Psyche, or, Loves mysterie in XX canto's, displaying the intercourse betwixt Christ and the soule / by Joseph Beaumont ...

PSYCHE: OR LOVES MYSTERIE. CANTO XV. The Poyson. (Book 15)

ARGUMENT.

LEaving his Psyche, carefull Phylax arms With whole some sage Advice her tender breast; Yet shee the Venome of Heretick Charms, And Spurious Reasons wiles could not resist. Phylax returns, and in his Pupills eye Rakes up the nastie sink of Heresie.

1.

ANd sits the Holy-land so dear and high In pious Soules esteem? What tongue can then Thunder sufficient Veng'ance out, and cry Against the lazie Basenes of those Men With equal Indignation, who have let Vile Pagan Powers from Christians ravish it.

2.

Could this prodigious shame endured be By Romane hearts, when on their Empires thront No other Prince was culminant but He Whom all the best of Bayes attended on, Who like a bank against the torrent stood, And turn'd the Gyant into Saru's flood.

3.

Who with his own Hand sent Razates down To his eternal Night: who from the brow Of stern Cosrhoes shaked off his Crown, Before Syrhoes cancell'd' Natures law, That He with vengeance might concur, and by Dire Parricide make the Tyrant double die.

4.

Who wip'd the Romans ignominie out When He three hundred Eagles, which had long Been mewed up in Persian Cages, brought In triumph back, and bad them flie among Their fellow-ensignes, and as freely gaze As any of the brood, on Phoebu's face.

5.

Who not these Banners onely did redeem, But the great Standard of Religion too; Which was so pretious in his esteem, That he himselfe its Porter turn'd; and so Made all his Empire stoop to that which he Upon his Shoulders bore to Calvarie.

6.

Alas, Heraclius, how has Heresie Attcheived what all Persia could not doe! How has it made thine Eagles Pinions be Onely of use to flie before thy Foe! Whilst one of Christs great Wills Thou tak'st away, How canst Thou hope thine own Thou shalt enjoy!

7.

Loe, the new Monster Mahomets bold Frie Like numerous Locusts from the Pit of Night, Crawle into Palestine, and there defie The blasted Powers of the Monothelite: Loe, they are to the Holy Citty come, And Haumar robbs him of his Saviours Tombe.

8.

This rais'd in reverend Sophroniu's Breast A mighty Storm of Agonies, to see His venerable Salem now possest By Saracenical Impiety; And James his sacred Seat become the Throne For curs'd Apostasie to reign upon.

9.

He sigh'd and weep'd, and finding no Reliefe From Heav'n or Earth for his loud Lamentation, Resign'd himself unto victorious Grief, And drown'd in his own Tears, fulfill'd his Passion; For why should I live longer here, said he, Still to be slain by what mine Eyes must see!

10.

And now the Land of Milk and Honey lay For more than foure full Ages over-flown With Mahumetick Poyson; till a Ray Of vigorous Christian Gallantry shot down From Heav'n, and by the Ermite Peters breath Blown to a Bonfire, slam'd with holy Wrath.

11.

With holy Wrath it slam'd in many a Breast, But most in brave Bolonion Godfreys, who In Steel, and stronger Resolution drest Burnt with Desire to meet his Pagan Foe: His Lorain can no longer hold him, he Resolves another kinde of Duke to be.

12.

His Consecrated Legions he leads, And in their Eyes their Quarrel doth display; Above their Heads the bloody Crosse he spreads Which streamed in his awfull Standard: They Smil'd at its goodly Look, and cryed We Though in thy tincture, ne'r will shrink from Thee,

13.

The Turkish Moon grew paler than before, And in a cowardly Eclipse shrunk back, When this bright Banner did its, Terror poure Upon her face, and open passage make To Victory; for she was alwaies there, And failed not to bring up Godfreys Rear,

14.

Thus lesser Asia from the Turkish Lore To Christs more gentle Yoak reduced is; And there is nothing now but Salem more For Godfreyes Sword to free from its Distress: Thither he march'd, and soon Redeem'd the Place Where the whole Worlds Redemption acted was.

15.

Right Christian Hero, ô how due to thee Was sacred Salems Crown, and more than that How justly hath thy pious Victory Both Martial, and Poetick Laurel got, Whilst thy illustrious Name and Glory reigns In the Worlds Wonder, and great Tasso's streins

16.

But when by Death Heav'n sent for Godfrey home; Baldwin his Brother, both in Piety And Christian Valour, took his royal Room: Sidon and Ptolemais felt what he And his brave Troops in a just Cause could doe; And so did Egypts mighty Caliph too,

17.

He to his Cosen Baldwin left his Throne And his entailed Gallantry with it; Witnesse the routed Turks Confusion, And Antioch, which did to his Might submit: And though a while he to the Persian bow'd. Upon Damascu's King his strength he show'd.

18.

Then from his Turine Earldome Fulco role To sway this Sceptre; who transmitted it Unto his Son, young Baldwin; over whose Surprised Powers, stern Noradine did set His insolent foot; but soon it ssipp'd, and he Perforce restor'd his stollen Victory.

19.

His Death, his Brother Almerik did raise Unto his Throne; a Prince of active Might, Whose Sword was fertile in triumphant Bays, And glittered with Glories awfull Light; All Ascalon beheld its noble flame, When He from conquer'd Alexandria came.

20.

Baldwin his Sonn, took up his Sceptre, and Long sturdie Warr with Saladine maintain'd, Till Leprosie seis'd on his Martial Hand And unto Resignation it constrain'd; And Guy of Joppa was the Friend whom He Alone would trust to be his Deputie.

21.

Next Him, his Nephew Baldwin stepp'd into The 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in which He scarcely settled was, But 〈◊〉〈◊〉 undermined Him, and so At 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Guy crowded into his Place 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the Earl of Tripolis so deep That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in desperate Plotts his Wrath did steep.

22.

With Suladine He deals, and winns so fart On his proud Hopes, that He perswades Him to Conjure against the Christians in a Warr Which soon attcheiv'd their fatal Overthrow; For Arms and Treason so prevail'd, that Guy, And Salem with him, did Subdued lie.

23.

Thus Barbarisme afresh did domineer In the Metropolis of Pietie; Which roused up the Western Emperous On Pagani me the Power of Zeal to trie Surprised Syria at his Looks did quake, And from his Conquests all the Turks flew back.

24.

But as this generous Frederik, in his Might Rode bravely on, his Horses fatal Fall Threw down the Conqueror into his Night Of Death. When loe, his noble Sonn, by all The Army chose for General, pursued His Fathers Stepps, and, where he went, subdued.

25.

But what can Virtue doe, when Fate withstands? Upon this hopefull Sonn of Valour, who Had no capacitie to fear the Hands Of Death from any Turk, or Pagan Foe, The Plague did seize, and in his warlik Heart Fix'd its envenomed untimely Dart

26.

Then English Richard and French Philip came, And with new Western Bravery made good That mighty Loss; the Lightning of their Fame Flashed before their Swords; and like a Flood Incourag'd by two Torrents meeting, They Swallow'd up all that dar'd oppose their Way.

27.

But cursed Discord, the eternal Foe Of high Designs, sent Philip back again: Yet Richard on to Salem meant to goe, Where He with Cyprus bought his right to reign; And would, had Englands Jarrs not call'd him home, Have forced Saladine to make him room.

28.

Yet Martial Germanie her Nobles sent By Saladines Decease invited thither: Fierce Conquest with their Landing Armies went; But strait their Sunshine turn'd to lowrie Weather, For loe, the Austrian Duke and Saxon too, Untimely Death would let no further goe.

29.

And yet undaunted Montfort with his brave Selected French, disdained back to start, Till He good reason to the Pagans gave To grow so same and kinde, as to impart Peace to the Christians, which, without annoy In Prolemais and Tyre they did enjoy,

30.

Mean while, a glorious Conspiracy Of Western Princes to their Standards stream; Henry Count of St. Paul, of Campanie Theobald, of Flanders Baldwin, and of Breme Gualter, with Henrie Duke of Lovanes State, And Boniface Marquess of Monferrate;

31.

These to the Holy Land their course did bend; But by the Graecian Quarrells turn'd aside, Their Martial Zeal on Ducas they did spend; And finding then fit Feuel for their Pride, Forgot the Butt of their devout Designe, And took no longer aime at Palestine.

32.

But Montforts Truce expired; Germanie Conjur'd again into the Holy Warr, Of which stout Brennus had the Conduct, He Whose comeing, through the Pagans shot such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 That they to buy it off, are willing to Whate'r they held in Palestine, forgoe.

33.

But vain Ambition lost this offerd Prize; And swelling Hope of conquering AEgypt, throws So thick a Mist before the Christian Eys, That unto Cair the blinded Army goes; Where they with Nilu's floods besieged round, Their sacred Enterprize untimely drown'd.

34.

Yet Frederik his German Eagles spred Again, and bravely into Syria flew; Which in the Pagan Sultan rais'd such Dread That all his Turkish Confidence it slew: He hasts to yeild, and freely does resigne Unto the Christians their deer Palestine.

35.

Thus when to his Imperial Diademe This conquering Prince had joyned Salems Crown, He Raynold leaves to manage it for Him, And brings his Triumph home: But strait the Frown Of Fortune, or of Fate, did blast what He Had nobly brought unto Maturitie.

36.

For when the Heav'ns had roll'd five years about, Loe Raynold dies, and Salems Fortune too: The Templars Insolence such falshood wrought As generous Christians least of all should doe: Their breach of Truce did their own Selves deceive, And Salem unto AEgypts Sultan give.

37.

Yet holy Lewis with his Frenchmen strook Into the Pagans such deep Fright, that they At his illustrious Oriflambes Look Unto his Victories gave willing way, Offring Him Salem, Palestine, and more Than Christians own'd in Syria long before.

