Heavenly pastime, or, Pleasant observations on all the most remarkable passages throughout the Holy Bible of the Old and New Testament newly allegoriz'd in several delightful dialogues, poems, similitudes, and divine fancies / by John Dunton, author of The sickmans passing-bell.

CHAP. XXV. Giveing an account of the constancy of Jacob in the Quest of Rachel. (Book 25)

Gen. 29.

Jacob to Haran comes, a Stone there rowles From off a Well, to Water Rachels fowldes. Laban receives him kindly, whom he serves, And for his pains, his Daughters both deserves.

••ACOB being now wak'd out of this mysterious sleep and Divine rapture, in which God had ••ept him for the space of a whole Night on the ••••ains of Bethel, he took his way towards the East, ••here a while after near unto a Well, he met with ••••ocks of Sheep and Sheep-herds, of whom he en∣••••ired whether they were not acquainted with La∣ban,

and whether they knew not his House. Behold, at the same time a Rachel approaching, the second Daughter of Laban, who kept her Fathers Sheep, and led them to drink where Iacob stay'd.

And here we may suppose Iacob thus to bespeak his fair Rachel, upon his first approches to her, viz.

A Dialogue between Jacob and Rachel.

Iacob.

Fair beauteous Maid, the lovelyest of your Sex: How long shall I admire, and not enjoy so great a Treasure.

Rachel.

Alas! you see 'tis not in my power to yiell my self to your Arms, the custome of our Country de∣nies it.

Iacob.

Y••t 'twas for you, for you my Love, •• labour'd, long 〈…〉〈…〉 Winters Stormy Blast, an•• Summers p••••••hi••g Heat, whilst all your Father•• tender F••••••ks with care were tended and secured from da••ger by my vigilence.

Rachel.

'Tis true and for your service my Sister i•• fallen to your share and you in her made happy.

Iacob.

'Tis so, she is mine, but your deluding Father gave 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to my Bed, when I expected t•• pass the night in transports with my beauteous Ra∣chel, for whose sake I now have undertaken 〈◊〉〈◊〉 years service yet to come.

Rachel.

Alas must I stay seven year longer, tha•• cruel Father, why was I not given at first according you ha•• contracted.

Iacob.

Grieve not my beauteous fair since 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your Fathers will, but give me leave to lo•• you at that rate, the love of you transcending the pleasures Earth afoards, will render servit•••• delightfull, and make short the years of my in••••sant labour.

Rachel.

And is your love than more to me than to Sister, it cannot surely be.

Iacob.

Infinitely more by how much more thy virtues and thy beauties do excell.

Rachel.

Yet perhaps when I am yours, your mind will alter, and I shall be negl••cted.

Iacob.

Never, never, thou best of Earthly blessing to you my love shall stand immoved as Mountains, firm as Rocks, and boundless as the O••ean.

Rachel.

Could I believe such constancy in Man, I sh••••ld esteem the Sex at a high rate.

Iacob.

Witness all you shining Lamps of Heaven, th••t nightly dance your mistick round, through the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ar••hes of the Firmame••t; that my passions sh••ll ne're diminish, but you next the Di••tie that I adore shall be Admired and Loved.

Rachel.

No more, I am confirmed, and what I urged 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but to try the co••stancy of Heaven, befriend Ja∣cob: Isaack's Son sh••ll be the darling of my thoughts, ••one else sh••ll ever sit upon my heart.

Iacob.

Blessed Resolve, O now I'm happy above ••he World! more Rich than La••an, and in lofty ex∣••a••y transported beyond Expre••••ion. Now my dayes will seem but few, and Labour will be pleasure, ••ince I am assured of Rachels Love. But see your Fa∣••her comes, I must hence to Fi••l••, least the spread∣••ng flocks shoul•• wander. Take, take this dear, ••ear Ki••s as a firm pledg of my unalterable Love: An•• for thi•• time farewell my only Joy.

