A divine centurie of spirituall sonnets

INVOCATION To the Diuine Father of sacred Muses .

SONNET . I. NO more lewde laies of Lighter loues I sing , Nor teach my lustfull Muse abus'de to flie , With Sparrowes plumes and for compassion crie , To mortall beauties which no succour bring . But my Muse fethered with an Angels wing , Diuinely mounts aloft vnto the skie . Where her loues subiects with my hopes doe lie : For Cupids darts prefigurate hell's sting . His quenchlesse Torch foreshowes hell's quenchles fire , Kindling mens wits with lustfull laies of sinne : Thy wounds my Cure deare Sauiour I desire To pearce my thoughts thy fierie Cherubinne , ( By kindling my desires ) true zeale t' infuse , Thy loue my theame and holy Ghost my Muse.

SONNET . II. SWeete Sauiour from whose fiuefold bleeding wound , That comfortable Antidote distilde : Which that rancke poyson hath expeld and kild , In our old wretched father Adam found . In Paradise when he desertlesse crown'd , Receau'd it as th' enuenomde Serpent willde , In steede of lustfull eyes with arrowes fillde : Of sinfull loues which from their beames abound . Let those sweete blessed wounds with streames of grace , Aboundantly sollicite my poore spirite : Rauish'de with loue of thee that didst debase Thy selfe on earth that I might heauen inherite , O blessed sweete wounds fountaines of electre , My wounded soules balme , and saluations nectre .

SONNET . III. SAcred redeemer , let my praiers pearce Thine eares to contrite sinners open still At my harts altar made , where ( to fulfill My vowes ) I sacrifice in humble verse . Which doe with troubled penitence rehearse My ceaselesse sinnes repugnant to thy will : Let mercie mittigate the large blacke bill Of my dead sinnes : Deare iudge the doome reuerse Which with foule guilt agrieu'de my conscience gaue , By iustice iustly damn'd to quenchlesse fire : Oh my deare Sauiour crucifi'd , mee saue ! Let my contricions incense vp aspire ( With true zeale kindled on my Altar hart ) And of thy sweete saluation purchase part .

SONNET . IIII. Deare comforter ( with whose deare precious blood , The costly ransome of my sinnes was paide , For my redemption murthered and betraide , Sole spotlesse Lambe before the throane which stoode Opening the seuen sealde Booke : who for pure foode Thy precious selfe in sacrifice had'st laide To my soules sustenance : which had decaide If thou hadst not beene lifted on the roode ) O let my soule ( thy Temple ) be perfum'de With sacred incense of thy vertuous grace : Which hauing with repentant sighes presum'de ( Though charg'de with sinne ) to kneele before thy face , Yet for like Almes ( in mercy ) doth implore , Though last in worke , with those which wrought before .

SONNET . V. BLessed creatour let thine onely sonne ( Sweete blossome stocke and roote of Dauids line The cleare bright morning starre ) giue light and shine On my poore spirit , which hath new begunne With his loues praise and with vaine loues hath donne : to my poore Muse let him his eares incline , Thirsting to tast of that celestiall wine Whose purple streame hath our saluation wonne . O gracious bridegroome , and thricelouely bride Which come and fill who will for euer crie , Water of life to no man is deny'de : Fill still who will if any man be drye . O heauenly voice ! I thirst , I thirst and come For life , with other sinners to get some .

SONNET . VI. PVre sacrifice , once offred for vs all , Euen all which were defilde with deadly sinne : Let me poore deadly sinner , who beginne With voice and hart repentant thee to call , And cry that finde my selfe about to fall Into that quenchlesse lake , repleate within With howling fiends which euer gnash and grin , Haue Audience from thy throane celestiall . Deere spotlesse sacrifice ( which didst discend And as a man for mankindes safetie dy'de , And ransackt Hels foule dungeon without end : Enlarging sinners which therein were ty'de ) Since thou didst die that sinners sau'de might bee , I am a wicked sinner ( Lord ) saue mee .

SONNET . VII . WHite spotlesse Lambe ( whose precious sweete bloudshed The whole worlds sinnefull Debt hath satisfied : For sinners scorn'd , whipp'de , wounded , crucified , Beholde my sinfull soule by Sathan led Euen to the gates of Hell : where will be red My consciences blacke booke : vnlesse suppli'de Be ( to those leaues past number ) thy wounds wide : Whose purple issue which for sinners bled , Shall wash the Register of my foule sin , And thence blot out the vile memoriall : Then let thy blessed Angell enter in My temple purg'd , and that historiall ( Of my sinnes numberlesse ) in deepe Seas cast : So shall I be new borne , and sau'd at last .

SONNET . VIII . LYon of Iudah ( which dost iudge and fight With endlesse iustice , whose annointed head Was once with wounding thornes inuironed , But now with sacred Crownes by glorious right : Whose glorious hoast succeedes in armour white , Before whose face so many millions fled , And whose Imperiall name , no man could read ) Illuminate my thoughts , with the beames bright Of that white powrefull and celestiall Doue : Kindle my spirit with that sacred heate , Which me may rauish with an heauenly Loue : Whil'st I thy ceaselesse graces doe repeate , Downe powrde in full aboundance to mankind , Which comfort in my soule ( poore wretch ) I find .

SONNET . IX . O Gracious shephearde ( for thy simple flocke By guilefull Goates to rauening Wolues misled , ) Who thine owne deare harts precious bloud didst shed , And Lambelike offered to the butchers blocke ; O gracious shepheard ( vnremouing rocke Of succour to such all as thither fled ) Respect one of thy flocke which followed These cursed Goates , and doth repentant knocke . To be with mercy taken to thy folde , I know thy grace doth still for wanderers looke , I was a lost sheepe once ( deare Lord ) beholde , And in compassion take me with thy hooke : In one lost sheepe new found thou dost reioyce , Then know thy sheepe , which knowes his shepheards voice .

SONNET . X. HEauenly Messias ( sweete annointed King , Whose glorie round about the world doth reach , Which euerie beast , plant , rocke , and riuer teach , And aerie birds like Angels euer sing , And euery gale of winde in gustes doth bring , And euery man with reason euer preach ) Behold , behold that lamentable breach : Which ( my distressed conscience to sting ) False spitefull Sathan in my soule doth make : Oh ( sweete Messias ) lend some gracious oyle To cure that wound , euen for thy mercies sake : Least ( by that breach ) thy temple he dispoyle . Helpe , helpe , my conscience thether him doth leade , And hee will come , if thou bruse not his head .

SONNET . XI . MErcifull Iesus thine eyeliddes of grace Decline vnto a wicked sory sinner Humbly prostrate , who ( but a new beginner ) Begges that thine holy Ghost might Sathan chase From his foule soule , ordaind for thy pallace : as it did Mary Mag'daline saue , and winne her From seuen foule spirits which did raigne within her : But now behold a more contagious place , A place where the seuen mortall sinnes roote take , From whence beside all ougly crimes braunch out , With each of these seuen legions doe pertake Of vncleane spirits raging round about : Oh now deare Iesus , Iesus shew thy power , And driue them forth , least they my soule deuoure .

SONNET . XII . BOuntifull Lord Christ ( whose hand liberall Is still outstretched for mans sustenance Which wee much thankelesse with small souenance recount , when in such larges it doth fall : But that which all men in especiall Ought to maintaine in high rememberance , ( Naylde feete and hands , and hart pearc'de with a Launce For our redemption from the sinfull thrall ) With feruent zeale , true Loue , feare reuerent , Is quite forgot of most : and yet these bee The chiefe deare signes for our saluation sent : Oh blessed Christ , bestow thy grace on mee Bestow this blessed grace ( deare Christ ) that I May hope new life by thy death , when I die .