38.

But he by fatal Counsel, it denied, And then to Egypts Sultan prov'd a Prey: The good King grieved; and in vain he tried His new Adventures Strength, for by the way A sudden and contagious Disease Both on his Army, and on Him did seize.

39.

His quarrel Edward, Englands sprightfull Prince, Took up, and lost none of the English Fame: What Palmes had this brave Hero pluck'd from thence, Had his conjur'd Allies but timely came: But whilst unworthily They linger'd, he Return'd, and left behinde Ripe 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

40.

To gather which, Imperial Rodolph sent Henry the Prince of Megalopo is; A noble General he, and bravely bent; But yet against the bold impetuousnesse Of the stern Mameluhes too weak to stand, He yeilds his Neck to wear a Captives Band.

41.

These unsuccessefull Expeditions Shame A wak'd the Christians utmost Indignation, Who in religious Throngs to Syria came. High were their Hopes, and great their Preparation; But both by banefull Pride invenomed were, Which brought to passe, more than the Turks could dare.

42.

As when the Huntsmen going to the Chase Wrangle and quarrel who shall bear away The Lyons Skin, untill their strife increcse To such Intemperance, that it does betray Their whole Designe, and make them readier to Chase one another, than that Common Foe.

43.

So here the Christians who a hunting came For Salems Crown; before they it obtain, Divided are, and quarrel which of Them Had fairest Right and Title their to reign: All pleaded hard, and at the Septre catch'd, As if it now had from the Turk been snatch'd

44.

The Kings, of England, Cyprus, Sicilie, And France, the Pisans, Florentines, and Pope, The Prince of Antioch, Count of Tripolie, The Genouese, and the Venetians, hope. So did the Hospitals, and Templars too, That in the Diademe they had to doe.

45.

Thus while this cursed War of Contestation Protracts the Holy one; the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (who Like their own Swords, grow 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉) Finding no Businesse now at all to doe But to be wicked, through each neighbour Town Run 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up and down.

46.

At these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Wrongs the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Both in their Rage and in their 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 joyned with their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Upon their 〈…〉〈…〉 Till by a quick and general 〈◊〉〈◊〉 All 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beat.

47.

They beat them out of Syria, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Of all that nsuall Braveric whereby Their frequent Armies they to Salem brought With fresh Reeruits of Zealous Pietic: Their Courage now lies dead and cold at home, Which us'd to live about their 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.

48.

Yet not so dead, but it revives again Into a Life much worse than Death; for they Since that, with most unchristian 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Their swords in one anothers blood, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 The Turks among themselves, whom they were wont More nobly from their 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to hunt.

49.

The Crosse must now against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 spreo. (Blush all yee Heav'ns at this!) and they who are Under the King of Peace all marshalles. Be bararized by a mutual War, Tearing that pretious gentle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Their Lord bequeathed to their Custody.

50.

They who by mystick Union are knit Under one Head, no other Foes doe seel But their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Members, and forge: That whilst on them their Salvage spight they wreak The tender Head feels every wouno and will Score up drop which of His blood they 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

51.

Weep all good eyes, which see this dreadfull shame Of Christians digging Christian Bowells up Sure that of blood, deserv's your briney stream Weep then, and let your Bottles never stop, Till you have wash'd away this Purple stain, 'Gainst which all powers, but those of Tears are vair

52.

Had but the thousand part of this dear blood Adventur'd to be broach'd in Palestins Quite overwhelm'd by its exuberant 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Had Manomets wide spred contagion been And wofull Greece had not ensiaved 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Under the burden or a Pagan Chain

53.

Or had that Power of Policie, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Of Arms of Horse, of Men, and stronger Gold Which in our 〈◊〉〈◊〉-aestroying Britain 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Of late been livisn'd out, when Engiana 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Her 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Miserie, with provident And pious zeal in Syria been spent

54.

Our guilty words had now not blushed in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 blood; nor had our Palms and Bays With any English curse destoured been; But Salem her sad Head 'gun to raise, Feeling from her long pressed neck, the yoke Of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 broke.

55.

As 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Salem to forsake. As are our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thither to advance Oft She looked hack, and many a view did take With weeping eyes, and blubber'd countenance: But when the Hils she could no longer spie, Let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now, said she, look 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mine eye.

56.

And with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 potent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 did she breath That heart sigh, that it made Phylax start, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the pallid characters of Death Appeared in her face, and every Part 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cold and num, as if her 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Back to the place whence she was hurried.

57.

In application of his cordial Powers Had not the tender Guardian nimble been, His Psyche eyes now in their amorous showers Had their own final deluge found, and seen No more for ever: with such force doth love (Especialy in female Bosomes) move.

58.

And ask me not, what makes this Passion prove So brave and potent in the softest hearts ? Thy self the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 fect 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if genuine love On thee hath tryed his mysterious Darts. If not: it is in vain to tell thee how This softnes to such mighty strength doth grow,

59.

But quick as is the infiuence of light, New vigorous spirits He breaths into her breast Which thriliing through her Veins, chas'd out the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Of languic cold by which they were posiest And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her blood, bidding it rise, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Her 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 snor

60.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, but toward 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Her 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and then 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Courage my Dear, said 〈◊〉〈◊〉, be content Saiern 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nothing more for there 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉

61.

As when a Friend unwelcome Motions makes, His other self (who has no power to be Right-down displeas'd, at whatsoever breaks From those beloved lips, which Faithfull he Holds dearer than his own, displays the smart In his Eyes mirrours, of his wounded Heart:

62.

So the Sweet anguish of her loving look Psyche a while lays ope to Phylax view, That He might read in that pathetick book How by that Word of his her Joys He slew. But when He seem'd that language not to ken, Her lips thus to interpret it began.

63.

Between two deaths, which shall poor Psyche choose For death it is my Phylax to displease, And death, religious Salems sweets to loose: And I, alas, have but one life for these: Yet had I more, my straits were still the same; For all were due to thee, and all to them.

64.

O deare Pretector of my Joyes, and Me, Divide not now thy charge: Had I not been Conducted hither by thy Pietie, Psyche Jerusalem had never seen, Not been enchanted by the pretious Graces Which have endeer'd these consecrated places.

65.

And of these Jewels must I robbed be. By none but dearest thee! Had open Foes Thus all at once impoverish'd feeble Mee, I might have grappled with my single woes; But now each griefe and loss, by springing from Thine Hand, on Me doth more than doubled come.

66.

O what has Albion that can entertaine A Soule which is from Salem snatch'd away! Salem which in the Worlds heart queen doth reign, Whil st Albions Clime her vilenes doth betray, Whom Nature threw into the West, and sought How from the Universe to kick her out.

67.

Arimathaean Josephs tombe indeed Is there, that something that poore Ilse might have; But ô, the sight of that, will onely feed That fire which burns me with his other Grave. His other Grave, in which my Spouse did he Far, far from Albion, whither thou wouldst flie.

68.

When in the lofty aire the fish can live, When in the bottome of the Sea the Lark, When Cancer can to Winter welcome give, When High-noon can inhabit in the Dark, When Albion can to Salem shipped be, Then may it prove a fitting home for me.

69.

But untill then, I onely thither goe Bearing my wofull Corps unto my Tombe, Since thou sweet-bitter friend wilt have it so, And not vouchsafe in Palestine a room For poor distressed Psyche. Here a stream Of Tears flowd down from Her, and softned him.

70.

Nay I am not so hard, sayes He, but I Can yeild to fewer tears of thine, than those: Come wipe thine eyes, for thou shalt instantly Live in those joyes, Thou holdst it death to loose. With that He slop'd the Rein, and wheel'd about, And smiling Psyche back to Salem brought.

71.

She smil'd; but sober He confess'd no signe Of jollitie at this Return; for He By his profounder judement did divine That Land, however Holy, would not bee A Sanctuary to his Psyche, since His and her Masters summons call'd him thence.

72.

A little House He there prepar'd for Her, And with all requisites replenish'd it. But then, with awfull looks He cry'd, my dear, Thou see'st what order I have took to fit Thy longing, and thy Lodging too; but now I a more usefull gift then these, bestow.

73.

'Tis my Advice; of which Thou hast more need Than here to sojourn: yet thy being here Doth all that mystick mighty danger breed Which by thy life I thee conjure to fear. Thy life at Salem is in peril, which Had been in Albion out of Dangers reach.

74.

Where Waters most doe ••mile and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 now, The deepest Gulfes beneath in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lie; Where in their briskest beautie Roses grow, An armed Troop of dangerous Thorns stand by; All Poisons then most active are and bold When they are lodg'd in pompous Pearl and 〈◊〉〈◊〉

75.

Sweet Paradise was not so safe, but there The worst of Serpents in its Sweets did dwell: And though to thee Heav'n seems descended here, Yet ev'n in Salem thou may'st meet with Hell. I grant the Serpent here was slain, but yet Their fragments Snakes know how again to knit.

76.

Trust not their glittering Skinns, though fair they be, But flie their Looks; for thick Enchantments are Enammell'd in their out-side Bravery, And holy Trapps, and Treacheries they wear; With cunning Art they winde about, and glide, And into unsuspecting Holes they slide.

77.

Trust not their Tongue (which is indeed a Sting,) Though it be tipp'd with Golden Courtesie; Though Heav'n roll'd up in Promises it bring, And Wisdomes most inviting Sweetnesse: Ye Shall be as Gods, discerning Good and Evill, Was a brave Word, yet minted by the Devill.

78.

Remember here thy Spouse was once betray'd, Remember that he here was thrice deni'd, Remember that thou art a feeble Mayd, Remember thy Agenor, and thy Pride, Remember the Rebellion of thy Passions, Remember Aphrodisiu's Protestations.