Rachel.

All joy and my b••st wishes wait upon the M••n on whom my Happiness depe••ds.

The Conclusion.

Thus Jacob flying from Stern Esau's Face, Finds Comfort, prospering in every place: God guards his Chosen from the storms of Fate, And Raises those, bad men Conspire to Hate: He gives him Wives and Children, Flocks and Herds,

And saves him from bold Esau's Threatning Swords: Through all Calamities he's safely brought, To'h Heavenly Canaan that he long had sought.

I know not whether the Day were far advanced: but in some part of its course where the Sun may be seen, I am well assur'd that the Eyes of Rach••l did cast sorth a thousand Love Darts and lights into the Soul of Iacob. R••chel was a•• Aurora which marcheth before the Sun, and instantly these two Planets did that whi••h the Sun and Moon could not effect since their Crea••ion. Iacob ki••••ed Ra••hel, and knowing that she was his C••si••, he began s••e••tly to cry out, and presently hi•• Eyes sh••d some 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which ex∣pressed the excess of his cont••ntm••••t. Rach••l would have done the same if her ••yes ha•• been l••nger fix∣ed on I••••ob: but she ran from thenc•• to a••vertise her Father, that not far from the House she had hap∣pily met with one of her Cosen-german••, the Son of Isaack and Re••ecca. Which La••an hearing, went to meet and bring him to his Lo••ging, as also to know the cause of his coming. Iacob freely de∣clared to him what h••d passed; to which Laban an∣swered he was very wel••ome, and that he re••eived him as his d••ar N••phew, and as a part of himself▪ But for the r••st, although he had a desire to enter∣tain him as his own Brother, yet he must resolve to serve and merit some wayes by his labours.

Iacob had no mercenary Spirit, nor Body trained up to labour; Nevertheless of a Master he must be∣come a Servant, and learn by Serving others, more prudently to Command hereafter: He made a con∣tract then with his Uncle, and obliged himself to serve him for the space of seven years, at the end of which Laban promised to Merry him unto Rachel, the youngest but the fairest of his Daughters. The ••ldest which was called Lea, had a Face of Wa••

which melted through herEyes, and rendred her de∣formed & Blare-Eyed: but the youngest had so many beauties and attractives, as the least of her glances had power enough to render her Mistress of Iacobs affections. It was for her sake and for the Love he bore her, that he became a Servant.

Jacobs Love was not of the nature of those petty De∣vils which possess lascivious Souls, it was neither de∣ceitfull nor violent, neither indiscreet nor arogant, nei∣ther irregular nor impious, neither variable nor impu∣dent, neither capricious nor sporting, neither phantastick nor stupid, neither remiss nor unworthy of a vertuous Man: but sincere, moderate, prudent, humble, stayed, constant, respectfull, simple, condescending, equall, provident, couragious, and such as could be desired in a good Man.

Iacobs Courtships were most just and holy; he lived like an Angel incarnate amidst the flames and ar••or•• of a most pure and holy affection; he excited himself to patience ••nd labour by the sight and upon the hopes of Rachel; and he di•• like those who run∣ning at Rings, fix only their Eyes on the prize pro∣posed to them; he found also no weariness at the en•• of his course, and saw himself upon the point of enjoying his reward after seven y••ars Service, which scarce seemed unto him to have lasted so ma∣ny dayes.

But what! as the Hopes we repose in Men very often deceive us, so after the Wedding Night, the day discovered unto Iacob the cheats of Laban, who instead of Rachel gave him Lea. Never was any man more astonished than Iacob, who expected no∣thing less than such a Metamorphosis.

He fails not to complain unto Laban of this deceit, b••t for answer they told him, that it was not the custom to marry the younger Daughter before the Elder; that if he would yet for one week accomplish this Marriage with Lea, Rachel should be given

him for his second Wife, provided that he would again oblige him to serve for the space of seven years.