SONNET . XIII . DEare Dauids sonne ( whom thy forefathers haue In Psalmes and prophecies vnborne foretolde , That hell in Adamantine chaines should holde , And thence poore sinners both inlarge and saue Whom former blindnes to damnation gaue ) Mee swallowed in the gulfe of sinne behold : A Lambe amongst wilde wolues ( once of thy fold ) Whom Sathan now doth for his porcion craue : Deare sonne of Dauid helpe , yet helpe with speede . Thy wounds bleede fresh in my remembrance yet , Which blessed wounds did for offenders bleede : These wounds I will not in distresse forget , For all cheefe hope of my saluation , grounds In Nectre of those comfortable wounds .

SONNET . XIIII . O Benigne Father let my sutes ascend , And please thy gracious eares from my soule sent ; Euen as those sweete perfumes of incense went From our forefathers altars : who didst lend Thy nosthrils to that mirrh which they did send , Euen as I now craue thine eares to be lent . My soule , my soule , is wholy , wholy bent To doe thee condigne seruice , and amend , To flie for refuge to thy wounded brest ; To sucke the balme of my saluation thence , In sweete repose to take eternall rest , As thy childe folded in thine armes defence : But then my flesh me thought ( by Sathan fir'de ) Said my proud sinfull soule in vaine aspirde .

SONNET . XV. PIttifull Lord ( whose endles mercy reacheth From East to West and the worlds compasse filleth , Whose charge imperious ( as thy spirit willeth ) Things sencelesse as in life obedience teacheth : Whose bright omnipotence the Dumbe borne preacheth : Whose grace in full aboundance downe distilleth To contrite sinners , which olde Sathan killeth , And wounded spirits heales , whome sinne appeacheth ) With those bright eyes of mercy me respect , From my soule ( made thy temple ) Sathan driue , That my pure spirit may thy praise detect , And from death by thy liuely grace reuiue : That ( sinne and Hell suppress'd ) I might appeare After deaths conquest , by thy mercies cleare .

SONNET . XVI . SVre corner stone of that rocke firme and hie , ( Where of eternall life the fountaine springs , Whose vertue to the soule such comfort brings That he which tasteth neuer shall be drie , Nor euer slaue of death againe shall die ) Oh let thy blessed Angell carrie wings And arme my soule : which loathing earthly things For liuely water to that rocke would flie : There neuer dare approch my Ghostly foe , Which would from number of thy Saints exempt My silly soule : sweete Christ let him forgoe That deare soules purchase : which he doth attempt . Remember ( my deare Lord ) thou dy'd to saue it Then neuer shall the roaring Lyon haue it .

SONNET . XVII . MYlde King of Salem Lord of louely peace , ( Who do'st in brother like agreement ioy , In mercy mourning when thou do'st destroy , Where iustice condigne anger doth encrease ) Behold a wretch , whose sinnes doe neuer cease With haynous guilt his conscience to annoy : Who by that meanes cannot calme rest enioy Behold deare Christ , and for my free release ( Vpon contrition ) those offences blot Out of those large inditements , which be giu'n By my iust conscience : let them be forgot . Forget , forgiue ( deare Lord ) for I am driu'n ( By their remembrance ) almost to dispaire : Which my soules ruine ready would prepare .

SONNET . XVIII . HYe priest of Syon ( whose eternall throne With endlesse right , and mercy seated is : Which all knees ( when his name repeated is ) Adore : whose rule hath times swift wings outgone , Whose Scepter is an euerlasting one , Whose Monarchie neuer compleated is ) This humble Alter see , which heated is With feruent zeale I beare to thee alone : Which from the Syon of my soule aspireth , Euen from this zealous hart vnto the chayre Of euerlasting power , where it desireth ( Through pleasing incense ) for me to prepayre A glorious Crowne , which neuer will take rust : Which graunt ( Deare Sauiour ) in whose helpe I trust .

SONNET . XIX . LOuely Samaritane , draw neere , and view The mangled obiect of a wretched soule , Afflicted deadly with a conscience foule : The iust sting of such sinnes as my soule slew , Whose faults be numberlesse though yeeres bee few . Oh note them not sweete Lord in thy blacke scroule Which may my deare saluations hope controle , When breath and body shall be changed new : But these foule desperate wounds ( deare Christ ) vp bind , Cherishd with oyle of mercies and sweete grace : And let thy Gospell minister each kind Of heau'nly foode , and bee thy Church the place Where I may mee repose to purchase cure , That ( when thou com'st ) I may be sound and pure .

SONNET . XX. GReat God of Abraham ( whose eternall power Shaketh the worlds vnsure foundations , Whose frowne affrights all Kings and nations , whose anger doth like flames of fire deuour , Whose triumph comming is in vnknowne hower , Whose praise exceedes all mortall mens Orations , Whose time of grace ( for sinners preparations ) Thou do'st inlarge , to yeeld vs more succour ) Like Father chastice mee with tender twigges , Not like an angrie Iudge with yren Rodde , Least Sathan purchase conquest by dispaire . That ( when heauen shall shake downe her Starres like Figges ) Thou ( both as equall iudge , and gentle God ) For mee the Crowne of glorie may prepare .

SONNET . XXI . SOle hope and blessing of olde Israels line ( Which gaue by promise to his blessed seede A land that should all blessings plentie breede , Riuers of pleasant Honnie , Milke , and wine , Whose ofspring numberlesse thou calledst thine , Whome with thine Angels Manna thou didst feede Being before from Pharoes bondage freede , When Moyses first thy statutes did resigne ) Behold deare God , one in these daies of grace : Since by thy precious bloud thou freede mankinde , By promise which a portion and a place Amongst thy children hopeth for to finde In Gospels comfort , through thy bloudes deare prise , Oh let him purchase such a Paradise !

SONNET . XXII . FOuntaine of life , and endlesse happinesse , O quench these wordly sparkes of Sathans fier , Enkindled in my fancies and desier : Rocke of saluation and all blessednesse Defend mee charg'de with sinful wickednesse ; Spirite of comfort let thy breath inspire My soule infected , ready to retire , And carnall mocions striuing to represse . I thirst ( cleare fountaine ) for the streame of life , I fall farre set from my saluations rocke , And Sathan with my Spirite is at strife , Vrging that I am seuer'd from thy flocke : Yet my deare Sauiour , strong rocke , and sweete spirite , Through mercy , my poore soule shall heauen inherite .

SONNET . XXIII . FAther of Pietie by this wee know The glories greater of thy gracious loue Then of desires which carnal fancies moue : For if wee praise a mortall shape below By flattery their Diuinities wee show , Comparing them their perfectnesse aboue : Their cheekes to Roses , their neckes white to Doue , Their eyes to starres from whence all fortunes flow : Their eyes effects to the Meridian Sunne , Their modest thoughts to the colde Virgine moone . Oh fooles , fooles ignorant , when this is donne , Wee know wee flatter them , then Muses soone Why turne you not your numbers musicall To God aboue mans praise which ruleth all ?

SONNET . XXIIII . PVre spotlesse ofspring of vngratefull Iurie ( At morning , mid-day , and at quiet night ) I neither will forget thy praise , nor might : When men vngratefull shall prouoke thy furie I shall bee safe , if that deare grace procure I And finde sweete comfort of eternall light , Mongst Cherubes , Seraphins , and Angels bright . But if thy precepts I forget , then sure I With sinners must expect my portion dew , Because thy grace celestiall I abus'd . And in thy face ( with vile contorcion ) threw Those sacred blessings stubbornely refus'd : At length I like an Angell shall appeare In spotlesse white , an Angels Crowne to weare .

SONNET . XXV . GLorious Iehouah Oh how full of power , How full of sacred maruailes bee thy deedes ! Thou that with plenties euery creature feedes , And blessed bounties which bestowes each hower . With hand of mercie sending forth a shower In large aboundance to produce good seedes , My wounded hart with pearsed conscience bleedes , When I remember thee my soules succour : Who was so many times by mee forgot , Who by mee wicked , vilest , hainous wretch , Prophaned oft hast beene , but praised not : At length though late ) mine armes , mine hart I stretch , My soule , my sinfull soule I lift to thee , Who ( with thy praises triumph cleare ) would bee .