79.

Remember what from Charis and from Me Thou hast receiv'd, and let no Sirens Song Bewitch thine Ears with treacherous Harmony, In which the blessed Tunes of Heav'n have rung. Take heed this humor of thy Zeal does not Cast on its sober lines a wanton blot.

80.

Lock up these Counsells in thine Heart, and there Let them lie safe for Me till I come back; Thy Trust, and Love shall hence to me appear, If of these Pawns thou faithfull Care dost take, These Pawns, which will my Guardian Wings supply Although from thee I far away doe flie.

81.

I must away, for this Heav'ns pleasure is, And therefore must be mine, and should be thine: I bus'nesse have abroad; but by this Kisse, (And here he took his leave,) the truth of mine Affection, Psyche, on thy Lip I seal; Keep the Impression safe, and so Farewell.

82.

Away this Word, and He together flew: For now the King of Soules thought fit to teach Psyche how little of her Heart she knew, Who thought it raised past Delusions reach. To her own Strength she now was left, that she How little it deserv'd that Name, might see.

83.

But when her Guardian now out-flew her View, At his most unexpected Parting she At first amazed and aflicted grew: But straight revolving that her Heart was free With all Jerusalem to satisfie Its curious fervor, she left off to Sigh.

84.

Then in a modest Veil her face she hid, Leaving her Eyes but room her way to see; Zeal ti'd unto her feet the Wings of Speed, And on she hasted toward Calvarie, Her Saviours Pains afresh there to lament, Not thinking that to her own Crosse she went.

85.

Mean while, all pious Hearts eternal Foe Who to entrap them keeps perpetual Watch, Observing her without her Guardian goe, Judg'd this his onely time his Prey to catch: He posted to a special Fu••ies Den, Who started all her Snakes as he came in,

86.

But as she in ten thousand Hisses spoke Her Soveraigns Welcome; Peace my Childe, said He, Part of my Errand's Haste, and cannot brook These Complements Delay: I have for Thee A piece of Service which will better prove How much thy Father Satan thou dost love.

87.

Psyche, a Thing to Jesus wonderous dear, (And therefore full as odious to Me, Who by his Love am alwaies pointed where I am to shoot my Spight) is that coy she Whom though I sundry Times have baited, yet Back in my face the Poyson still she spit.

88.

I Aphrodisius and Agenor sent, And genuine Fiends they prov'd themselves to be; About their hellish Work they wisely went, And bravely acted all the Treachery; And yet, good Devills, their far-driven Plot. So crafty was that Wench, they finish'd not.

89.

Not that this Craft in her poor mortall Brain Was bred and nurs'd: ô no, abus'd We are; And Heav'n, though alwaies We to it give plain Defiance, underhand maintains this Warr. There, drown'd in Sulphure, Thou hadst Psyche seen, Had it not for unlukie Phylax been.

90.

He, base unworthy Spirit as He is, Not onely stoops to Christ, (which gallant We Of old disdained, and still doe no lesse,) But with intolerable Flatterie Turns Page to dust and Ashes, and doth bow From Heav'n, to wait on this vile Worme below.

91.

Had He not better nobly Faln with Us, And never have debas'd his High-born Mind; Then crouch, and sneak, and currie favour thus Of the proud Tyrant? Can an Angell finde It worth Christs Favour to be humbled down Far more below himselfe, than We are thrown?

92.

For my part, if I freely were to choose, I would accept the bottome of my Hell, And hug Damnation; e'r I would with those Ignoble Sons of Earth a Servant d well. Those Guardian Angels think We Cursed be; Fools! who perceive not their own Misery.

93.

They boast Heav'ns King's their Soveraign; and I Take the confessing Vassals at their Word: But I'l maintain it greater Dignity To have Him for my Foe, than for my Lord: They brag that Heav'ns their own, & Blisse's Hill; Why I have more than so; I have my Will.

94.

But now, my Daughter, Phylax is away, His servile Diligence thou needst not fear; Psyche is left unto her Selfe to day, And therefore unto Us, if thou tak'st Care To lay thy Plots aright; for thine they be On which I build my Hopes of Victory.

95.

She now is on her way to Calvary, The Hill which more than Heav'n it selfe I hate, And have no minde in person to come nie That cursed Place: It stands not with the State And honour of Imperiall Lucifer To smell the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Jesus Sepulchre.

96.

But for thy Fathers sake, and service, Thou Shalt stop thy Nose, and venture to goe thither, Where Thou a subtile Chain of Snakes shalt throw About that peevish Wench to hale her hither; So at her, and her cheated Spouse, both I And thou will laugh unto Eternity.

97.

His foaming Lips He closed here, and beat The flood of flaming Sulphure back into His monstrous Throat. Straitat his burning Feet His damned Daughter took her leave to goe, And with stout Fury rushed through the Earth; And mingled with the Aire, as she brake forth.

98.

In this she flew above Suspitions Eye, And undiscerned shot into the Breasts Of divers Mortals, where she formerly, Had entertainment found: But now her Nests She fethered anew with greater Store Of viperous Pow'rs, than she left there before.

99.

Such was her dangerous Policie, that she For Psyche layd her Net in others Hearts, Which she made lovely by the bravery Of most refined sublimated Arts: No fowler e'r us'd such allureing Ways To charm poor Birds by treacherous 〈◊〉〈◊〉

100.

For though she were the very Centre, where The Lines of all Deformities did meet; The Looks of Beauty she knew how to wear, And make her Horridnesse appear so sweet, That she the wisest and most peircing Eyes Had often blinded by her Fallacies.

101.

But now the Virgin at the dolefull Mount Arrived was; where in the reverend place Of the deer Crosses Foot, she made account To poure her Vowes: But there before Her was A youthfull Man, who prepossess'd her room, And thither of her errand seem'd to come.

102.

His Looks, though guilty of few years, were yet Grown pale and old with pious Gravity; His sober Garb was such as best might fit Those who not spruce and brave but cloth'd would be; His Body thin, but thick his 〈◊〉〈◊〉; which grown To its full length, did at his back flow down

103.

Upon the ground He lay and beat his Breast, Which echoed back the Blows, with Sighs & groans: At length, with iterated Knockings prest, It yeelded forth these Ejulations: O Geief and Pains, had you no other Heart But His, to make the Sink of all your Smart!

104.

That Heart! which all of Sweetnesse moulded was. That Heart! where Heav'n found its Epitomie. That Heart! the fountain of all softest Grace. That heart! where all the Worlds best Life did lie. The heart of Jesus! here a boistrous Sigh Came blusting out, and breaking off his Crie.

105.

But then, recovering his Tongue again; Alas, said He, and why are you unjust? Why from this Breast of mine doe you abstein, Which all your utmost stings doth merit? Must He who deserv's the best of Joys, alone Inherit all the depth of Passion?

106.

Are there no Whipps, no Thorns, no Nailes for Me? May these my youthfull shoulders bear no Crosse? Is there no Portion of Misery Left for my high Desert? did He engrosse What sinfull I had better Title to Sure this at least shall be my Grief and Woe.

107.

As when the hollow Windes have drove together Black lagging Clowds, the gravid vapors break With their own weight, and poure the rainey Wether Down through the gloomy Air: So on his Cheek His labouring Eys their fertile streams let flow, Which his tempestuous grief did thither blow.

108.

And now his Lips no more had power to speak, In Zealous Kisses He does them imploy; He kiss'd the Soile, where once that Blood did reek, Which all the Earths Redemption did pay: And every Kisse did new Desire beget Of more affectionate Imbracing it.

109.

Psyche observing his sweet Passion swell With such Devotion, soon forgot her own; And with the Stranger in such love she fell That at his feet her self she bowed down, She bowed down, and little thought that then She stoop'd to enter the forbidden Gin.

110.

But as the wary Seaman, when He spies The amiable Mermaid floating nie, Turns from the dangerous Bait his jealous Eyes, Hoiseth his sail up, and his Oars doth plie: So this Devoto, seeing Psyche there, Confess'd and fortifi'd his holy fear.

111.

For starting at the unexpected sight, Shield me, my blessed Guardian, said He; Satan, who doth with everlasting spight Disturb the Course of Zealous Piety, Hath to facilitate my molestation, In this fair Damosell sent me my Temptation.

112.

But whosoe'r thou art, goe seek thy Prey Where rampant Lust in furious Bonfires reigns: Thy Beauties Lustre must not thaw its way Thorow my tame, and now long-cooled veins. How know I but thou art some fair dress'd Feind To make Me foule? and here Himself He sign'd.

113.

Ravish'd with this Religious Jealousie, Sweet Sir, said Psyche, I was hither come Upon that errand which your Piety Hath here dispatched; in that very room I purpos'd my devoted sighs to blow, And make mine Eyes their liquid Dutie know.

114.

My bounteous Lord took my Intent, I see, For actual Deed; and hath rewarded it: He knew no blessing would more welcome be Unto my Heart, then this which here I met; And this, art Thou, in whom I plainly read The love of Him of whom my soul is Head.

115.

I heard thy holy Sighs, and hearty Grones, As towards Heav'n from thy Sweet Breast they flew, I heard thy generous Lamentations; And by those zealous Characters I knew That Jesus had by his Soule-conquering Dart Engrav'd Heav'ns best impression on thy Heart.

116.

I thank Thee, that thou wert of Me afrayd, For much I reverence that pious fear: Yet be assured thou hast met a Maid In whom no Embers of black fervor are: No, no; my Heart will no such Guests allow, For it too well doth Aphrodisim know.

117.

Indeed I might have been what you suspected, Foule Satans Agent, and a feind of Hell, Had our deer Lord the care of Me neglected, And not seal'd sure on mine, his blessed Will: And so might'st Thou, had He not spread above Thy helplesse head, the Banner of his Love.