Behold a lively Image in the person of Laban, of the deceipts and fals••oods of the World, which gives Straws for Gol••, Bri••rs for Roses, Counterfeits for true Dia∣monds, Chains for Liveryes, Bondage for Rewards, and at l••st, fables, errors and lyes, which cause us to spend our lives in a detestable blindness.

Ah! Iacob, Iacob, serve then not only seven dayes, but even seven years more entire, to obtain Rachel. Iacob, it suffi••••th to love her: For in lov∣ing, every thing is animated; every thing lives, every thing prospers, and every thing passeth away most sweetly under the Laws of love▪ and since it is not for a Man, but for a Go••, nor for a mortal beauty, but for an imm••rt••l happiness you capti∣vate your self.

It was no trouble unto Iacob to receive this yoak, seeing himself the posse••••o•• of his dear Rachel; he resumed the Trade he had so happily begun, and he believed that the shackles of his second service, would not be less supportable than the former.

Behold him happy to see himself in a Bondage, where he was a Servant to Laban, and the Master of Rachel. All his misfortune was only because he contemned Lea which pr••ceeded from the excessive love he bore unto Rachel.

But God taking pitty of Lea rendre•• her consider∣able by her Fruitfulness, and by the Birth of four Sons, the first of which was called Ru••en, the second Si••••on, the third Levi, and the fourth Iudas, which were the four principal causes of Rachels envying Lea.

Rachel will dye, she s••ith, if no Children be g••••ven her. What man I beseech you can bestow a sa••vour which God hath reserved to himself? Was 〈…〉〈…〉 then a means to make Iacob dye, seeing that 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Wife asked that which lay not in his power to give her? It was requisit nevertheless that the goodness of God should aleviate the grief of this sad Mother; giving unto her handmaid two Sons, one of which was called Dan and the other Nepthalim.

God immediately after shewed the same favour to the Handmaid of Lea who brought forth G••d and Asher.

After which Lea her self conceived of Issachar, then of Zebulon, and at last of a Daughter called Dinah.

It was by the means of these Generations God began to accomplish the Promise he had made to Abraham, Isaack, and Iacob; And it was out of these first springs issued a thousand and a thousand streams of this blood of Patriarcks, which was to overflow the fairest Lands of the Universe. At that time Ia∣cob saw the time approaching during which he had tyed himself to serve his Father-in-Law Laban. Ra∣chel nevertheless was troubled at her Barrenness: But at length God heard her prayers, and made her the Mother of a Son, whose birth effaced all the marks of her shame and dishonour. This Ioseph, this miraculous Infant, was the delight of his Pa∣rents, the glory of Rachel▪ the love of Iacob, the wish and desire of both, the support of his Family, the King of all his Brethren, the Saviour of his People, an•• the master-piece of the graces and favours of God.

A Dialogue between Balaam, his Ass, and the Angel.

Balaam puss't up with Pride, dos take his way To Moabs King; The Ass that's wont to bray; With Humane voice afright ••im till he see An Armed Angel urging Heav'ns decree, Who l••ts him pass, that Jacob bl••st may be▪

Balaam.

How am I Honour'd? In what high E∣steem is Balaam held? That Moabs Princes thus at∣tend his Morning wake, and Kings become his sup∣plicants? Did they know what little power I have to serve them, surely they would not be Solicitous at such a rate. Alas! Alas! my Curses in this case are fruitless. Iacobs God, at whose dread Name I Tremble; frustrates all my purposes, and by his power dispoyles me of those jugling Arts wherewith I blin••ed the delude•• Eyes of Godless Nations: Yet must I go and visit Balack▪ or the King will storm at my delay. Ha! Why stars my Ass? Why cro••ds she to the Wall, the Coa••t is clear: No dreadfull Apparition sure does represent it self to her Amaz∣ed Eyes. How's this? The more with Stripes I load her, the more she doth Recoile: My Heart misgives. Terror s••izes every part. Ha! now she's fallen, and I'm crushe••: But with redoubled Stripes I'll thus rev••••ge my self.

