take,
And are without a Beggers blush forgiv'n.
By Penitence, when we our selves forsake,
'Tis but in wise design on pitious Heav'n;
In Praise we nobly give, what God may take,
And are without a Beggers blush forgiv'n.
87.
Its utmost force, like Powder's, is unknown!
And though weak Kings excess of Praise may fear,
Yet when 'tis here, like Powder, dang'rous grown,
Heav'ns Vault receives, what would the Palace tear.
Its utmost force, like Powder's, is unknown!
And though weak Kings excess of Praise may fear,
Yet when 'tis here, like Powder, dang'rous grown,
Heav'ns Vault receives, what would the Palace tear.