118.

That Love, which wheresoe'r I finde it shine, Doth humble Reverence from my heart command; Wonder not at my Case, but make it thine, And think how thou could'st shun, or how withstand Thy Charming Self: If I immodest be, Like Love will pardon Loves Immodestie.

119.

Yet 'tis no Boldnes to admire the Sunn, To love the starrs, and, what more lovely is, Their Sovercign, and ours: what I have done To Thee, great Jesus gave me leave to his Own Self to doe: Wherefore no more admire That I grow warm now I come neer thy fire.

120.

My Warmth is pure, as is its spring in thee; I mix'd it not at all with other fires: And onely on thy Zealous Pietie I feast the Hunger of my chaste Desires: I am a stranger here, and hither come On Loves deer businesse from my British Home.

121.

But in this Land of Holinesse I meet Such deer Remembrances of Heav'n, that I Desire my native Albion to forget, And where my Saviour did, both live and die. Me thinks I heer am neerest Him, who is Whither I live or die, mine onely Blisse.

122.

Yet some Acquaintance and Companion I Would gladly gain, with whom my foul might live In holy freindships sweet society, And mutual Heats of Zeal from Him receive. Heav'n puts you in my way, and if you be What you appear, you will be kinde to Me.

123.

This said: sometimes to Him her pleading Eye, Sometimes to Heav'n She turn'd; and by that mute But most mysterious Importunity, Sollicited her earnest bashfull suit; Urging by this her yeelding silence, more Strong Arguments than she had spoke before.

124.

Mov'd with her soft Expressions, and her Tears, (For these flow'd out as thick, and sweet as they,) The Man gives credit unto both, and cheers His clowded Looks, and cries, O happy Day Which hast discover'd unto Me a Breast Of Heav'ns pure dove the chaste unspotted Nest.

125.

Pardon dear Stranger, pardon my Mistake, And be no longer in that Name to me. What recompence I can, I vow to make To thy misprised slandered Pietie. I at thy bounteous Offer catch, and will Both thy Desire, and mine own Joyes fulfill.

126.

Rare are those friends, as Birds of Paradise, In this unworthy world but seldome seen, Whose Harts in one no other Cement ties But heav'nly Zeal and Love: and had I been As good, as I am vile, thy Offer were Worthy to be unto my Soule most deer.

127.

If by the royall Law of our great Lord, Pretious in our esteem our Foes must be; O what Embraces must We then afford To them who Us out vie in Charitie! Come gentle Soule, and this chaste Token take, That to thy Wish my heart I pliant make.

128.

Here by an Holy Kisse (for that of old The Symbole was of Christian Consent,) He seal d his Words; then reverently took hold Of her right Hand, and down the Mountain went, Leading Her to his Dwelling; whither she Went cheerly on, fearing no Treacherie.

129.

Into the Vulturs Nest thus slies the Dove; Thus to the smiling Shelfs the Ship doth run; The stranger thus to the enchanted Grove Goes for delight; Thus to the fatal Den Of the fair tongu'd Hyoena skips the Lamb; The Childe thus leaps into the playing flame,

130.

Come to his House; * 1.1 Authades, (for his Name Was so) pray's Psyche not to take it ill, That since she in a busy season came, His sacred Office He did first fulfill, Before on her He waited: But, said He, The work, though great, will soon dispatched be,

131.

In his eighth journey Phoebus now did run Since his first-born Authades did enjoy, Who by the rule of his Religion Was bound to circumcise the Childe that Day; Which with a consecrated knife of stone He did, and gave his own name to his Son.

132.

The Infants Wound, the softer heart did slay Of Psyche, who strait wrep'd, and knock'd her breast, And then with indignation turn'd away. But cunning He perceiving how his Guest Dis-rellished her welcome, to her stepp'd, And, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first, demanded why shee weep'd.

133.

In sullen silence she made her Replie, Compos'd of Frowns, and of compleat disdain; Till forc'd by his milde Importunitie, She gave her angry Tongue a liberal Rein: Shame on my credulous Love, which thus, said she, Bewithc'd me to the Den of Heresie.

134.

Are you the Man who crouched to the Place Of Jesu's Cross, and him, your Lord, did call? How come you now to wear a Jewish face, And with your Circumcision tool, cut all Your Christian Mask in peeces? Blinde were I As was your zeal. could I this crime not spie.

135.

Had you Beleev'd that Jesu's blood was shed To wash the stains of all the World away, Your cruel; Heresie had not made red Your Infant in his needles blood to day; Who had been purer had you washed Him In a much gentler flood, pure Baptisms stream.

136.

I see what reason my wise Guardian had To be so jealous of my staying here; Why He so solemnly appeared sad When I was merry, and refus'd to feare; He knew black Satan would himself array In heav'nly puritie Me to betray.

137.

Here she was flinging out. But fawning He By the great Cross of Christ, and geater Name, Pray'd, and conjur'd her pious Charitie His unexpected action not to blame, But to defer her Censure, and to hear With patience how He could his cause declare.

138.

Such power had that reverend contestation On Psyche's tender heart, that she relents: When 〈◊〉〈◊〉 He, after long Commendation Of her soft candor, tels Her He repents That He his Declaration did not make E'r He that solemn work did undertake.

139.

Then to a private Chamber Her He brought, That no Disturbance might his ends prevent; And by all Ceremonious service sought To entertaine her thoughts with kinde content: For on a silken Couch, when she was set, With softer language, thus He gan the feat.

140.

Sure now, dear stranger, thou art quit with me, And hast repay'd me in my proper Coin: I for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Instrument suspected thee, Thou for an Heretick dost me define: But I recanted; and if thou doe so, Quit on the other side We may be too.

141.

If head-long jealousye for proof should passe, What thing so perilo us were as Innocence? What must we think of our great Saviours Case, Who for a Devil slander'd was? and whence Shall We acquit his Wise Apostles, who In the fond Worlds esteem for fools did go?

142.

Thou prov'dst not what my sudden fear did speak, Nor am I such as thine did me present: Truth can her selfe cleer and transparent make, And never fail'd to yeeld compieat content To those whom Prejudicies poyson had Not first envenomed, and partiall made.

143.

Know then, that I am one of those whose breasts Are consecrated to that Lord whom thou Alone adorest, and permit no Guests To thrust in thither, who will not allow That gentle Soveraign to domineer, And reign without all contradiction there.

144.

That poor comtemptuous place, whence glorious He Vouchaf'd to take his sirname, is the same Whence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his humilitie, Our Common Title We his followers frame: Too high for Us the Stile of Chrastian is, Plain Nazareen our Ambition doth suffice.

145.

Unto the Dictates of his royal Law With universal Meeknesse we submit: Whilst others but by halfes will deign to bow, As Makers they, not Subjects were to it: All hard and costly Precepts, they refuse, And leave that Burden for the slavish Jewes.

146.

They tell the World how they a Patent have Writ in the Stile of Christian Liberty, By which Heav'ns King to Them Commission gave To break the Bonds of Legal Slavery: And a wise King the while they make Him, who Allowes them, what his Law forbids, to doe.

147.

And is not this a brave Religion, where There is no room for any Charge or Pains? Cunning and thrifty its Profeslors are, Who in their own Hands moderate the Reins Which on their Necks should lie; who as they please, Dispose their Discipline to their own Ease.

148.

And yet 'twere well, would they their Charter show Which makes them Free States, and vouchsafe but to Declare what in the new-deliver'd Law Doth crosse and disannull the old; that so The World might Satisfaction gain, and we Be made Partakers of their Liberty.

149.

For we know no such Thing: But this we know That Jesus who is Author of the New, Was Institutor of the ancient Law And upon Sina's Head his Trumpet blew To wake the World, and warn it to give eare Unto the Precepts which he thunder'd there.

150.

And did he then Retract, what he before Oreained had? Was Circumcision then Commanded to be exercis'd no more Upon the tender Infant-Sons of Men? O no such Changings inconsistent be With a wise Gods Immutability.

151.

Like his own Selfe his Laws eternal are, And need no Reformation or Corrections: Our inconsiderane Lawgivers here Infect their Laws with their own Imperfections, And both may mended be: But surely 'tis Proud Blasphemy to say so of Him, or His.

152.

But his Example is full Explication Of his own Laws: And what did righteous He When fitted by his blessed Incarnation He could, like Us, to them a Subject be? Did not he set the Seal of his own Blood To Circumcision, that this Law was good?

153.

His Presentation in the Temple shews His cleer submission to the Law which there Professed was: Nor did he e'r refuse To solemnize the Festivals which were Legaly Sacred; or, when he drew neer His End, forget to keep the Passover.

154.

Let others cast the blustering scare-crowe Name Of Heresie upon our genuine Zeal; We trust we never shall repute it shame To tread His Steps to whom we all appeal As to our onely King: and surely he Cannot but own those who his Followers be.

155.

The Gospel Laws Weequaly Imbrace: And though my Son I Circumcised, yet I cut him not off from Baptismal Grace, For in that Laver we our Children wet, That in this double Sacramental Stream Of Blood and Water, they to Christ may swim.

156.

We grant, that where the Circumcision 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Blusheth not to oppose and uselesse make That venerable World-redeeming Blood Which from the pretious Veins of Jesus brake, The Sacrament's Heretical: But we Teach it more meek and mannerly to be.

157.

If now we of too Much Obedience seem Guilty to thee, Convince Us of our Sin: 'Tis plain thou hast an hopefull pleasant Theme, And easily upon our Hearts may'st win, If Truth fight with Thee: for what Man is he Who by just Licence would not conquer'd be?

158.