SONNET . XXVI . GReat God of larges , bountifull good giuer Of endlesse blessings ( as thou didst bestow On me poore wretch , that reason how to know Thee without all beginnig endlesse liuer ) Powre likewise downe thy graces louely Riuer , And let it ( Lord ) my poore hart ouerflow : These like sweete fire ( which Diuine spirits blow ) May clearely burne in zeale of thy Loues euer : That all my thoughts thy Testament embrace , That all my wits thy tearmelesse grace set out , That by thee praising I may shew thy grace Which in large Talent thou to mee let out : That after good accompt ( past terme of ages ) I may receiue a trustie stewards wages .

SONNET . XXVII . HIgh King of Kings ( who with thine awfull cheeke Controles the sterne windes , sinfull land , rough Seas : Who chides in thunder when wee doe displease , Whome all things feare and tremble at his becke , Yoking in one the Kings and beggers necke Without respect ( in wrath ) yet will appease His wrath , when sinners penitent shall prease His throne ( in zeale sincere ) without contecke . Oh God iust , mercifull , and gracious , Full of all plentie , blessing , and kindnesse , Whose endlesse rule past limit , spacious , Illuminate my soule , and banish blindnesse : Consider how this sinfull soule ( opprest With nature ) by thy grace would bee redrest .

SONNET . XXVIII . FOrtresse of hope , Anchour of faithfull zeale , Rocke of affiance , Bulwarke of sure trust , ( In whome all nations for saluation must Put certaine confidence of their soules weale ) Those sacred misteries deare Lord reueale Of that large volume , righteous and iust : From mee ( though blinded with this earthly dust ) Doe not those gracious misteries conceale . That I by them as from some beame some Lampe , May finde the bright and right direction To my soule blinded , marching to that Campe . Of sacred soldiours : whose protection Hee ( that victorious on a white horse rideth ) Taketh , and euermore triumphant guideth .

SONNET . XXIX . RAyons of glorie beames of endlesse ioy , Cheerish my soule , illuminate my wits : Rauish my sences with celestial fits , That mistes infernall doe not them anoy : All carnall motions weaken and acoy , Eu'n from that beame some throne ( where glorious sits The Lord of light whose eye no shade admits ) That filthy Dragon my sonles foe destroy , Which in foule pit of dreadfull darkenes liues , Repleat with horrour , and contagious smell : Whose shadow , noysome mist and blindnes giues , Raysde from th' infectious damps of vgly Hell . Rayons of comfort through my Temples pearse , And consecrate my Muse to sacred verse .

SONNET . XXX . HIgh mightie God of Gods , and King of Kings ( Whose awful charge through the round world doth runne , Eu'n from the rising of the glorious Sunne Vnto the Seas , where hee his Chariot brings ) What instruments , or what harmonious strings Shall to thy graces , which bee new begunne , And haue so many soules with comfort wonne , Giue praises due to such celestiall things Praise and thankesgiuing to the Lord surrender , And pay thy duties to thy God most highest , Least thou before his throane a vile offender Appeare , when sinne and Hell ( to conscience nighest ) Accuse thee wicked sinner , for that grace Which God bestowde , and thou cast in his face .

SONNET . XXXI . O Glorious Patrone of eternall blisse , Victorious conquerour of Hell and death , Oh that I had whole westerne windes of breath , My voice and tongue should not bee so remisse : My notes should not bee so rare and demisse : But euery riuer , forrest , hill , and heath Should eccho forth his praise , and vnderneath The worlds foundations sound that it is his : Hee which did place the worlds foundations , Hee which did make the Sunne , the Moone and starres , Who with his blood redeem'd all nations , And willing none from Paradise debarres , Shall not all instruments and voyces sounde His glories , which in all these things abounde ?

SONNET . XXXII . THe well of life , the forte of happinesse , Rocke of affiance , Piller of sure trust , Anchor of hope , Treasure repining rust , Starre of direction , Ease of wretchednesse , Great Lord of largesse , Iudge of wickednesse , Balme of saluation , Ayder of the iust , Fountaine of grace , Quickner of Clay and dust , Cure of disease , Releeuer of distresse , Bright Sunne of comfort , Iustice of true peace , The branch of glory , and the Fruite of blisse , Kingdomes disposer , Husband of increase , For penitence who pardons things amisse , And in contrition dayly who delightes : What man can giue due glorious Epithites ?

SONNET . XXXIII . THrice puissant generall of true Christian hoast ( Whose voyce it selfe is dreadfull thundercracke , Whose wrath doth nether fire nor lightning lacke , Whose stormie frowne makes tremble euerie coast : Chasing thy fearefull foes from post to post , Whose hands force can all the worlds forces sacke , Who turnes his foemens colours into blacke , Whose murthering thunderboults for arrowes bee , Whose sworde victorious , Trenchant , double edg'd , His holy Scripture is , whose foes conuert , The pointe to their owne brest , and haue alledg'd Vaine arguments thy deare Saints to subuert ) As thou deare God art iudge , so giue thy doome ( In iustice ) to subuert ambitious Rome .

SONNET . XXXIIII . BEhold deare Father ( with those gracious eyes Which all the world with their beames glorie brighten ) My plaints , and then my cause in iustice righten . My soule repentant still for mercy cries Prick'd with vaine sinnes , which in my thoughts arise : Hope of thy mercy doth my sorrow lighten , Feares ( least more sinnes ensue ) with my soule fighten , And true zeales of thy loue my thoughts surprise . But angrie iustice seemes ( with irefull threate ) To giue blacke sentence of damnation vnto my soule distress'd , and doth repeate Olde sinnes , prouoking desperation : Oh saue mee , saue mee ( Lord ) least that I fall Into damnation , saue Lord when I call .

SONNET . XXXV . A Rise thou mightie God of heau'n , rise vp , Against thy sinfull foes of Babell rise : And scatter thou like dust thine enemies : Let them dregges of thine indignation suppe : That haue beene drunken with the strumpets cuppe : Like smoke which vanisheth into the skies Disseuer them , and like the waxe ( which fries Before the fire ) so melt , and burne them vp . O magnifie the Lord , and praises sing Vnto the mightie God of heau'n , who makes The clouds to thunder , and his boults doth wing With fire and furie : who the round world shakes : Before whose face Kings with their Armies flie , And at whose feete proud Emperours dead lie :

SONNET . XXXVI . LOrd ( with the light of thy cleare countenance ) My sinfull troubled soule illuminate : And with thy mightie shoulders eleuate My feeble spirit , and his state aduaunce : From thy sweete brest ( pearc'd sometimes with a Launce For my redeemption from accursed state ) Lend one deare droppe , whose force shall animate My soule infect with sinnes misgouernaunce : Then purge my spirit by thine holy Ghost , And as an Angell let it mildly rest , In thy thrice blessed bosome wished most By my poore soule , with grieuous sinnes opprest : And let thy blessed feete suppresse all those , Which to thee , and my soule be vowed foes .

SONNET . XXXVII . O My deare God how shall my voice preuaile ? How shall my tongue giue vtterance to my mind ? Where shall my thankefull hartfree passage find ? My slender voice , tongue feeble , and hart fraile ( Before they can giue condigne praise ) will fayle : I cannot celebrate ( in their due kinde ) Thy glories numberlesse , which Angels finde Eu'n to surmount all Angels best trauayle . Oh my deare God , my comfort , my sollace , My swift soule flies ( with my Diuine thoughts wings ) Eu'n to thy bosome . Oh let it embrace , And triumph in my sweete saluations springs : For I beleeue thou wilt not me forsake , Who for mee didst thy Sonne a Martyr make .

