TO MR. CYRIACK SKINNER UPON HIS BLINDNESS.
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yriack, this three years day these eys, though clearTo outward view, of blemish or of spot;Bereft of light thir seeing have forgot,Nor to thir idle orbs doth sight appearOf Sun or Moon or Starre throughout the year,Or man or woman. Yet I argue notAgainst heavns hand or will, nor bate a jotOf heart or hope; but still bear up and steerRight onward. What supports me, dost thou ask?The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply'd 10In libertyes defence, my noble task,Of which all Europe talks from side to side.This thought might lead me through the world's vain maskContent though blind, had I no better guide. PSAL. I. Done into Verse, 1653. BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astrayIn counsel of the wicked, and ith'wayOf sinners hath not stood, and in the seatOf scorners hath not sate. But in the greatJehovahs Law is ever his delight,And in his law he studies day and night.He shall be as a tree which planted growsBy watry streams, and in his season knowsTo yield his fruit, and his leaf shall not fall.And what he takes in hand shall prosper all. 10Not so the wicked, but as chaff which fann'dThe wind drives, so the wicked shall not standIn judgment, or abide their tryal thenNor sinners in th'assembly of just men.For the Lord knows th'upright way of the justAnd the way of bad men to ruine must. PSAL. II Done Aug. 8. 1653. Terzetti. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the NationsMuse a vain thing, the Kings of th'earth upstandWith power, and Princes in their CongregationsLay deep their plots together through each Land,Against the Lord and his Messiah dear.Let us break off; say they, by strength of handTheir bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear,Their twisted cords: he who in Heaven doth dwellShall laugh, the Lord shall scoff them, then severeSpeak to them in his wrath, and in his fell 10And fierce ire trouble them; but I saith heeAnointed have my King (though ye rebell)On Sion my holi' hill. A firm decreeI will declare; the Lord to me hath say'dThou art my Son I have begotten theeThis day, ask of me, and the grant is made;As thy possession I on thee bestowTh'Heathen, and as thy conquest to be sway'dEarths utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full lowWith Iron Sceptir bruis'd, and them disperse 20Like to a potters vessel shiver'd so.And now be wise at length ye Kings averseBe taught ye Judges of the earth; with fearJehovah serve and let your joy converseWith trembling; Kiss the Son least he appearIn anger and ye perish in the wayIf once his wrath take fire like fuel sere.Happy all those who have in him their stay. PSAL. III. Aug. 9. 1653
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