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

An Excellent Song, wherein You Shall Finde Great Consolation for a Troubled Minde

XC. Anonymous

AYME not too hie in things above thy reach,

Be not too foolish in thyne own conceit;

As thou hast wit and worldly wealth at will,

So give Him thankes that shall increase it still.

Beware of pride, the mother of mishap,

Whose sugred snares will seek thee to entrap;

Be meeke in heart and lowly minded still,

So shalt thou God’s commandments fulfill.

Cast all thy care upon the Lord, and he

In thy distresse will send to succour thee;

Cease not therefore to serue him eu’ry day,

Who with His blood thy ransome once did pay.

Driue from thy heart ill thoughts that may offend,

Desire of God his Holy Spirit to send,

Which will direct thy life into such a sort

As thou thereby shall find ioy and comfort.

Feare to offend his heavenly Maiestie;

Faith doth confirm true loue and loyaltie,

Without which faith, as holy Scriptures say,

No man to heaven can find the perfect way.

Great is the Lord, and mercifull, doubtlesse,

To those that with true zeale their faults confesse;

But unto those in mischiefe dayly runnes,

He lets alone to taste what after comes.

Hope in the Lord, on him repose thy trust,

Serue him with feare, whose iudgements are most iust;

Desire of him thy life so to direct,

That to thy soule he may have good respect.

Iniure no man, but love thine enemie,

Though to thy hurt, yet take it patiently,

And think the Lord, although he suffer long,

When time shall serve will soon revenge thy wrong.

Keepe thou no ranckor hidden in thine heart,

Remember well the word Christ did impart,

That is, forgive offences ouer-past,

As thou thyself wilt be forgiuen at last.

Lay not thy treasure up in hoarding sort,

But therewithall thy poore feed and comfort;

If thou cold water giue in Christ his name,

Thrice double cold he will reward the same.

Misorder not thy selfe in any wise;

In meat and drink let reason still suffice;

Moderate thy mind and keepe thy selfe content,

So shalt thou praise the Lord omnipotent.