SONNET . XXXVIII . GRacious , Diuine , and most omnipotent , Receiue thy seruants Tallent in good part , Which hidde it not , but willing did conuert It to best vse hee could when it was lent : The summe ( though slender , yet not all mispent ) Receiue deare God of grace , from cheerefull hart , Of him , that knowes , how mercifull thou art , And with what grace to contrite sinners bent : I know my fault , I did not as I should , My sinfull flesh against my soule rebeld , But since I did endeuour what I could , Let not my little nothing bee withheld From thy rich treasuries of endlesse grace ; But ( for thy sake ) let it procure a place .

SONNET . XXXIX . I Nuironed with dangers manifolde , At home and forren both by land and waue , ( Where change of Nations diuers daungers gaue , And nouels earst which I did not beholde : Much like a doubtfull Pilgrim , whome infould Millions of woes , that knowes no helpe to haue , Nor how from dangers prest himselfe to saue ) Was I : but when mee thought I perish should , My God of mercy did my life redeeme , My God of mercy did my soule sustaine , Oh then how well shall it my Muse beseeme To praise the Lord , and him collaude againe ? Nay try ( vain Poets ) try , that King , that place , If God , and heauen , giue not your Muse most grace .

SONNET . XL. MY daies bee few , my sinnes past number bee , Adde to my daies ( Oh God ) more time of grace , And mercy to my sinnes : behold my case , With eyes of gracious pittie looke on mee : My wounded and afflicted conscience see , My soule afraide to stand before thy face : In pittie Lord , ( deare Lord ) a longer space , Or else in mercy ( Father ) set mee free , I finde high iustice doth my soule condemne , Which Sathan vrgeth still to my dispaire : Sathan auoide , thy malice I contemne , Al thy suggestions vaine illusions are . Of thy temptations this is my construction , Then perish in vaine hope of my destruction .

SONNET . XLI . TEmpted in forren nation by that foe , Which both my soule and bodies health enuies , And vex'd with seuerall strange perplexities , Whose cause or reason I could neuer know , Or why my mind should mourne afflicted so To thee my God , I turne my sinfull eyes , ( Whom I prouoke with my remorse full cries ) Some succour for my vexed thoughts to show . That ( as I haue my natiue Countrie changed ) So likewise from the world I may bee weaned : And as my weede with nation is estranged , I so may shine in Christian armes vnfeyned : And as I leaue my nations true language , My Muse may change for a diuiner rage .

SONNET . XLII . OH you light Poets ( whose Ardure diuine Inkindl'd with immortall furie was Ordaind therefore , all other wits to passe ; Because those faculties you should incline To make with praise the most praise-worthie shine : From sacred numbers , roll'de in iust compasse , Sphoerelike in Musicke ) turne your tunes alas To rauish eares with notes of your engine . By these you shal the God of Gods collaude , The King of Kings , and Lord of Lords exalt . Make not Diuine wit foule affections baude , It is against that holy Ghost a fault . Who therefore with his beames your wits did brighten , That your wits likewise should his glorie lighten .

SONNET . XLIII . SAthan abroad ( when I was left alone A stranger and distress'de ) did mee assaile : Finding my nature hoped to preuaile , And make sure entrance where hee could finde none . A gentle nature soonest ouerthrowne Hee thought , supposing ( for his more auaile ) The sting of sinne should helpe if others faile : But now behold Gods mercie to mee showne . Hee gracious , louing , mercifull , and wise , Declar'd expressely that I was ordaind Vnto saluation , for that enterprise Of Sathans mou'de my soule ( before profaind ) To purge it selfe , with that repentant grace , Which mee shall saue from hell , and him displace .

SONNET . XLIIII . O Lord increase in mee true faith , and loue : Faith of saluation in thine onely sonne , And his loue that hath my soules health begunne , Who from my soule ( his incense ) will remoue That deadly sting which sinne did vnder shoue . O Lord increase my zeale , and let it runne Through my soules Organes : that thereby bee donne A pleasing incense to thy throane aboue : O Lord increase in mee that earnest care To make a mends for those high sinnes by past , And equall charitie to worke welfare , Vnto my neighbours bound in fetters fast : That by faith , Loue , true zeale , and charitie , ( Through thee ) my soule may find felicitie .

SONNET . XLV . O What great comfort is it to giue praise To God the Lord of heauen , Oh what comfort Is it abroad his praises to report , And of his wondrous workes our notes to raise ? To lift our Muses from base earthly laies To that Dinine angelicall consort , Bearing Palme , Oliue , and immortall Baies With chaunge of harmonies in one consort : To glorifie the mightie God of glorie , To magnifie the mightie God of might , To triumph in the guide of victorie , To celebrate the Iustice of all right , To make our refuge where all helpe is found , To cure our wounded soules with his sole wound .

SONNET . XLVI . OH Sunne and Moone the daies and Euenings lights , With powerfull Starres bright subjects of the same , Archangels , Angels praise his holy name : The glorious Cherubin which fierie fights With his proud foes : the Seraphes , holy sprights , Who with sweete himnes record his endlesse fame , The dreadfull thunder with his angrie flame , Which ( when hee list ) all men , and beastes affrights : Raine , Hayle , Snow , tempest , clouds , and bitter winde , Darknesse , and light , Earthquakes , and foggie mist , With Flies and fethered foules of seuerall kinde , My soule and spirite in his praise assist : Who ( past all humaine wonder ) did create Vs all , that all his praise might propagate .

SONNET . XLVII . OH what celestiall Angell will downe send Into these eyes some dewy cloudes of grace To wash the furrowes of my withered face Defilde with sinne ? what spirite will mee lend Sufficient winde , that my sighes might ascend And ( with contrition ) pearce to that pallace , From whence proceedes all succour and solace ? What Champion Michaell my soule to defend , Will lend his puissant and victorious crosse , To conquere that olde Serpent , which assayles My feeble soule entombde in earthly drosse ? Thy precious crosse , that launce , those pearsing nayles , If hee shall them , or their deare wounds espie , Will bruise his head , and yeelde mee victorie .

SONNET . XLVIII . O Glorious conquest , and thrice glorious speare , But seu'n times thrice more glorious the name , By which thrice powerfull wee coniure the same : Which but repeated doth that Dragon feare , That olde Leuyathan whose iawes Lord teare . Roote out his tongue which doth thy Saints defame , And thy sweete Gospell seeke to vaile with shame : This the chiefe conquest of all conquests weare , For which Archangels , and all Angels might , With Cherubins , and Seraphins out bring Victorious Palmes , arraide in sincere white : For which al Saints might Alleluya sing , Then glorious Captaine , our chiefe God and man , Breake thou the Iawes of olde Leuiathan .

SONNET . XLIX . I Feele my soule in combat with the dust Of sinfull flesh , and ready to breake out From loathsome bondage , dreadlesse of all doubt : I feele my soule ( by shaddowes ) seuer must From that base prison of terrestriall rust , Where it shall triumph in celestiall route Of my forefathers Angels round about That glorious throne of the faithfull and iust . But yet my feeble flesh ( surcharg'de with guilt ) Trembleth at thought of death , but why should it Feare coward death , since for my soule was spilt His bloud , that shall for mee in triumph sit ? Death doe thy worst , but yet ( Lord ) thine eare giue , Why I with Dauid would not die but liue .

SONNET . L. I Would not die but hue ( deare liuing Lord ) And to thy glory shew that facultie , With which thou didst mee worthlesse beautifie : Turning my Muse to that Diuine concord , Which I perceiue doth with my soule accord In endlesse praise of thy Diuinitie . But ( if vnworthy them to magnifie , Because my sinfull mouth hath not abhorr'de To bee before with vanities abus'de ) Thou loath my wicked tongue should them declare : Thy will bee donne , which cannot bee refus'de : For death of sinne the guerdon doth prepare , Yet when I die ( deare God of Loue and truth ) Remember not the follies of my youth .