Ass.

Wick••d and Sin bli••ded Man, what means this cruelty to me? Wh•••• h••ve I done to thee, that thou hast Sm••tten me th••se three times?

Balaam.

Ha! A••azment seizes me! What is't 〈◊〉〈◊〉 h••••r▪ or am••••••ur delad••d with t••e ••cho of s••me sou••d r••bo••••••ing ••••••m the Nei••••••ouring Hi••••s▪ ••or what st••ang▪ po••er can th•••• inspi••e a Brute with humane Voice, to sou•••• A••••••ul••t••? And y••t it seems no l••ss: W••at ••ave I ••one ••o th••e, that thou hast 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me th••se three ti••••s? Where not they the words▪ Yes, yes, they were: But y••t s••av, I'll try agai•• if any ••urth••r ••ou••d r••mai••s: ••hy have! Stricke•• thee 〈◊〉〈◊〉 t••••u? W••s th••re no•• a reason for i•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 t••ou ••••st 〈…〉〈…〉: and O that th••re were Swo••d In my 〈◊〉〈◊〉! ••or no•• woul•• I Kill th••e.

Ass.

Am 〈…〉〈…〉 thine Ass, upon which thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ridde•• ever si••ce I was thi••e, to this day: And 〈…〉〈…〉 ever wont to do so unto thee?

Balaam.

Ha! Yet again: O s••••pendious and Ama••••ing;

what can this speaking prodigie in Nature signifie? or to what end tends it? Sure Angry Hea∣ven forbids my further pa••sage, and commands my swift return, least dire destr••ction meet with me in the way. Was I ever wont to do so unto thee, were n••t they the last words? Ay, they were: Why no thou di••est not, but 'tis now too soon: Yet sure ther's something further ment by those misterious senten∣ces. O miserable me! my Eyes are open now, and 'tis too to plain: The Ass was wiser th••n the Prophet. A bright Heavenly Warriour with a flaming Sword, wide wavering threatens me with present death. Wretch that I am! What shall I doe? But falling prostrate, strait implore his mercy.

Angel.

Balaam, wherefore ••ast thou smitten thy Ass these three tim••s? Behol•• I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is preverse before me, and the Ass saw me and turn'd from me these three times. Vnless she h••d turne••, surely now also I had Killed thee, and sa∣ved her alive.

Bal••am.

O mighty Lord sp••re me! poor wretched me! Who with a strange Co••fusion must confess, that through ignorance I have ••rovoked thy Anger, and th••s ••in••••d; for I kn••w not th•••• thou stoodest in the w••y against me. Now therefore if it displease thee, I will get me back again.

Angel.

No, 'tis the Allmighty God of Jacobs will, you s••ou'd p••oceed, but only the words that I shall speak unto thee, that shalt thou speak; bewar thou degress not, le••st swift vengeance over••ake thee.

Bal••am.

How sud••••inly the glorious Apparition's vani••h'd; now I know that Israel is bless'd; nor can my words prevail against them, nor must I Curse the chosen of the Lord, but bless them; Even so transcendant happy are all those that put their trust in him. But my Companions call, I must away, though my visit will be little pleasing to the King.

The Conclusion.

The Madbrain'd Prophet goes to Balack, where He Sacrifices does with speed prepare, And blesses Jacob, which does much displease The King who gives him straite his Writ to Ease; And sends him packing to his place again, Where soon he's by the Sword of Israel slain.

A Dialogue between Joseph and his Mistress.

The Argument.

The shameless Wife of Potiphar, whose Eyes Were full of Lawless love, no sooner spies The beauti••s of old Jacobs captive Son; But big with lust, she tr••es if he'l be won, To Act a thing that must displ••ase his God: But finding him avers, and that he stood At distance with the sin, her love at last Turns into rage, and he's in Prison cast.

