Assure you I keep still my first opinion; Authorize me, I take it great injustice To have my pleasures circumscribed and taught me. CHAPTER IX. THE SO-CALI ED METAPHYSICAL POETS. 97. GEORGE WITHER. 1588-1667. (Manual 167.) 98. FRANCIS QUARLES. 1592-1644. (Manual, p. 167.) O THAT THOU WOULDST HIDE ME IN THE GRAVE, THAT THOU WOLDST KEEP ME IN SECRET UNTIL THY WRATH BE PAST. Ah. whither shall I fly? what path untrod Of my offended, of my angry God? Where shall I sojourn? what kind sea will hide What if my feet should take their hasty flight, What if my soul should take the wings of day, What if some solid rock should entertain Nor sea, nor shade, nor shield, nor rock, nor cave, 'Tis vain to flee; till gentle Mercy show The swing of Justice deals the mightier blow. Th' ingenuous child, corrected, doth not fly Great God! there is no safety here below; 99. GEORGE HERBERT. 1593-1632. (Manual, y 168.) SUNDAY. O day most calm, most bright! The other days and thou Make up one man; whose face thou art, 100. RICHARD CRASHAW. 1620-1650. (Manual, p. 168.) LINES ON A PRAYER-BOOK SENT TO MRS. R. Lo! here a little volume, but large book, It is no hypocrite,) Much larger in itself than in its look. It is love's great artillery, Which here contracts itself, and comes to lie Close conced in your white bosom, and from thence, As from a snowy fortress of defence, Let constant use but keep it bright, To holy hands and humble hearts, Than sin hath snares or hell hath darts. Only be sure The hands be pure That hold these weapons, and the eyes Wakeful and wise, Here is a friend shall fight for you That studies this high art Must be a sure housekeeper And yet no sleeper. Dear soul, be strong, Mercy will come ere long, And bring her bosom full of blessings - To make immortal dressings, For worthy souls whose wise embraces 101. ROBERT HERRICK. 1591-1674. (Manual, p. 169.) SONG. Gather the rose-buds while ye may, And this same flower that smiles to-day The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun, The higher he's a getting, The sooner will his race be run, The age is best which is the first, When youth and blood are warmer |