SONNET . LI. BReake thou the iawes of olde Leuiathan , Victorious conquerour , breake thou the iawes , Which full of blasphemie maligne thy lawes : Ready to curse , to lie , slaunder and banne , Which nothing but abhomination can : Who like a ramping Lyon with his pawes Thy little flocke with daily dread adawes , Antichrists Harrould who with pride beganne , Euen into thy triumphant throane to prease , And therefore his first comfort had forgonne : The bodies ruinor , and soules disease , Bawde to that harlot of proude Babilon , Which mortall men to mortall sinnes inuiteth , Teare out those Fangues with which hee thy flocke biteth .

SONNET . LII . FVll of celestiall syrropes , full of sweete are all thy preceptes , full of happines , full of all comforte , full of blessednes those salutations which our Sauiour greete : O let vs then contende ( since it is meete ) to keep those lawes with vpright holinesse , oh let vs vse , and haue in readinesse those sweete orations , prostrate at his feete : Begging , imploring , weeping , smiling , kneeling for succour , grace , and for our sinnes humbly repentance mercies signes in our heart feeling : Repent , and praise our God , for it is comely , O nothing doth a Christian more beseeme , Then him to prayse that did his soule redeeme .

SONNET . LIII . DIdst thou redeeme my soule , my sole saluation ? Oh with what raunsome ( Lorde ) didst thou redeeme it ? Eu'n of so precious worth did he esteeme it , Because at our forefathers first creation , Hee in his breast by sacred inspiration , From his owne mouth ( which did so well so well beseeme it ) Breathed a soule diuine , then let vs deeme it A gracious , precious and deare immolation , For him to saue our soules with his bloudshed , For him to take mans nature , man to saue , For him to be whip'd , nayl'd , torne , crucify'd , For him to sweate in bloud , to lye in graue , For him ( most mighty ) to lye downe beneath , Where ( for our life ) he vanquish't hell and death .

SONNET . LIIII . THen awfull sting of Paile deathes leaden darte , Where is thy killing poyson and thy pile ? Then fearefull horrid Serpent full of guile ( Whose vgly kingdome hoped for his parte , The most of all poore soules in endlesse smart ) Where is thy dreadfull conquest all this while ? Behold how Christian soules triumph and smile To see thee bound , where thoufast burning art , To see that sacred and victorious troupe ( Whose Captaine Lord of Lords , and King of Kings Adorn'd with many Crownes , makes all Crownes stoupe ) Which in high triumph Alleluya sings , Makes God and Magog his fell furie finde , Which scattred flie like dust before the winde .

SONNET . LV. FRom depth of fearefull Hels eternall shade , And bottomelesse discent into that lake , In heate , and cold where sinners burne and quake : Where all things vnconsum'de for euer fade , At whose remembrance sinners are dismaide For horrour of those dreadfull pangues which shake , And for sweete succour intercession make , Of their sinnes burthen , and hell fire affraide : Eu'n from the fearefull bottomelesse blacke pit , ( At whose remembrance my poore soule doth tremble ) Saue and deliuer mee , whereas I sit Inuiron'd with dispaire , which doth resemble An Iland ( with rough seas inclosed round ) At euery gust , in danger to bee dround .

SONNET . LVI . O That I might with the wise Prophet sing , Mine heart is ready , ready to giue praise ! But mine is not , though willing most alwaies To celebrate the glorious heau'nly King Poore hart , not worthie to that Angels wing ( Which with his glorie through the world doth paise In heau'nly number stemp'red with sweete phrase ) The least soft downe of Plumage for to bring . Then milde , then spotlesse , comfortable Doue , Whose winges were sinne of sinnes to violate , Pure Bird of heau'nly sollace , peace and Loue , With Rayons bright my soule illuminate , From that false lustfull Pygeon late returnde , Which almost had both soule and body burnde .

SONNET . LVII . THrough Sathans malice and my nature weake , When in my soule I finde my faith is deade , Those sacred schoedes of comfort , then I reade Whose powrefull words the gates of hell can breake : Then faith in kindleth fresh , and then I wreake My wrath on Sathan , and vpon his head Mee thinkes ( like Michaell or Saint George ) I treade : Whilst hee that earst against the Sunne did beake His foreswolne poysonous bulke , doth vanquishdlie In his owne filth : and I ( which lately was Like to bee swallowd by mine enemie ) Now safely like a conquerour may passe . Behold my Captaines puissance , who did this To ridde my soule from hell , and ransome his .

SONNET . LVIII . COmfort thy selfe ( poore soule ) whom griefe of sinne Downe presseth to the mouth of the lowest hell , With contrite penitence thou knowest well Him that will rayse and it from danger bring : Pray then , and praise the Lord , who will beginne To purge thy soule , and Sathans filth expell Who thee defileth and in thee doth dwell . Oh Lord my voice shall praise and neuer linne So long as thou shalt lend breath to my voice , My voice vnto my soule shall spirit lend , And in the comfort of my soule reioyce , And ( with my mouth ) consent world without end To speake , to praise , to glorifie to singe , That God , which to my soule doth succour bringe .

SONNET . LIX . MY soule , my soule I feele , I feele is vexed , My mind and thoughts in vncouth forte distressed , My braynes with fearefull dreames by night oppressed , My hart with strange discouragement perplexed , My soles vnneathed vnto my feete annexed , My spirit with faint languor still distressed , And helpe ( Lord ) helpe my soule , my soule addressed , ( By Melancholies poyson ) is connexed In fetters serpentine of foule dispaire : Death almost my lifes ceasure hath begunne , And ( after ) Sathan will his bookes prepare Blotted with vgly sinnes , past number donne . Oh my God , my deare God , helpe and assist : Sinne , death , and hell , my safetie doe resist .

SONNET . LX. TVrne not away the sunne shine of thy face ( Sweete God of comfort ) from my troubled hart Congeald with sinne : doe not ( sweete Lord ) depart From him that penitently sues for grace . Whose soule through countlesse sinnes ( my whole liues space ) Benumbd , can scarcely feele contritions smart : What Phisicke then shall serue , what helpe of art . My dead soule to reuiue , and sinne forth chase ? Eu'n those pure Rayons of thy holy Ghost , Those gracious beames of thy pure holy word Shall mollifie , giue ease , and comfort most To my cold frozen soule , and helpe afford : Least with the frost of sinne my soule astounded , After deaths griefe , should with hels sting bee wounded .

SONNET . LXI . WHere is that copious furie , whilom which My braines in kindled with an vncouth fire ? Whose sacred spirit did of yore aspire Aboue the glorious Sunne with passions rich Which thoughts in choyce words to the starres would stich , With sacred Musicke tempering my desire : Contending holily to mount vp higher Whilst heau'nly chaunture did my soule bewitch . Oh precious Ardoure , by whose chearefull heate The braine especiall recreation findes , The soule chiefe comfort , I thy beames intreate Which cheere all plants , and beasts of seuer all kindes From my poore spirite , doe not take away Those rayes wich must with light my wittes aray .

SONNET . LXII . FOr comfort ( my deare God ) I did attend , And gracious eares to mee thou didst encline : At my petitions thou didst not repine , But present succour to my suits didst send . Thou didst direct my feete , which did depend On thee my stedfast Rocke , where brightly shine Thy lawes those Lampes to which my thoughts incline , Which Lord graunt that my soule doe not offend . In my mouth ( Lord ) thou didst put a new song , A due thankesgiuing vnto thee my God , Which men shall feare to violate and wrong Least they should bee corrected with thy rod . Oh God great wonders thou for mee hast wrought ( For thy Sonnes sake ) who my saluation bought .

SONNET . LXIII . O Dreadfull horrour and tormented minde , Foule restlesse conscience charg'd with hainous sinnes , Lothsom and numberlesse ( when God beginnes His fruitfull haruest in faire sheafe to binde ) Hath thee for tares to quenchlesse fire assign'd , Where teares , nor hope of vaine repentance winnes Thy soule from Torture : where griefe neuer linnes More pangues ( by worme of conscience ) to find . Oh dreadfull hower , when ( to thy soule condemn'd ) The iudge of truth and King of glorie saith Hedlong with Lucifer fall , who contemn'd My lawes : fall downe thou Fiend of little faith : And with Deuils damned thy due portion take , Immortally to burne in fierie lake .

