The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations/Easter Wings

The poem appears, in landscape, on opposite pages in the book. As printed, the layout of the words was intended to resemble birds flying upwards with outstretched wings. To preserve a similar shape to the printed version, some lines have increased word spacing.

¶ Easter-wings.

Lord, who createdst man in wealth and store,
Though foolishly he lost the same,
Decaying more and more,
Till he became
Most poore:
With thee
O let me rise
As larks, harmoniously,
And sing this day thy victories:
Then shall the fall further the flight in me.

My tender age in sorrow did beginne:
And still with sicknesses and shame
Thou didst so punish sinne,
That I became
Most thinne.
With thee
Let me combine,
And feel this day thy victorie:
For, if I imp my wing on thine,
Affliction shall advance the flight in me.