He ceased here. But as the loathing Vine, Though in the Colewort she can plainly read No hostile Quality, doth yet decline Her Touch, and any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Shrub or Weed Will rather hug with all her Arms, then by The least Imbrace approve that Company.

159.

So Psyche, though she could not easily show The venome of Authade's Sophistric; Yet could her heart not possibly allow What she could not confute: Much rather she Would with fell Adders hisses fall in love, Than the intent of his discourse approve.

160.

For Discontent still gather'd up her Brow, Still nauseous neglect stream'd from her eye, Still on her Guardians Words she thought; and now The Serpent had his Poisnous suauity Displayd, and his enchantment finished, She wav'd her Hand, and turn'd aside her head.

161.

But Logos (who, with Thelema did lie Close in her breast,) prick'd up his ready ear, And drunk in all the gorgeous fallacie With such Delight, that He could not forbeat Now Psyche seem'd unsatisfied, to break His itching minde; and thus He freely spake.

162.

Madame, although the Jewish law to you Expired seems, yet that of Courtesie To be ev'n yet in date you will allow, And why must then your looks transgressors be? Why with such Glances of Disdain must they Your gentle entertainment here repay?

163.

For my part, if I ever understood What firmper spicuous Probations ment, What Reasons solid were, what Topicks good, What Demonstrations sound; I must consent That he of none but such Materials here The Fabrick of his strong Discourse did rear.

164.

And, let me tell you, Reason is a Law High and divine, engrav'd in every breast, Which must no Change nor Antiquation know; A Law, which whosoever dares resist Rebels against Himself, whom He stamps under His obstinate feet, and nature tears in sunder.

165.

O strive not then to be more Wise, than what Is Wisdomes onely Rule: Aathades now By Reasons genuine Lustre shews you that He walks in High-noon light; and why will you Be groaping still in Darknes, when you may By his fair Pharu's Conduct saile to Day?

166.

Psyche stung by this Check began to groan: When loe her Thelema took Courage, and With a resolved Countenance fastned on Logos his shoulders her imperious hand; Which shak'd him from his boldnesse into fear, And summond to her Words his humbler Ear.

167.

Pert sir, said she, does it to you belong To hold the golden Reins of Psyche's heart? That thus you stretch your Magisterial tongùe Usurping what would better suit my part: Y' had best e'n take her Throne, and make both Me And Her wait on your upstart Majestie.

168.

Though His soft Words tickle your wanton ear, We use not to such easie Charms to yeeld; Both Psyche's stomach is too weak to bear, And so is mine, his gilded Dose, though fill'd With sugar'd Blandishments. Yet ask not why It is enough for us, but to deny.

169.

Authades seeing how his dainty bait Disgusted was, to heav'n lift up his eye, And cri'd, Alas, that dangerous Deceit Should be suspected in Truths arms to lie. Yet Psyche, I doe not disprove thy fear; Alwayes the wisest Souls most jealous are.

170.

And this thy pious jeulousie to me So pretious is, that it inflames my heart With higher estimation of thee Who in Faiths Busines thus tender art: Those who with headlong hast such points receive. To me seem but to fancie, not believe.

171.

I grant 'twas thy unhappines, that thou Meet'st with so faint a Disputant as I: And sure our Cause were weak if it could show No better Pillars of its Verity Than my Abilities, which I confesse Are full as feeble, as that solid is.

172.

Yet why should Truth for my unworthy sake Faile to finde welcome in thy pretious Breast? Why should'st thou pay so dearly for my lack Of Eloquence or Logick, as to rest In that unhappy Ignorance content, Which though I cannot help, I must lament.

173.

That Word broke ope the Fountains of his Eyes, Which in deceitfull Pitty flowed down. Yet knocking then his crafty Breast, He cries, Why should I think just Heav'n on you hath thrown The punishment of this my Weaknes? and Because I'm Dull, not let Thee understand?

174.

O no! wouldst thou but deign to walk with Me To a Friends house not far from hence; Thou there The Looks of living Pietie shouldst see; And from an Oracle Resolutions hear: If Thou repent Thee of thy Pains, I am Content for ever to endure thy Blame.

175.

This pressed Kindnesse, She who gentle was, Knew not how to reject; and therfore goes With her fair-tongu'd Companion: Alas That facill Hearts should to themselves be Foes When others they with Facilnes befriend! That plyant Twigs should break because they bend!

176.

But at the house, they at his Prayers finde A Man whom Age had covered with Snow: Yet noble Fervor in his pious minde With more than youthfull Vigor seem'd to glow: So strong was his Devotion, and so high In all Espressions of Loves Bravery.

177.

Authades at his Back straight kneeled down; And so did Psyche, much amaz'd to see How far that old Devoto had out-flown The flagging Pitch of her young Piety. Such flaming Prayers she never heard before, Nor such importunate Knocks at Heav'ns high Door

178.

She often looked that the Sphears should ope, And to the longing Saint his Lord disclose; She wonder'd that his Body flew not up Seeing his Soule on such stout Pinions rose; But most she marvell'd that his working Heart Stretching so high, did not in sunder start.

179.

With secret Checks her languid Soule she chid Which with such violence never yet did flame; Her Eyes hung down; her Cheeks were over-spread With blushing (but with ô how guiltlesse!) shame: Nor ravish••d lesse was Thelema, who till now No Good would in the Nazareens allow.

180.

O Looks, and Outside Things, how mighty are And how substantial your Impostures, on Unhappy Mortals, who their Judgement square By Ear and Eye, and those vain Rules alone They borrow from the Senses Schole, wherein How many Beasts more learned are than Men!

181.

* 1.2 Pseudagius now three times his Head did bow In humble Adoration, and arose Up from the ground. Which when Authades saw, He forward stepp'd, his bus'nesse to disclose. But Psyche pluck'd him by the Arm, and told Him, forher sake He need not be so bold.

182.

Pardon Me Sir, said she; for now my Minde Convinc'd by heav'nly Satisfaction is; In him I such commanding Goodnesse finde, That, though I would, yet I cannot doe lesse Than stoop to that Profession which he Hath authoriz'd by such high Piety.

183.

The height of my Desires, (if yet it be Not Pride to reach at such transcendent Blisse,) Is, that I with his leave advanc'd may be To his religious Acquaintance: This Perhaps may Me enable to repay The Debt your Love hath layd on Me to day.

184.

Authades glad and proud that he had thus This Conquest gained, bad her be secure: Then bowing down before Pseudagius, Regard, most holy Sir, said he, the pure And pious Suit of a religious Mayd, Which modest she upon my Tongue hath lay'd.

185.

Heav'ns Love hath kindled in her pliant Breast Full Approbation of whatever she Beholds amongst Us Nazareens profest; And now our Proselyte she resolves to be: Onely she beggs that you would not disdain Her as you humble Friend to entertain.

186.

His solemn Eye to Heav'n Pseudagius cast. And cri'd, Forbid it blessed Jesu, I Should not be kinde to Any whom Thou past With thine own Favour deign'd to dignifie: 'Tis Condescent indeed in Thee; but how Can I thy Worm stoop, who crawl here below?

187.

This said; with reverend Pleasantnes He came And grave Acquaintance took with Psyche's Lipp; She bigg with humble Thanks, cri'd out, who am Unworthy I, such holy Sweets to sipp! Hadst Thou vouchsaf'd Me but thy Feet to Kiss, That favour I had hugged as my Bliss.

188.

Thus cheated She, did her Mishap admire, As doth the silly flie the beauteous Flame; Little surmising what outragious Fire Reign'd in that Bait which look'd so mild and tame: Ne'r did she stand on such a Brink as this, And never feared less a Precipice.

189.

Pseudagius, whose faire-faced Piety Compleat possession of her Heart had wonn, Now exercised his full Tyranny Upon his tender yeilding Prey; and soon Infus'd his Poisons with such holy Art, That their Contagion rul'd in every Part.

190.

Satan who lurk'd in Ambush to espie How his Designe would take; rejoyc'd to see That Psyche by this moderate Heresie So easily charmed was; for crafty He When but a little Leaven was cast in, Had oft the tainting of the whole Lump seen.

191.

He knew a little Gap, might quickly turn A mighty Chasm: He knew one Spark might thrive Into a full-grown Flame, and serve to burn The strongest Fort: He knew one Wheel might drive A thousand more; He knew a carelesse Slip Might cause a Fall, as well's a desperate Skip.

192.

He knew that they who once a foot had set In Errors Labrynth, would easily be Allured further to proceed in it By their own tickling 〈◊〉〈◊〉; He knew they soon might fall in love with Night Whose Eys once turn'd from Truths meridian Light.

193.

But yet to make all sure, he Logos fill'd With foolish Pride, and Confidence, since He Saw Thelema, and Psyche forc'd to yeild At last, to what He did at first agree; And They abashed with unhappy shame, His domineering Carriage durst not blame.

194.

By this unbrideled Insolence he grew So vain and carelesse in his Work, that he Presum'd far more than all the World be knew In Truths judicious Discovery. Thus foolish Dreamers think they view the skies, When duskie Sleep hath sealed up their Eyes.

195.

For as one Morning Psyche walked out Intending for her Saviours Sepulchre; Full in her way the watchfull Tempter brought One who no common Mortal did appear: Grave was his Garb, but graver far his Look, And him for some deep-learned Man she took.

196.

Capricious Logos could not rest content Till he had sounded what the Man could say; Big with a spruce and eloquent Complement, He brings it forth, and layes it in his way, Bo wing down to the ground with it; which done, * 1.3 Agyrtes stayd, and Logos thus went on:

197.

Sir, if your Head unto your Looks be true, It is of Knowledge a vast Treasury; And those Spiritual Riches never knew What Losse or Diminution meant, when by A liberal Impartment they were thrown To others Breasts, yet not pluck'd from their 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

198.