SONNET . LXIIII. THen if derne Loue of thy deare louing Lord , His gentle graces Oyle , his mercies balme , His bounties numberlesse , his spirite calme , His loue of peace , and comfort in concord Of the thrice sinfull soule remaine abhorrde : If to thy soule sinne wounded , no sweete Psalme , Nor heau'nly Harpe , nor Organe , Trump , nor Shalme Can comfort bring with their Diuine recorde , To make thee ioyne in praise of his good grace , Or to thy sinfull soule correction giue : Yet let that quenchlesse lake and dreadfull place , ( Where soules in deadly torment euer liue , Creatour and creation which reproue ) Make thee repent for feare , if not for Loue .

SONNET . LXV . O Mercy , mercy , which much greater is Then heauens themselues ! Oh truth , Oh sincere truth , Which to the cloudes extendeth and insueth ! Of iustice which doth neuer iudge amisse ! Oh age of ages , euermore in youth ! Oh Iudge whose righteous punishment is ruth ! Which sinners worthlesse dost with bountie blisse ? Oh where shall I finde to my spirite voice ? Where to my voice sufficient choyce of words ? To shew how much my spirite doth reioyce In those large blessings , which thy grace affords ? My spirite first will faile with feeble voice : Oh my Lord God lende spirit , life and breath , That I may praise thy name to conquer death .

SONNET . LXVI . IF death may by thy prayses vanquish't be , Then voyce , then spirit , let your organes breake And of his glory sing , criefoorth , and speake Of him that succours , helps and comforts me , Moue toungue , sounde voyce , and from your slouthfull gree Avoyde , and in this vtter aunce be not weake : If hell the venome of his furie wreake , It shall not be of force to vanquish thee . Oh laude , laudes , glory , gloryes , prayse of prayse , Fame , honour , trueth , eternitye , renoume , And iustice mercifull ascribe alwayes To thee great Keyser of the thorny crowne : Which coronation infamous , did gayne That millions shoulde rich glorious Crownes obtayne .

SONNET . LXVII . WHat thing in spacious heauen , round earth , deepe seas , Which thy praise worthy glories doth not tell ? Whose golden Sunneshine euer doth excell In many millions farre aboue all these : So much exceeding ( that if any prease To giue due praise ) hee shall perceyue it well His faculties against his will rebell , And that his toungue cannot his spirit please . Oh who shall giue due glories to his name , That glorifies all thinges , with decent pride ? Or what is he can signifie the same , Or in an equall share his praise deuide With those great bounties which he hath bestow'd , And those great mercies ( on vs sinners ) show'd ?

SONNET LXVIII . THat bounteous largesse of sweete mercies oyle , That peace of soule , that siluer streame of grace , That comforte of saluation , that pallace Of heauenly succour which death cannot spoyle , That fortitude , whose force no force can foyle , Of IESSES precious braunch that royall race , Who with his glory filleth euery place , And with sweete dewes doth cherish euery soyle : Can with no florish of eternall phrase Be glorifi'de , according to desart : Who with meete colours shall his glory blaze ? Who to the world shall condigne praise impart ? What instrument , what voyce , what toungue , what spirite Shall giue due commendations to demerite ?

SONNET . LXIX . WHo to the golden Sunnes long restlesse race , Can limits set ? what vessell can comprise The swelling windes ? what cunning can deuise ( With queint Arithmetique ) in steadfast place To number all the starres in heauens pallace ? What cunning Artist euer was so wise Who ( by the starres and planets coulde aduise Of all aduentures the iust course and case ? Who measur'd hath the waters of the seas ? Who euer ( in iust ballaunce ) poys'd the ayre ? As no man euer could the least of these Perfourme with humaine labour , strength and care : So who shall striue in volumes to contayne Gods prayse ineffable , contends in vayne .

SONNET . LXX . VNto my spirite lend an Angels wing , By which it might mount to that place of rest , Where Paradice may mee releeue opprest . Lend to my tongue an Angels voice to sing Thy praise my comfort , and for euer bring , My notes thereof from the bright East to West . Thy mercy lend vnto my soule distrest : Thy grace vnto my wits ; then shall the sling Of righteousnesse , that monster Sathan kill : Who with dispaire my deare saluation dared , And like the Philistine , stoode breathing still Proud threats against my soule , for heauen prepared : At length I like an Angell shall appeare In spotlesse white , an Angels Crowne to weare .

SONNET . LXXI . O Glorious Crowne more precious many waies , Then simple humaine Temples can deserue , Thrice glorious God who doth that Crowne reserue For men vnworthie to set out his praise . Oh mortall Temples what Muse can you raise , Which vnhard precious spirits doth reserue His praise most meritorious to serue ? Admit that past all number were your daies , Admit your spirit more then the fower windes , Admit your learning bee ( by more degrees ) Aboue the Seraphins , admit all kindes Of Musickes instruments inferiour were ( In heau'nly tunes and sacred harmonies ) To thy sweete voice , all cannot his praise beare .

SONNET . LXXII . THe sunne of our soules light thee would I call , But for our light thou didst the bright Sunne make , Nor reason that thy Maiestie should take Thy chiefest subiects Epithites at all . Our chiefe directions starre celestiall ( But that the starres for our directions sake , Thou fixed , and canst at thy pleasure shake ) I would thee name : The Rocke substantiall Of our assurance I would tearme thy name , But that all Rockes by thy commaund were made : If King of Kings thy Maiestie became , Monarch of Monarches I thee would haue saide , But thou giues kingdomes , and makes Crownes vnstable : By these I know thy name ineffable .

SONNET . LXXIII . TRiumphant conquerour of death and hell , Behold what legions ( though in vaine ) conspire , Thy Temple militant to set on fire , And Saints which in thy sanctuarie dwell To burne , whilst they against thy power rebell : See how like bloudy tyrants they desire Ambitiously to rise and mount vp higher , Like Lucifer which to perdition fell . Their forces are addrest against thy Saints , Breake thou their bowes , knap thou their speares in sunder : I know their spirit at thy presence faints , Against their Cannon plante thy dreadfull thunder , Thy thunderbolts against their bullets dash , And on their beauers bright let lightning flash .

SONNET . LXXIIII . ARmies of Angelles , Myriades of Saintes , Millions of Emperours , and holy Kings , Legions of sacred Patriarkes he brings , Which his rebellious foes with feare attaintes . Whose spirit at thy puisant spirit faintes , ( Great Lord of Lordes ) whose sacred armis singes Triumphant Peans , and new musicke bringes In glorious phrase , which thy sweete glorie payntes : Whilst vnder thy tryumphant chariot wheeles , Rowling vpon the starres , thy captiues lye In quenchlesse fiery lake , whose spirit feeles An endlesse torment in captiuitye : When thy fowre sweete Euangelistes ride bye ( Like corporalles ) proclayming victorye .

SONNET . LXXV . ELders of grace , in number sixe times foure , Fall downe , fall downe vpon your aged faces ; Sende from graue ceerefull voyce ( throughout all places ) Such ioyfull tydinges in aboundant store Of praise ( then sandes of seas in number more ) To the great bounteous giuer of all graces Harmonious Kinges cast downe your Crownes and Maces , Sounding your cheerefull harpes his throne before : Let Alleluiah round about resounde , Power , honour glory , praises and renowne Ascribe vnto the Lorde , who doth confounde Euen with his nostshils , breath , and casteth downe His worthlesse enemies of Magogs campe , And ( vnto dust and ashes ) them doth stampe .