Mistriss alone.

What a strange Passion do I feel how my heart beats, and how my blushes come and go? O me! I am all s••aver so fierce my Blood boyls in my Veins, this passion must be alay'd, yet how nothing but the beauteous Hebrews Love can satisfie my desire: Wherefore then do I refrain to let him see how much I doat upon him? He's my Slave and will not sure deny me such a favour; yet methinks had he intended to be kind, he might e're this have read the language of my Eyes, perceived my eager gazings on his lo∣vely face, observed m•• blushes, and the many gen∣tle grasps I've given him, these not regarded makes m•• ••ear he will not yield me Love for Love, and

then O me I am miserable! But see as I could wish he comes, and now the House is still, now, now I'll tell him all my mind, and stifle this tormenting Flame no longer. Wellcome my Hebrew to your Mistriss presence, how does my lovely Ioseph do, come wave this cringing distance an•• be free.

Joseph enters.

What means the consort of my Lord, by so much kindness to her Slave.

Mrs.

No, no, 'tis I'm the slave, come sit, sit down my Love, 'tis I'm the Captive fettered in the Chaines, the snares of your b••wi••ching Eyes.

Jo.

Ha! What is't I hear? A sovnd that makes my He••rt to tremble, and confounds my every part,

Mrs.

O be be not so Coy, nor Frighted, but sit near my Love: Why starts the Object of my Sole de∣light? Why change his Looks? And wherefore looks my Love so wildly? Know's he not who it is that humbly sues for favour.

Jo.

Too w••ll I know, and thus wi••h low prostration on my Knees beg you'd urge this talk no further.

Mrs.

O rise! and wound me not by a denyal! How, urge no further: Sure could you perceive the passion that thus melt my Soul to tend••rness, you'd not be thus averse, but pitty her whose Breast the fatal shafts of Love sent from your Eyes, burn with Incessant fury.

Jo.

Alas! my Master.

Mrs.

Your Master, what of him, he's far from home, his busin••ss at the Court detains him from prying into the secrets of our Love.

Jo.

But Gods all-seeing Eyes which pierce through the A••strusest secr••ts, and from w••ich the dark••st Coun∣cels are not hid behold us.

Mrs.

Pish, let not such vain fears keep back my Love, my much Loved Hebrew from m••••ting my ••ager Joyes, and seeing transports in my Arms.

Jo.

Consid••r well, you are my Masters Wife, be∣hold my Master knows not what is with me in the

House, having committed all unto my Hand; there is no greater in the House than I, neither hath he kept any thing back from me; but you because you are his Wife. How then shall I do this great wick∣edness and Sin against God.

Mrs.

O stand not on this niceties, wave, wave such fond Excuses in Compassion to a Kind Indear∣ing Mistriss, who Burns, who Languishes, and must Expire, unless your kind complyance save her Life. Still, still, you shall be great, nay more then ever.

Jo.

I dare not Sin against my God, wer't in your power to bribe me with the Scepter of the Vniverse: Therefore l••t me implore you'd name some other way that's lawfull to oblige you, and I'm all Obedient.

Mrs.

O 'tis not in thy power, in ought besides, to indear me to your intrest. Come, come my Joy, my Love, my Life, you shall, you shall I say.

Jo.

Horror and Mischief! I'll not stay, but winged with speed and resolution, leave the Tents of wicked∣ness.

Mrs.

O he's gone! he's gone! Stay, stay my Love, my Joy, my Life. O! Leave me not, I dye, I Languish if you take your presence from me; hard Hearted Man, and hast thou quite forsaken me? O Restless, Restless is my mind! What shall I do? Was ever Woman Slighted thus? Well Hebrew well, since I am thus rejected, and counted unworthy of your Love, I'll turn my Pa••sion into Mortal hate, and persecute thee with all the Malice i••jured Love can form in Womans angry mind; his Garment he has left▪ I'll Charge him to have att••mpted what I so intre••ted for, and loaded with Chains I'll have him in a Dung••on layed, where Meg••r Famine soon sh••ll wast his Beauty, and make him repent he was unkind to her who held him once as dear as h••r own Life.

