5 Of fun, or moon, or ftar, throughout the year, Of which all Europe talks from fide to fide. This thought might lead me through the world's vain mafk Content though blind, had I no better guide. XXIII. On his deceafed WIFE *. Methought I faw my late efpoused faint Brought to me like Alceftis from the grave, And fuch, as yet once more I trust to have 5 ΤΟ * This was his fecond wife, Catharine the daughter of Captain Woodcock of Hackney, who lived with him not above a year after their marriage, and died in childbed of a daughter. So clear, as in no face with more delight. But O as to embrace me fhe inclin'd, I wak'd, she fled, and day brought back my night. XXIV. On occafion of the PLAGUE in LONDON. Found on a glass window at Chalfont, in Buckinghamfhire, where Milton refided during the continuance of that calamity. [From Birch's Life.] Fair mirror of foul times; whofe fragile sheen Shall, as it blazeth, break; while Providence (Aye watching o'er his faints with eye unfeen) Spreads the red rod of angry peftilence, To fweep the wicked and their counsels hence; Yea, all to break the pride of luftful kings, Who heaven's lore reject for brutish sense; 5 As erft he fcourg'd Jeffides' fin of yore, For the fair Hittite, when, on feraph's wings, He fent him war, or plague, or famine fore. 30 PSALM S. PSALM I. Done into verfe, 1653. BLefs'd is the man who hath not walk'd aftray In counsel of the wicked, and i' th' way of finners hath not stood, and in the feat And in his law he ftudies day and night. PSAL. II. Done Aug. 8, 1653. Terzette. ́HY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations WHY Muse a vain thing, the kings of th' earth up stand With power, and princes in their congregations Lay deep their plots together through each land Against A PS AL. IV. Aug. 10, 1653. NSWER me when I call, God of my righteousness, In ftraits and in diftress Things falfe and vain, and nothing elfe but lies? Yet know the Lord hath chose, Chofe to himself apart, The good and meek of heart (For whom to choose he knows): Jehovah from on high Will hear my voice what time to him I cry. Be aw'd, and do not fin, Speak to your hearts alone, Upon your beds, each one, And be at peace within. Offer the offerings just 10 35 20 Thou, Lord, alone in fafety mak'st me dwell. JEHO PSAL. V. Aug. 12, 1653. EHOVAH, to my words give ear, The voice of my complaining hear Shalt in the morning hear, I' th' morning I to thee with choice Will rank my prayers, and watch till thou appear. For thou art not a God that takes In wickedness delight, Evil with thee no biding makes, Fools or mad men ftand not within thy fight. |