SONNET . LXXVI . AS those three Kings ( touch'd with a sacred zeale ) By presents rich made Royal offerture , Our new borne Sauiours blessing to procure , Borne in an Oxe stall for our publique weale : When in adoring him they did reueale , his Godhead , by those gifts they did assure . So let faith , hope and loue make ouerture Of new saluation ( which themselues conceale In this base mortall stable sinnes foule place ) Whereof eternall ioyes , they may present To my saluation ( borne of thy deare grace ) Such rich Propines : As from thy Gospell sent By precious incense may my spirit bring The tearmelesse praises of my God to sing .

SONNET . LXXVII . PVrge thou my guiltie soule sweete gracious Lord Defil'd and vgly made with sinfull spots : Heale my wounds desperate whose festure rots : My vexed members loathsome and abhorrd : Doe not in register my sinne recorde , My wicked practises , and vaine complots , But lift my soule from the defiled pots ; And let thy mercy with my suite accorde . Make thou my soule cleere like white Salmons snow , Or like a siluer winged Doue appeare , Where diuers glorious golden fethers show : Conuert thy foemens forces into feare , Like Iaben make them , and like Cysara , Like Seba , Zeb , Horeb and Salmana .

SONNET . LXXVIII . RIde on in glorie on the mornings wings ( Thrice puisant conquerour ) in glorie ride : That heauen as Horse , courragious doth'st bestride , Who whether thou disposest succour brings . Ride on the glorious cloudes high King of Kings : Thy conquering sworde guirde to thy puisant side , Bright soldiours muster vp , whose armies guide Raungde into Quadraines , and triumphant Rings , That shamelesse strumpet of proud Babilon ( Which thine Apostles killes , and Prophets stoneth , With Cuppe full of abhomination , Which poysons millions , and no man bemoneth ) With her false , proud and Antichristian route , Suppresse , and put to slaughter rounde about .

SONNET . LXXIX . THe tearmelesse date of my sweete second life , ( When this corruption mortall in sinne bred , Shall resting in obliuion vanish dead , Ending the period of all earthly strife ) Freshly recals those Loues , and graces rife Which from my sweete saluations conduict bled : These haue true zeale to my faithes refuge led , So that no torture fagot , crosse or knife Can seuer mee sequestred from thy flocke , I feare no Pagan , Schismaticke , nor Iewe , No worldly menaces can teare that Rocke Of my faithes Adamant , assur'de and true : But for that truth , I thousand deathes would dy To liue ten thousand liues immortally .

SONNET . LXXX . A Blast of winde , a momentarie breath , A watrie bubble simbolizde with ayre , A sonne blowne Rose , but for a season fayre , A ghostly glaunce , a skeleton of death , A morning dew perling the grasse beneath , Whose moysture Sunnes appearance doth impaire : A lightning glimse : a Muse of thought and care : A Planets shot : a shade which followeth : A voice which vanisheth so soone as heard : The thriftlesse heire of time : a rowling waue : A shew no more in action then regard : A Masse of dust : worlds momentarie slaue Is man in state of our olde Adam made , Soone borne to die , soone flourishing to fade .

SONNET . LXXXI . BEhold ( by misaduenture ) how the winde From earth blowes dust and it in ayer scatter , And if therefore the very smallest matter Thine eye ( the bodies Iewell in some kinde ) Doe but by chance appeach , will grieue and blind , Vnlesse from thence it by good meanes you shatter : So that smooth foe who cunningly can flatter , And as a tempest rageth in his kind , Moues dust our flesh , from earth vpraysde to bleare Of our redemption the much better part , Our soules ( with charge of sinnes ) to vexe and feare , Blinded and grieu'd with earthly dust and smart . To thine eyes ( Lord ) let our eyes open bee , And shut from sinne , who sight blinds , blind makes see .

SONNET . LXXXII . AFter acoale-blacke comfortlesse foule night ( With tempests horrour and thicke showers opprest , Disease of Pilgrims , Trauayllers vnrest ) When as the glorious Sunnes vprising right With chearefull beames , and vertuous motion bright Hath from his Easterne mansion redressde , The chearelesse Medowes , and Cornefields supprest With liuely meanes of animating might . In equall semblance my poore soule enlargde From this earthes blindnesse and blacke dangers free With deadly sinnes sharpe tempest late surchargde Shall ( when my glorious Iudge , I comming see ) After rough stormes of sighes , and showers of teares , Through deare contrition franchised from feares .

SONNET . LXXXIII . THat Bird imperiall which the gentile Poets worthy thought For vertues rare preheminence to stand ascribed fit To Iupiter , & since in chiefe when Romanes honor'd it As richest ensigne which could bee for their great Monarch sought . That puissant and imperiall beast great into Iudah brought , Which of all other beasts beside doth as commaunder sit : That other firme and permanent which doth so well befit ( For courage strength humility & seruice which he wrought ) The figure of that glorious , and legate most Diuine : Together with that Angell childe chast innocent and faire Which to the spirite of thy deare Embassadour did shine . As Eagle first whose precious eyes more bright than Sunbeames are , The next is Lyon mightie made , as Bull the third more strong And of thy deare Euangelists , the fourth as Angell yong .

SONNET . LXXXIIII . THe paradice of ioyes , true mercies seate The throne of iudgement , refuge and distresse , Sweete bosome of loue , health , and happinesse : The glorious Theater where Saintes repeate The most prayse worthies prayse : where froste nor heate With violent assaylance soules suppresse . The quyre of Angelles , Church of holynesse : Sweete pardons place where pennaunce doth intreate : The Pallace of eternall peace and ease : The spacious Courte where Kinges and Angelles serue : The scaffolde where true pompes of honour please : The golden pathes where Pilgrimes neuer swerue : The Stage of sacred tryumphes : and that place Where tearmelesse victorie giues endelesse grace .

SONNET . LXXXV . COntrariwise , that horrible blacke pitte , That ougly gaole of sorrowes without ende : That filthie sincke to which foule sinners tende : That dreadfull fiery lake where furies sitte : That warde of madnesse and outrageous fitte : where hiddeous diuilles condemned spirits rende : Blacke desolations denne , where liues no frende But tortur'd souls depriued of their witte : That filthie dungeon whose chiefe musicke is The grones , outcries , sobbes , and forlorne laments of Parracydes , and men which liu'de amisse : The bootlesse teares of too late penitents : That loue of haeu'n , this loathsomnesse of hell , The wayes of life and death directly tell .

SONNET . LXXXVI . THat loathsome spirite of vayne stinking pride , Which ( with contempt and detestable scorne ) Begets all sinnes to condemnation borne : That selfe consuming Enuie , that foule bride Of filthie lust that gulfe still gaping wide For treasures numberlesse : that poignant thorne Of wraths fel passion , furious and forlorne : That sincke of gluttony : that slothfull guide Which to destruction and all sickenesse brings : None of these mortall vices which abounde In sinfull creatures , but in sorrowestings The troubled carkase with a curelesse wounde : And none of these but doth the soule dismay With restlesse guilt , and it to death betray .

SONNET . LXXXVII . BVt that sweete spirite , modest , meeke and milde , Which with true zeale and solace doth imbrace The loue of vertues , and eternall grace : That charitie whose deedes of mercy builde With fayths assistaunce for his soule defilde An hospitall of ease in heauens pallace : That spotlesse contenance with rosie face . That sober temperance which hath exilde Detested ryot , and foule surfets vice : That hande of bountie which still giues and lendes : That blessed patience soules caulme sacrifice : That honest labour which lifes state defendes . Through peace of conscience and souls comfort these Our heartes for heauen prepare and high God please .

SONNET . LXXXVIII . THe worldes bright comforter ( whose became some light Poore creatures cheereth , mounting from the deepe ) His course doth in prefixed compasse keepe , And as courageous Gyant takes delight To runne his race , and exercise his might : Till him downe galloping the mountaynes steepe Cleere Hesperus smooth messenger of sleepe Viewes : and the siluer ornament of night Foorth bringes with starres past number in her trayne : All which with Sunnes long borrowed splendour shine : The Seas ( with full tyde swelling ) ebbe agayne : All yeeres to their olde quarters newe resigne , The windes forsake their mountayne-chambers wilde , And all in all thinges with Gods vertue filde .

