JOY, I did lock thee up; but some bad man Hath let thee out again: And now, methinks, I am where I began Sev'n years ago: one vogue and vein, One aire of thoughts usurps my brain. I did toward Canaan draw; but now I am Brought back to the Red Sea, the sea of shame. For as the Jews of old, by Gods command, Travell'd, and saw no town; So now each Christian hath his journeys spann'd; Their storie pennes and sets us down. A single deed is small renown. Gods works are wide, and let in future times; His ancient justice overflows our crimes. Then have we too our guardian fires and clouds; Our Scripture-dew drops fast: We have our sands and serpents, tents and shrowds; Alas! our murmurings come not last. But where's the cluster? where's the taste Of mine inheritance? Lord, if I must borrow, Let me as well take up their joy, as sorrow. But can he want the grape who hath the wine? I have their fruit, and more. Blessed be God, who prosper'd Noahs vine, And made it bring forth grapes good store. But much more Him I must adore, Who of the laws sowre juice sweet wine did make, Ev'n God himself being pressed for my sake. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ROBINSON CRUSOE ['S STORY, OR ISLAND] by CHARLES EDWARD CARRYL FIVE EYES by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE FOOLIN' WID DE SEASONS by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 25 by ALFRED TENNYSON THE DYING DRAGOMAN by MATHILDE BLIND THE SPIRIT IS TRUE by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE |