IN PRAISE OF HIS MISTRESS.

'THOU Shepherd, whose intentive eye
On every lamb is such a spy,
No wily fox can make them less,
Where may I find my Shepherdess?'

A little pausing, then said he,
'How can that jewel stray from thee,
In summer's heat, in winter's cold?
I thought thy breast had been her fold!'

'That is, indeed, the constant place,
Wherein my Thoughts still see her face;
And print her image in my heart:
But yet my fond Eyes crave a part!'

With that, he smiling said, 'I might
Of CHLORIS partly have a sight,
And some of her perfections meet,
In ev'ry flower was fresh and sweet.

'The growing Lily bears her skin!
The Violet, her blue veins within!
The blushing Rose, new blown and spread,
Her sweeter cheek, her lips, the red!

'The winds, that wanton with the Spring,
Such odours as her breathing bring!
But the resemblance of her eyes
Was never found beneath the skies!

'Her charming voice, who strives to hit,
His object must be higher yet!
For heaven, and earth, and all we see
Dispersed, collected, is but She!'

Amazed at this discourse, methought,
Love both ambition in me wrought;
And made me covet to engross
A wealth'would prove a public loss.

With that, I sighed! ashamed to see
Such worth in her; such want in me!
And closing both mine eyes, forbid
The world my sight; since She was hid.

OR, ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE.
WHAT's a good conscience? ECHO, canst say! Aye!
Say then; and what 'tis, manifest!

Where is 't? I' th' understanding wholly ?
Is it then, ECHO! in my breast?

Rest! Is 't from pain, or sin; say, Whether?
If both, 'tis heaven on earth! a saint's bliss!
Is 't in our own, or others', powers?
O, then a jewel 'tis, rich and bright!
Then tell me, How shall I come by it?
If gold will buy 't; gold I'll provide!
If gold will not; what else will do it?
Is 't not enough, that I believe well?
Does 't not consist in good affections?
To get it, are good works the best way?
How long must this be my endeavour?

A feast.

O, lie!
My rest
Either.
Yes.
Ours
Right!
Buy it!

O, wide!
Do it!
Live well!
Actions!

Aye!
Ever.

UPON HIS LOSING HIS WAY IN A MIST. I THOUGHT, I could not go astray,

So perfectly I knew the way.

Yet, in a mist, I missed it, and

Erred now on this, now on that hand:
And till the fog was by the sun
Dispelled, I in a maze did run,
And ride; as if 'twere fairy ground,
Or that the PUCK had led me round.

So, whiles I want a heavenly light,
The day 's to me as dark as night!

Which way I go, I cannot tell;

Whether it be towards Heaven, or Hell!
But this I know, That there is odds
I tread the Devil's track; not GOD's!
For GOD's way straight and narrow is;
The Devil's, broad and hard to miss!

O, Sun of Righteousness, then shine,
And soon disperse this mist of mine!
Lighten the darkness of my mind,
That I the way to Heaven may find!

UPON A PASSING BELL.
HARK, how the Passing Bell
Rings out thy neighbour's knell!
And thou, for want of wit
Or grace, ne'er think'st on it;
Because thou yet art well!

Fool! In two days, or three,
The same may ring for thee!
For Death's impartial dart
Will surely hit thy heart!
He will not take a fee!

Since then, he will not spare;
See thou thyself prepare
Against that dreadful day,

When thou shalt turn to clay!
This Bell bids thee, Beware!