The Conclusion.

Joseph, at Potiphars returns, accus'd Falsly, that he his Mistriss had Abus'd; Cast into Irons, yet finds favour there, From his Stern Ialor, God being every where At hand, to keep him from the Rage of Men, And soon's Exaulted to highstate again. A Father unto Pharoah he is made, And saves from Death old Jacob with his Bread: When fearfull Famine made the Nations Groan, So prosper those that fear the Lord alone.

A Paraphrase upon the Plagues of Egypt. Israels delivery from Bondage. And Pharo's overthrow in the Red-Sea.

The mighty God of Jacob lo••king now Vpon his sacred Covenant; his Vow He made unto the Patriarch: Hear's the Groans Of his oppressed Children, their sad Moans Sounded so loud, that he compassi••nate Pittying their wretched and deplored state. S••nt Moses and Wise Aa••on to the King, His Sons from Nilus Land with sp••ed to bring, And that hi•• mighty power might more appear; He loads the Land with Plagues, with Death and Fear, Till by a stretched out hand he brought them thence, Passing the Seas whilst Waters mak•• a Fence On either side, and Heav'nly Beacons Light, Them over the dry dusty Sands by Night; But bard••n'd Pharaoh's wrath at what was done;

Thus to his Warriours in a Rage began Hast, hast my Horses, and my Arms provide; Let all my Chariots March on either side. The Fugitives that fly us are shut in The Sea and Wilderness they are between; They soon shall know their God's to weak to save, When our devouring Swords will dig their Grave. Thus in Blasph••mious boasting he prepar'd, And Arm'd with Fury followed on th••m hard, Frighting the fearfull Rout, though Seas gave w••y And Heav'n conspir'd proud Pharoah to dismay, For coming to the deep, and finding all The smitten Waters tur••'d into a Wall; And Israel p••ssing in, he venture too, Though much Amaz'd for Jacobs getting through; The Storm began to rise, the Skies shoot flame, And Rushing winds from either qu••rter came: The Horses flounce and cast their Rid••rs down, The Wheels fly off, off tumbl••s Pharoahs Crown. Swift Horror and Amazment every where Besets them, an•• in drea••full shap••s a••p••ar Tenthousand Furys seem ••efore their Ey••s, And now is heard not••ing but wofull Cryes, For why the Roaring Billows ••ast amain To s••ill the late made Val••y, w••en in vain The Swift••st Horse-man st••i••es ag••inst its might, In vain they Strugl••, vainl•• urge their flight. The Co••quering Waves their Str••ngth and Wit con∣found, Plebeans with a Mo••ark th••re are drow••d, For whom, whil•• Egypt Gro••ns, glad Isra'l Sings, And sends up praises to th•• Ki••g of Kings, Th••ir great D liverer, and Glorifie Him in his wonderous Power and Majesty.

A Dialogue between Samson and De∣lilah.

The Argument.

Samson the strong, the bold Philistines dread, By a lewd Woman is at last betrayd.

D••lilah.

O my Lord you once prosest you loved me dear as your Eyes! And that you would lay your Trophies at the feet of her you call'd so oft your joy and your delight▪ but now 'tis plain all was but flat∣try, meer d••simulating which makes it appear you love me not.

Samson.

Why weeps my only happiness? sure she can∣not doubt my love, since 'tis in her power to ask and have what ever her kind Soul can form.

Delilah.

Still, still desembling; O you men have al•• the Arts to make us fancy what is not, for if you loved me as you say, you would not see my tears thus unprevented, when 'tis in your power to dry the Eyes of her you have been pleased to call your love, your joy, your life, with a thousand such in∣dearing soft expressions, but your former kindness is forgot an•• now 'tis plain that you despise me.