For though his radiant Largise on the Moon And every Star, and all the World beside He poureth out; yet still the copious Sun Doth in his undiminish'd Glory ride. Although a thousand Chanels it doth fill, The teeming Fountain lives in Fulnesse still.

199.

A portion of your Streams, and of your Light, Is that We beg; not to impoverish you, But to enrich our Selves: Our ignorant Night To knowing Day may by your Influence grow; Our arid barren Intellect may be By your Effusions taught Fertility.

200.

That natural Desire which did enflame Your Industry to reach at Knowledge, is Common to Us; nor will your Wisdome blame Our free and bold Obedience unto this Potent Instinct, by following which, you have Attain'd that Blessing which of you We crave.

201.

When by a grave and gracefull Pawse, the Man More reverence had won, with friendly Eye He first their Welcome look'd: then thus began To speak it out: Though Silence suits with my Devout Profession, more than Words, yet now To Courtesies strong Law my Tongue must bow,

202.

If I to strangers should not Kindnes show, I should affront that Lord who owned Me A stranger unto Him. Yet please to know That I professe not by my Industrie To have arived unto any pitch In that wherein you take Me to be rich,

203.

Alas, Agyrtes had as sottish been As is the vilest he that sees the light, Had Heav'ns sweet Rays not deignd to interveen Between my Heart, and Ignorances Night. But Jesus who is King of Love, as well As Wisdome, pleas'd with both my Breast to fill.

204.

Yet this no other Wisdome is, then what Concerns Him, and his Heav'n, wherfore if you For any other look from me, but that, You must goe seek where Vanitie doth grow. That, that, or none, sweet Sir, said Psyche; We Would onely in Heav'ns Wisdome learned be.

205.

This yeilding Answer made Him smile within, And promise to his proud Heart, Victory: Yet to make sure, and grace, his holy Sin, To Heav'n he turn'd his hell-directed Eye, And lifting up his Hands, seem'd thence to take The Copie of what now he ment to speak.

206.

With that, upon the ready Grasse, which there Offer'd its gentle service, they sate down. Then thus Agyrtes: Though you Strangers are, Your holy Wish, thus far has made you known, That I perceive you are not yet to be Inform'd there is a Christ, and Pietie.

207.

But as the noblest Things beseiged are With greatest Difficulties, so is this: Religion, and Truth yet never were Enthron'd so high, but saucie Wickednes Would muster Errors round about them, and Before their face in flat Defiance stand.

208.

Yet, if in great Cerinthu's Schole you were Ever a Candidate, I need not strive To ope my Bottles to your Thirst, who there All Fulnes from the Fountain did receive. My Schole, cri'd Psyche, gentle Sir, alas, Onely in blinde and barbarous Albion was.

209.

Know then, said He, that when Heav'n planted had Its blessed Gospell in our World below, Ten thousand Weeds a conjuration made To choke it when it first began to grow; The Blade no sooner peeped forth, but there These pois'nous Tyrants strait did domineer

210.

And surely all the Harvest Hopes had been Slain in their Birth had Jesus tender Care Into his Feild not sent Cerinthus: Sin The Crop ev'n in the Spring began to shear, And Truth her infant Head sought where to hide; So rampant Error was, and spread so wide.

211.

But this brave Gardner with his prudent Hook Cut those Intruders down, and cleerd the ground; The Churches Soile strait like it selfe did look, And reskew'd Truth full room to flourish found, The mystick 〈◊〉〈◊〉 began to be From the insidious Serpents Dangers free.

212.

The reverend Law whose flaming Majesty Flashed from Sina, now brake out again; And chasing all licentious Mists, which by Heretik Sloth had gain'd Religions Rein, Mingled its Lustre with the Gospels Ray, And doubled fair Truthes most unspotted Day.

213.

Blind Ignorance was grown so bold, that she Sought to perswade the World it had no Eyes; Making the Lazie Name of Mystery, In stead of Demonstration suffice. From this black Pit those monstrous Prodigies Of hood-wink'd, and abused Faith did rise.

214.

Who can imagin Heav'n would e'r obtrude Upon the Faith of Reasonable Men, That which against all Reason doth conclude, And founded is on Contradiction? Sure God so strange a Law did never give, That Men must not be Men, if they Beleeve,

215.

No, 'twas not God, but Man, who made that Law, And by enacting it, usurped more Than God-like Power on those he won to bow Their Superstitious Necks to this new Lore, By which to brutish Sottishnesse they are Enslav'd, who free by Christian Title were.

216.

'Tis not enough, forsooth, that We beleeve Mary the Mother was to Jesus; but Into the bargain too We must receive That she a Virgin still remain'd. And what More ready Way, her Sons Birth to deny, Than by continuing her Virginity?

217.

If she a Mother be, she must be so But if a Virgin, she a Virgin is: And he that can in One tie up these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 May reconcile the Poles into a Kisse May Midnight in the face of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 throw, May cement in one Centre I and No,

218.

Yet well it were, had Mary been alone The subject of this holy Nonsense; But With greater impudence upon her Son It ventured, and madly forging what All Rational Creatures cannot but Detest, This, as the sacred Rule of Faith profest.

219.

For though the Marvell-mongers grant that He Was moulded up but of a Mortal Metall, And that his Substance was the same which we Finde in our Selves to be so weak and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Yet an eternal God they make Him too, And angry are that We will not doe 〈◊〉〈◊〉

220.

(Thus the quaint Madnesie of a dreaming Brain Holds the same Thing a Mountain, and a Mite; Fancies the Sun, Lights royal Soveraign, To look like swarthy, and ignoble Night; Imagines wretched Worms, although it see Them crawl in Dirt, illustrious Kings to be.)

221.

But Heav'n forbid, that we should so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And think our God as poor a Thing as We How can Eternity be born in Time How can Infinitude a Baby be? Or how can Heav'n and Earths almighty Lord To AEgypt flie for rear of Herod's Sword

222.

Can He be hungry who doth All Things feed? Can it become the King of Joy to weep? Can He the God of Spirits, refreshment need? Can He who is all Eye, e'r fall asleep? Can Man, the Prince of Power Crucifie? Can He, Lifes everlasting Fountain, die?

223.

Such Gods as these indeed were Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, Mercury, Apollo, And all that Rout to whom the Pagans rear Their cursed Altars: And must we goe follow Such goodly Leaders, and our Pleasure take Religion worse than Atheisme to make?

224.

Sure God is much beholden unto them Whose glorious Faith hath been so carefull to Heap all those vile Indignities on Him Which they Themselves abhorr to undergoe. If God be such a wretched Thing, no more Will I, (and 'tis no proud Word) Him adore.

225.

But He is as Impassible as They Would make him weak and poor: He cannot bow To yeild his high almighty Selfe a Prey To our Infirmities who crawl below: His super-glorious most refined Nature As far from Suffring is, as from a Creature.

226.

I know they strive to mince the Matter by Distinguishing His Natures; for their Art Being asham'd of no Absurdity, Himselfe from his own Selfe presumes to part. Yet we durst not admit a Deity, Which must on a Distinction builded be.

227.

But how much more than mad their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And how transcending Pagan Blasphemy, Who not content to make a God of this Both 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and mortal Jesus; try To thrust him into one Substantial Knot With his eternal Sire who him begot!

228.

Two, yet not Two, but One these Two must be, Nay and a Third into the Knot they bring; The Spirit must come in to make up Three, And yet tnese Three be but One single Thing. Thus fast and loose they play, or ev'n and oda, And we a juggling Trick must have for God

229.

If God be One; then let him be so still: Why jumble We We know not what together? Did all the World not know their God, untill This old Blinde Age discover'd Him? Did neither The Patriarks Beleeve, nor Prophets See Aright, because they took not One for Three?

230.

I and my Brethren are full well content T' aspire unto no other Paradise Than that to which those Holy Hero's went, Whose Faith knew no such curious Prodigies. No; Faith's a grave and sober Mayd, and she Loves neither Quirk, nor Trick, nor Forgerie.

231.

Let Love and Duty make of Christ as high And glorious a Thing as Wit can reach, Provided that against the Deity No injury nor Sacriledge they preach; If onely on such Terms He lov'd may be, Him to neglect is Pietie, say We.

232.

But We neglect him not, who merits more Of Us, than all our Reverence can pay: Our Necks we bow unto his gentle Lore, And his Commands ambitiously obey: Love is his blessed Law; and hated be Those who contemn so sweet a Lord as He.

233.

You see how freely our Profession We Impart to Strangers; being confident That honest Truth can never shamed be. Yet whether you will bow downe your consent Unto our Doctrines, I uncertain am; And therefore will no further lavish them.

234.

For if your Faith relies on Men, who are Themselves but founded and built up of Dust; If you by Reasons Rule disdain to square Your Pietie, and take your God on Trust, (Which Heav'n forbid;) you onely are a Prize Unto Imposters fair-tongu'd Fallacies.

235.

He ceased here. When Logos louting low His fawning head to Psyche, gave her Joy That she had met so grave a Doctor now, Whose radiant Knowledge might light her the way To genaine Truth through those thick Foggs which here Make dim and black Religions Hemisphear.

236.

And take good heed said He, sweet Madame, that You serve Him not as you Authades did: O what substantial Arguments, and what Religious Motives hath he mustered In this concise Discourse, whose depth might well Be owned by the holiest Oracle.

237.

Psyche, whose tender Heart not long agoe Would have abhorr' d this venomous Language more Than doth the Lamb the Wolfe, or Lyon, who Nothing but barbarous Death to it doth roar; Had now forgot her pious jealous fear, And knew not what it meant to be aware,

238.

