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Edward Farr, ed. Select Poetry of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. 1845.

Stanzas from “The French Historie”

LV. Ann Dowriche

  • The sharpest edge will soonest pearse,
  • And come unto an end;
  • Yet dowt not, but be riche in hope,
  • And take that I do send.
  • A.D.

  • PUT not your trust in fading earth,

    Puft vp with fainting staies:

    Possese the Lord; so shall you still

    Persist in godlie waies.

    Exalt your eies from common shapes,

    Esteeme not of this pelfe;

    Expresse in deeds what faith you haue,

    Examine wel yourselfe.

    As windes disperse the wau’ring chaffe,

    And tosse it quite away,

    All worldlie pompe shall so consume,

    And passe without delay.

    Repleated oft with wandring change

    Recount your life to be:

    Remember wel, no blessed fruite

    Remaines on cursed tree.

    So shal you trace the perfect pathe

    Saluation to attaine;

    So shal you see this glittering glose

    Set out to be in vaine.

    Extinguish then the carnal course,

    Exempted from aboue;

    Expell the qualmes of fond delights,

    Excell in godlie loue.

    Depart not from the liuing Lord;

    Delight to read his word;

    Delaie no time, for he doth still

    Defend vs with the sword.

    Giue to your God your soule and life,

    Good gain insues thereby;

    Greieue not the Spirit, that warneth you

    Great dangers for to flie.

    Cast all your care on him alone,

    Care for no other, praie;

    Considering he your greatest griefes

    Can quickly take awaie.

    Of all things lent vnto this life

    One thing accompt the best;

    Onelie the truth and feare of God,

    On which our soules must rest.

    Make no account of trustles trash,

    Molesting miser’s mind;

    Marke how these markers oftentimes

    Much care and sorrow finde.

    Beware betimes of bad, I wist:

    Be not these pleasures vaine?

    Beleeue in Christ, and so you shall

    Be sure to liue againe.