SONNET . LXXXIX . I Feele by motions in my sinnefull breast , My sillie soule , through weakenesse is depraued , And Sathan ( fearing least it shoulde be saued ) My memory doth with vile sinnes infest : And to procure my spirites more vnrest , When of my soule in anguish helpe is craued , ( where her chiefe refuge is ) with horrour raued My conscience in despayre cryes out opprest , O mercie , mercie , grace and succour sende Father of mercie for thy Sonne sweete Iesus , my sore hart and sinwounded soule defende , With thy sweete helpe and holy Spirite ease vs : Thy quickening vertue lende to my soule dead , Then shall my foote on Sathans bellie tread .

SONNET . LXXXX . IF that sweet spirit of omnipotence ( All vertues and all comfort which contayneth : Which in soules penitent and heauenly raygneth , Whose gloryous power and vertues excellence Did rayse vp Iesus our sweete soules defence ) In vs and our refourmed hearts remayneth . Then hee ( whose puissance heuenly forceretayneth , and Christ vpraysde our soules preheminence ) Shall our base mortall bodies liuely make Through sinne and nature corruptible first , And by that holy Ghost which place doth take In our reuiued spirites ( mortall earst ) Our soules and bodies both regenerate , Chaung'de for a ioyfull and immortall state .

SONNET . LXXXXI . OH whither doth my lamentable soule ( Wing'd with a spirite of a sighing breath ) Prepare this langued carkase if to death Then farewell bondage of this prison foule , The sinne of vile transgression where I rowle In earthly dust and tumble vnderneath . I feele that sacred freelidge followeth , ( Maugre the rage of Sathan ) which doth howle , And cries out for lawes vengeance heare him not , Respect not him ( deare Lorde ) but on me looke : Looke on me ( my deare Lorde ) I feare him not : My God , my louing God , turne not thy booke Which may my conscience with sinnes burthen grieue , But let thy mercies baulme my soule relieue .

SONNET . LXXXXII . REleeue my soule with thy deare mercies balmes , Monarch of precious mercie succour send : I will indeuour my vile sinnes to mend And to thee my soules sacrifice in Psalmes . High God ( whose holy spirit outrage calmes , Calme thou my sinfull spirits which intend To thy great praise their faculties to lend . On my soules knees I lift my spirits Palmes , With humble penitence to purchase grace , These eyes this mortall bodies skies downe power Teares of contrition on my blushing face , Fruites of repentance flourish with this shower . My soule , I feele is comforted and eas'de , Then Lord with my poore offring bee well pleas'de .

SONNET . LXXXXIII . WIth my poore offring bee well pleasde sweete Lord , And then with ghostly peace and hart vpraised ( Thy Temple celestiue where thou liu'st praised With ceaselesse Canticles , and Hymnes record , And meekenes which mine humble thoughts afforde ) I will approche not any wise amazed , To see those sacred misteries rich blazed To my sinne blinded eyes before abhorr'de , In thy deare presence their due tribute paying For their misgouernance and riotise , My soule afflicted with harts incense praying It selfe deuoutly Lord doth sacrifice To that Lambe blemishlesse , which offring made Himselfe for my sinnes , and deathes forfeite paide .

SONNET . LXXXXIIII . O What a gracious burthen huge and heauie , What charge importable , and painefull weight Those deadly sinnes which with our soules doe fight , And fresh supplies of vile offences leuie ? Yeelding more puisance to their powrefull might , In hope with shade of euerlasting night To blind the beamesome rayes of my poore soule ( Which doth a restlesse stone of labour roule ) Till thy deare gracious mercies from thy sight Do banish them , and with the glorie bright Of thy sweete pardon lighten them againe ? And then ( albeit no volumes can containe Thy praise and mercies ) yet will I contend From East to West their memorie to send .

SONNET . LXXXXV . THat golden Planet , Lampe of this worlds light Whose glorious Easterne insurrection showes His ceasclesse course , whose tearme no creatures knowes : That siluer Planet torch of silent night , Which ( when the Sunne reposeth her beames bright In Westerne Seas ) her Planet-darts forth throwes , Whose influence doth strange euents compose : That boystrous turbulence of North winds might Which swels and ruffles in outragious sort : Those chearefull Southerne showers whose fruitefull dew Brings forth all sustenance for mans comfort : East West , North , South , ( if none thy puissance knew ) Relate thy wondrous vertues , and with praise From West to East , from North to South them raise .

SONNET . LXXXXVI . FIrme Rocke of during stone , sure Bulwarke of defence , Strong arme of fortitude , Shielde of protection , Courage of puisance , and vertues of perfection , Eorne of saluation , and diuinest essence . Thou shalt sustaine my spirite least it backeward fall , Thou shalt my soule relieue from Sathans fierce giuen charge , Thou shalt my cause maintaine and combate him at large , Thou shalt huige blowes of sin , ward from my soule in thrall , Thou shalt with ghostly valour my soules strength inspire , Thou shalt annointe my head with oyle of peace and ioye , Thou mee shalt purifie with pure zeales holy fire , By these I shall my spirites enemie destroye . By these I shall effect my soules chiefe happinesse , By these I shall my soule vnhalowed redresse .

SONNET . LXXXXVII . MY soule through manifold assaults of sinne ( In grieuous combate with my flesh retain'de ) Declining faintes , vnlesse it bee sustain'de : Then send thy mercies which might enter in , To seuer them least further broyles beginne : And if my soule ( with wounds affliction payn'de ) Haue penitently to thy grace complayn'de , Let it by gracious mnee as some mercie winne . Pure grace , sweete mercie , comfortable peace Zeale , truth , and righteousnesse are dearely met , Whose fame from East to West can neuer cease , Nor those which in these their affiance set Can euer bee ( for glories want ) obscure : But with Saluation eternizde endure .

SONNET . LXXXXVIII . WHere shall I vex'de my sinfull head repose ? If that in errour and conceiued vice , Which with deceitefull Blandishments intice My feeble nature mortified with sinne . Then hope shall gates of my saluation close , Against my soule : and my dispaire beginne , If that in open sight , then open shame The Scarlet of my conscience will disclose ; And sound the shamefull Trumpet of my fame . Where then shall I my vexed soule dispose ? ( If not in blind obscuritie nor light ) Then there euen there impenitence with those Which weepe downe teares of comfort to delight Their soule enlarged from eternall night .

SONNET . LXXXXIX . OH whether shall my troubled Muse encline ? When not the glorious Scaffolde of the skies Nor highest heauens resplendent hierarchies , ( Where heau'nly Soldiours in pure armor shine ) Nor ayer which thy sweete spirite doth refine , Nor earth thy precious bloud vnworthy prise , Nor Seas which when thou list ebbe and arise , Nor any creature profane or Diuine , Can blaze the flourish of thy tearmelesse praise : Surreaching farre by manifold large space All Diuine fabricke of thy sacred hands ? Euen thether shall my Muse her Musicke raise ; Where my soules euerlasting pallace stands , Sweete refuge of saluation , Court of grace .

SONNET . 100. SAcred directour of diuine Syon With gracious handes and mercy-mouing eyes , With eares attentiue ) take my sacrifice : Beholde my teares , heare my playntes which crie on , Lighten my pensiue soule which woulde flye on To thy sweete mercies seate , heauens Paradise : Thy pure Dooues white Winges ( that my soule may rise , And mount from this base earth ) deare Lorde tye on : So shall my Spirite flye from starre to starre : And in consent of musickes sweete reporte Beare thy rich Glories forth from farre to farre , When Cherubines with Seraphines resorte , And Angelles with Archangelles still to sing The glorious wonders of their heauenly King . FINIS .