Haeretick Poyson she already had Suck'd from Authades; which no sooner wun Her fond Hearts Approbation, but it made An open Chanel for more streams to run Into Her Bosome: Thus an Army by One little Breach poures in its Victory.

239.

She yeilds to swallow the Cerinthian Bait, And thanks unto her Murderer strives to pay. Dear Sir, said she, your solid Reasons Weight Doth on my Heart such sound Persuasion lay, That needs it must submit, and study how To be for ever gratefull unto you.

240.

Scarce had she spoke, but loe her Doctor who Espyed Phylax flying thither, took His hasty leave; but pass'd his Promise to Meet her again, and bad her for him look The next day there: Alas the Cheater was Afraid the Angel might his Frand uncase.

241.

But as away he sneaked; Psyches' Friend More swift than flies the Eagle to her Prey, The whining Aire with sprightfull Wings did rend, And shot himselfe through the directest way To his dear Charge, for whom his Heart did quake, As knowing well what Tempests hers did shake.

242.

For by Loves faithfull Sympathie (though he About his other work far distant were,) He still preserv'd a soft Vicinitie With Psyche's Soule, and felt each wound which there Sophistick Darts had made, though foolish she Perceived not her sugered Miserie.

243.

At his approach, for joy the Virgin wept, Not thinking that those tears to shame were due. Syneidesis still in her bosome slept, And her unto her self forbore to shew: She to her own Breast was more stranger than The Tartar to the AEthiopian.

244.

But Phylax almost out of breath for hast, Suck'd in fresh spirits, and then demanded who It was that gather'd up his heels so fast, And fled from his approach: If he had no Cause of his flight, but me, 'tis meet that I, Said he, suspect him for you Enemy.

245.

No sure, replyed Psyche; for nor I Nor Logos could discover ought but love: He freely taught Us many a veritie, And what he undertook, did cleerly prove. Some sudden busines snatch'd him hence, not fear Of you, whom doubtles He doth hold most dear.

246.

Phylax, who knew Him and Authades too, The total matter gently sifted out, And wrought upon his Pupils softnes so That his design He subtly brought about; For full confession from her charmed tongue Of both her Doctors Principles he wrung.

247.

But then He groand, and smote his pittying Breast, And fixed upon Hers his speaking eye, By which the mixed language He exprest Of Love and Wrath, of Hope, and Jealousy; And by this Prologue setting ope the door, He from his Lips his troubled Minde did poure:

248.

Left I my charge, ô Psyche, to the Winde, When hence I took my journey, or to thee? If in my dearest Cabinet, thy Minde, I my advice depos'd, why must it be That the weak breath of any Charmer Thou Dost meet, that holy Pawn away may blow?

249.

My heart mis-gave me, when away I went, Or rather when with thine I left it here; Full well thou knowst what earnest pains I spent To arm thy tender Soule with sacred fear: O why, with foolish confidence would'st thou Disarm thy self, and make room for the blow?

250.

That blow, which struck so deep into thy breast, That if some soveraign Balsame makes not speed; If strait thy wounded Bosome be not drest; If Heav'n be not as quick, new life to shed Into thy Soule, as Hell was to betray It unto Death, this is thy fatal Day.

251.

Alas those Doctrines onely Poisons were Squeez'd from the dregs of the infernal Pit; Less Pestilential those Venoms are Which desperate Basilisks and Vipers spit: Nor Aphrodisiu's, nor Agenor's tongue With such sure bane thy careless Bosome stung.

252.

Canst thou ô Psyche thus thy Lord repay For all the Treasures of his Love which He Into thy poor heart poured day by day? Canst thou rob Jesus of his Deitie, And tear Him from his Throne, whil'st royall He His heav'nly Kingdome doth prepare for thee?

253.

Pert Logos here no longer Patience had, But setting up his insolent crest, he cri'd, Good sir, and take you me for one so mad, That in my proper road I cannot ride, But both my Self and Way, I needs must loose, And willingly deep Precipies choose?

254.

If Eyes of Colours sober Judges be; If Tongues can censure what is soure and sweet; If Ears can Discords know from Harmonie; If Touching may decide in Cold and Heat; Why may not I presume that I am set In Reasons Chair, and know the Powers of it?

255.

Unless I to my Essence give the Lie, These Doctrines sure are built on Demonstration: But if you onely must be Psyche's eye, Ev'n pull me out, that I no perturbation Thus in the way of your designes may throw; So in your Conquest you compleat shall grow.

256.

Psyche was glad to heare this Challenge beat So high, and hop'd that Phylax would relent: And were Angelick Loves Heroick Heat Less resolute than it is, just discontent Had quenched Phyla'x flames, which now by this Bold opposition did more stoutly rise.

257.

With secret instance he did Charis draw Down from her Heav'n, to joyn her Powers with his: She, when the Virgins wounded Heart she saw, Melted with Pitty at her deep Distresse; And by victorious Sweetnesse op'd a way Into her Breast, and Thelema made her Prey.

258.

Which Phylax seeing: Logos strives in vain Said He, to countermine my care of Thee: Greater Affronts than these I can sustain, Rather than Psyche should destroyed be. All this, and more, I will forget, so Thou Wilt goe, and see a Sight I have to show,

259.

Logos look'd bigg, and struggled might and main; But Thelema was tractable and tame, And the bold Rebell quickly did constrain Unto her pliant Minde his own to frame, Poor Psyche sigh'd and wept, and halfe afraid, Phylax with her to doe his pleasure pray'd.

260.

He well considering her Disease had need Of nothing more than Haste in her Physition, Staid not to parle, but made all loving speed To snatch her from these Jaws of deep Perdition, Whilst yet with Chari's soule-subduing Heat Her melted and convicted Heart did beat.

261.

Ready at hand his well-known Chariot was, In which he takes her up, and guides the Rein; Forth with the sprightfull Steeds flung on apace Through the fair Road of the aereal Plain, Till they to Gitton in Samaria came, Their journeyes Butt, where Phylax checked Them.

262.

Then lighting down, Come Psyche, come, said he, This is thy newfound Doctors native Town; Here thou their true Original shalt see, And from what kinde of Nest they all are flown. This House their Fathers was: Come we will in, And view the Birth-place of Heretick Sin.

263.

Thus entred They: When loe the House they finde So full of Doors, and Rooms, and Galleries, Which by quaint Turnings to and fro did winde, That Psyche quickly lost her rouling Eyes, As she had done her Se fe, had Phylax not Of all the Labyrinth full knowledge got.

264.

Thorough a thousand strange Meanders He Into a private Room conducted her Where she a far more private Door did see, But little thought what kinde of Den was there Lurking behinde it, so alluring was The holy Beauty of its cheating Face.

265.

A goodly Crucifix was there displayd, Altars were rear'd, and many Bibles ope, By which majestick Liturgies were laid, With lofty-tuned Anthems; on the Top Art plac'd a Quire of Angels hovering, And made the gorgeous Roof all seem to sing.

266.

There might you see Faith, with her Eagles Eye; Hope with both Hands her Anchor holding fast; And with her open Bosome, Charity; Whose Looks such seeming current Beams did cast, That those who were not well aware, might deem She at Heav'ns genuine Fires had kindled them.

267.

With these; Religion stood, Zeal, Piety Devotion, Meeknesse, Patience, Gentlenesse, And whatsoe'r might advantageous be The brave Imposture gallantly to dresse: Baits which might easily work a greater feat, Then Psyche s soft Simplicity to cheat.

268.

What credit thou to these fair Looks mayst give, Said Phylax, Thou shalt see when I have shown What monstrous Ouglinesse these Porters strive To countenance: With that he bent his Frown On the enchanting Company, and they To his imperious Anger straight gave way.

269.

Aside They started; and so did the Door; When loe an horrid Cave appear'd beneath, Which forth a Stream of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Stink did poure, Amazing Psyche with its dismal Breath; Deep was the Pit, and full of darkest Fright, Seeming the Bed chamber of sullen Night.

270.

But Phylax shot from his illustrious Fye Such potent lightning as brake through that Cloud; When loe about the Caverns sides, a Frie Of frighted Toads into their Holes did crowd; And thousand Spiders at the Sight agast, Into the centres of their Webbs made haste.

271.

But ô what Mans, or Muses Tongue can tell The other Monsters which were hissing there! Huge Snakes, fierce Vipers, angry Adders, fell And fiery Hydra's all discovered were, With Cockatrices, Scorpions, Dragons, and Of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Chimaera's a full marshall'd Band.

272.

Yet these all fled before the Angels face, And in their severall Dens loud howling lay: But He entended for a further place, And with these lesser Monsters made no stay; Forward unto another door He goes, Where far more poys'nous things He doth disclose.

273.

Glozing Deceits, and handsome Lyes stood there, With gentle meek demure Hypocrisie; And these in goodly state attended were By treacherous Rhetorick and Phylosophie; But their chief train with Syllogisms was fill'd, Who in their hands three-forked Halberts held.

274.

Yet all their Might fell flat upon the ground, And gave the mightier Angel leave to passe, Who entring by that damned Pontal, found To such a Porch a correspondent place: The stinks He met before, pure odours were To those which reek'd in every corner here.

275.

The Master of the House, grave Simon, who Wore Magus for his cursed surname, sate Full in the midst; whose poisned stomach so Surcharged was with crude-opinions, that Its pestilential Load which belch'd and wrought, Into an ample Boule He spewed out.

276.

This the rude indigested Chaos was Wherein all Heresies did jumbled lie; The fertile Womb which their original Place Did give to every kinde of Blasphemie; The Seed and Matter whence sins foule Creator Produced every Monstrous-shaped nature.

277.

As smoaking in the Boule this Vomit lay, A Crowd of desperate Men throng'd round about, Whose most accursed thirst did them betray To covet this foule Draught: The scalding drought Of the persued Deer breeds lesse desire In some cool spring to quench his raging fire.

