Edward Farr, ed. Select Poetry of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. 1845.
ProvidenceLXIII. William Drummond
O
If we the sheetes and leaues could turne with care,
Of him who it corrects, and did it frame,
Wee cleare might read the art and wisedome rare;
Finde out his power, which wildest pow’rs doth tame,
His prouidence extending euery where,
His iustice, which proud rebels doth not spare,
In euery page, no period of the same:
But sillie wee, like foolish children, rest
Well pleased with coloured velumne, leaues of gold,
Faire dangling ribbones, leauing what is best,
Of the great writer’s sense ne’er taking hold;
Or if by chance we stay our mindes on ought,
It is some picture on the margine wrought.