278.

Menander gat the first Sup; He who by That cankering liquor so infected grew, That Simon He out-spit in Heresie, And higher than his Spewing Father flew; Much he disdain'd that God or Man should be Nobler (at least in's own conceit) than He.

279.

Ceninthus next lapp'd up his share, and then His hungry Younglings with the venom fed; 'Mongst whom Agyrtes suck'd his Part, whom when Psyche beheld, Guilt di'd her Cheeks with red. But Ebion thrusting in, took off her eye, He Scriptures Mangler, foe of Purity.

280.

Yet Nicolas, who came next, was worse than He, And drunk so deep, that of all foulest lust He turn'd Professor, and deserv'd to be * 1.4 The hate of God Behinde him Elxai thrust, And bold Jexeus, Bretheren no less In nature, than in lustfull Putidness.

281.

Then Saturnine, whose draught so strangely wrought, That he judgd Puritie it self impure; Chaste Matrimony He abhorr'd, as fraught With shamefull odiousnes; nor would endure His lip should blush in any Creatures blood, All which he held were never made for food.

282.

Yet strait Basilides from the same fount Contrary poison drunk; All lust was clean, Yea commendable too in his account. And the same rellish had the liquor in Carpocrates his Mouth, and Valentins, The Oracles of all libidinous sins.

283.

From these great Parents came that numerous Spawn Of most portentous Gnosticks, Antitacts, Ptolemaits, Ophites, Cainites: Monsters known By the Profession of such shamelesse Facts As Hell would blush at; which yet unto them Truths and Religions Puritie did seem

284.

Next these, about the boules brim licking lay The Nazareens, amongst whose sneaking fire Were both Pseudagius and Authades; They Who tainted Psyche with their Heresie. No sooner she beheld them, but her breast She smote, and by the stroke her fault confest.

285.

But after these appear'd the Marcosites Epiphanes, Secundus, Isidore; Bold Cordonists, and fond Heracleonites Marcion, Apelles, with blasphemous store Of their Disciples; Lucan, Luciun, Photinus, Basiliscus, Hermogen.

286.

Then proud Montanus; with Quintilians, Ascites, Pepuzians; and Artotyrites, Priscillians, Pharisaik, Tatians, Abstemious yet profane Severianites; Archontiks, Adamites, Quartadecimans, Fond Alogists, and Melchisedekians.

287.

Tertullianists, Arabiks, Symmachists, Homousiasts, Elxites, Origenians, Valesians, and presumptuous Catharists, Hydroparastates, Patripassians. Apostoliks, Angeliks, Chiliasts, Samosatenian Paulianists.

288.

Mad Maniches, outrageous Donatists, Curs'd Arians, Colluthians, Audianites, Shamelesse Photinians, Macedonianists, Acrians, Acacians, Eustathites: Eunomians, Messalians, Luciferians, Hypsistarists, Agnoites, Apollinarians.

289.

Timotheans, Seleucians, Collyridians, New coin'd Priscillians, with Proclianites: Foule-mouth'd Jovinianists, and black Helvidians; Bonosians, Campensians, Agapites; Pelagius, Nestorius, Eutyches, Accompani'd with all their Progenies.

290.

Innumerable more besides were there, Whose severall Poisons Nature Phylax read Unto his Pupill, though they never were As yet unto the world discovered: But as these Petty Vermine She did view, A mightie Prodigie its dread did shew.

291.

Up starta Man of such commanding Look, That all these awed Suckers gave Him way: Three times his mighty Head and Locks He shook, Three times He stoop'd, and seem'd too proud to lay His lips so low; yet bowing down at length, Upon the Boule He shew'd his cursed Strength:

292.

For every Drop of the foule Vomit He Straight swallowed up, and kick'd the Bowle away When loe the Venomes rampant potencie Did in the desperate Man it self display; Both in his eyes, and all about his face, Insernall Horror freely took its place.

293.

A pair of Horns broke from his fiery Brow, And from his mouth impatient Blasphemy; Big with all rancorous Spight his Breast did grow, His Soul was stretch'd with arrogant Majesty: Nor was it wonder that He thus did swell, Who had engorg'd and drunken was with Hell,

294.

With Mouth wide ope He swore aloud that He Would make the whole World to his pleasure bow; He threatned all Heav'ns starrie Braverie Down from their highest strongest Orbs to draw; He vow'd by his own Head, no God should be Thenceforth beleeved, nor ador'd, but He.

295.

With that, his fists of burning Brasse He bent, And lifted up his more than Dragons Taile, As if with this Artillery He ment The Universe's Powers to assail; Nor was his Insolence in vain, for He From Heav'n it self snatch'd down his Victorie.

296.

From th' Euangelick Heav'n He boldly drew Millions of Soules, whom He in sunder tore, Or with his Breaths most murdering venome slew; Bellowing his Triumph in a dismall Roar. Straight the Heretick Frie began to quake, Simon himself did start, and Psyche shake.

297.

But Phylax to allay her storm of fear, Told her the Monsters Pride yet knew a Rein, For mark, said He, He is a prisner here, And cannot break that Adamantine Chain Which Him and all his viperous Company Though at some distance, fast to Hell doth tye.

298.

She look'd and saw her Guardian told her true: She saw the Chain, which to a Pit did lead Whence thich sulphureous eructations flew And brought up mingled streams of boyling Lead She frighted at the sight, fled back; but He What in that Bottome lay, led her to see.

299.

Sheltred by his stout Wings Security, And by his trusty Word encouraged, Into the dismall Grott she sent her eye, Which there a more prodigious Object read Than She before had seen in the foule Book Of hideous Antichrists portentous Look

300.

It was that Beldame Hagg from whose black Breast Simon his rank unweildy Poison drew Never was furie so compleatly drest In all the Bravery of Horrors hue; All shapelesse shapes together tumbled were To make up Shames Extremity in Her.

301.

Two Heads She had, which on her Leg•• did grow Two faces, and two Mouthes, but not one Eye, Six rowes of teeth which constantly did gnaw All they could of her Carkaise reach: Her Thigh•• From an eternall Sore did poyson drop Into her throat, which thence again spew'd up

302.

The Vermin which did all about Her swarn Young Adders, Slow-worms Toads, and Spiders were, Two lumps of black flesh hung for either Arm An hundred Nails upon each hand did tear Her dangling Duggs and when they weary grew Them o'r her shoulders to her back they threw

303.

But from her Neck a twisted Tail did sprout Arm'd with a thousand forked Stings which she For her own torture us'd and round about Her self its Lashes threw; Her bunched Knee•• Did backward bend; and for her feet below. Out at her belly Seav'n short Paws did grow

304.

As Psyche trembled at this basefull sight Behold, said Phylax, and consider well Whither brisk Logo's judgement were to right. Who hath engag'd thy poisned Heart to dwell In this fine Ladyes familie. for she Is Grandame to that monstrous Progenie

305.

Since Thou hast made thy choise, and scorned Me And my Advice; goe take thy chosen place Or in Pseudagius his Companie Or in Agyrte's: Nay doe not disgrace Thy learned Prudence so as to retract Judicious Logos will not like the fact

306.

Poor Logos heard this Word; which through his Heart Shot such deep Shame and Grief, that thenceforth He Resolved never more to trust 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Art Where it with Phylax's minde did disagree. But yet in Psyche's tender Breast, the Wound More stinging was, more fataly profound.

307.

Prostrate before his face, in silence She Grappled a while with her outrageous Grief; But when She saw the woefull Victorie Growing upon her, and found no relief In her own Soul; She mingles with her Sighs, Her Declarations, and thus She cries:

308.

Alas, Pseudagiu's or Agyrte's place Is too too happy and too high for Me That dreadfull Haggs prodigious Embrace Is more than due to my Apostasie; I fully have deserv'd that She should hugg Me with her Taile, and feed Me with her Dugg

309.

For, Had Pseudagiu's or Agyrte's Heart Like mine, been by a Phylax fortified, No Mines nor 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Heretick Art Had won their forts: But I by sottish Pride, Disdain'd the potent Help of thy Supplie, And chose on my own Weaknesse to relie.

310.

I fain would pardon begg; but mighty Shame Seals up my Mouth, and Guilt beats back my breath, I fain would invocate His gracious Name Who gave his Life to rescue Me from Death; But Horror stifles my Endeavour, who In spight of Him, to this my Death would goe.

311.

But thou sweet Phylax never didst displease His Mighty Majesty, nor force his frown, Seal'd sure on Thee his endlesse favour is, And thy Desires He with Successe will crown If Thou wist plead for Me, though not for mine He will for thy dear Sake his Ear incline

312.

I know my Impudence is high, who dare, Beg thus much favour of abused Thee; But thy brave Charitie delights to war Against the most perverse Conspiracie Or my Demerits; witnesse its divine Battell against Agenors Pride and Mine

〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 from thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 By hold and traiterous 〈◊〉〈◊〉 May I amongst these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have my part Of my already-carned Misery; And may thy Wing no more for me be 〈◊〉〈◊〉. No more thy 〈…〉〈…〉

314.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 her twixt trembling Hop. and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈…〉〈…〉 her 〈…〉〈…〉. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the rest by Looks that both his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 she might engage. I his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unto the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her up and had 〈…〉〈…〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 And with the illue trust my 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 paths you 〈…〉〈…〉 Who more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Eyes 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉

316.

Then by her Hand 〈…〉〈…〉 And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by which He 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 The 〈…〉〈…〉 And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for joy that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by them; 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 again 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after Him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊〉〈◊〉,
• * 1.2

  False Saint.
• * 1.3

  〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.4

  Apoc. 2. 7