Samson.

Despise thee! No I love thee, even to mad∣n••ss, would do any thing to hush thy cares, use all my force to be revenged on those th••t injure thee, if any dare be so presumptious; Nay, lay my life down at your feet: But if I'm ignor••nt and know not whence this Storm of grief that Clouds thy beauteous face ari∣ses, how can I remove it.

Delilah.

You may soon guess whence, since 'tis caused by your unkindness, in not daring trust me with the secrets of your Heart, if you loved me as you say, you would not hide ought from me, as if afraid my Breast could not conceal it from the giddy Vulgar.

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

Samson.

What is't my love wou'd know? speak and it shall be told, were it the inmost secret my large Breast contains.

Delilah.

You know this my meaning, I have of∣ten asked the question, and as often been deluded with pretended truths that proved feigned stories in the end; I would know from whence that migh∣ty courage springs that makes you dreadfull to man∣kind, and has so often proved fatal to the Phili∣stines.

Samson.

And wherefore would my love know this secret, whom God commands me to conceal, is't as you oft attempted to betray me to my Enemies.

Delilah.

O my dear Lord! how can such suspi∣tion sink into your mind, that she who doats upon her glorious her redoubted warriour, should act so base a pa••t.

Samson.

Was it not once or twice attempted, nor can you be ignorant by whom.

Delilah.

P••ha, 'twas but in a way of merriment could you imagine I would have exposed you to the danger you conceived, 'twas all fancy through de∣sire to see your courage tryed that your renown might rise, and shine the brighter by my conduct.

Samson.

May I believe this and that nothing else is intended, if I might methinks I would not hide the se∣cret on which my life and well dos depend, from one who sits so high in my esteem.

Delilah.

By this tender kiss and the indearment of all past and future joys, I'll never reveal it if you deal but faithfull with her you are pleased to call your love, your Delilah, and your delight.

Samson.

Methinks I'm loath to tell the mighty se∣cret, and yet love charms it from me, though I tremble at the thought of trusting it in any Breast, but where it has so long been treasured.

Delilah.

Still, still, is it you doubt, your dear, dear Delilah, now, now, I see you hate me. Oh!

Samson.

Nay, dry those tears, and take the secret though the sad relation prove my ruin. My hair, my hair, in that my strength is confined, that shorn, no more thy Samson can incounter Armies; But in strength is equal to the meanest Philistine.

Delilah.

And is this true my Lord. Nay, don't deceive her any more that loves you dear as life, or any thing that has a name.

Samson.

By all thats good, by the Tremendious Ma∣jesty that I adore, no falshood is in my words.

Delilah.

Now I believe thee, and am joyed to think that you have so much confidence in Woman, but come my love, let us retire that with warm kisses, and my soft embraces, I may make you re∣compence for such a favour.

Samson.

With willingness I fly into thy Arms, and in the midst rapture meet thy eager joys.

The Conclusion.

He goes and lull'd a sleep's deprived of that, The Nations had so often trembled at: Rob'd of his strength producing hair, his foes In fetters, his now weak grown limbs in close, Make him their sport till strength returns again, When midst a thousand dead himself is slain.

A Dialogue between Jeptha and his Daughter.

Daughter.

Long live my Father, and now blessed be Heaven that ha•• made him Triumph over Iacobs Enemies, and trod upon the Necks of those that spoiled Israel.

Father.

Oh! wretched, wretched that I am, what have I done? And yet my vows are past recall.

Daughter.

What means the mighty the Victori∣ous Ieptha to be thus dismayed what trouble can

afflict the Conqueror, can Pagan Blood shed in so just a cause make him relent.

Father.

O no my Daughter, my dear comfort, and my Ages Sollace: But I h••ve pass'd my vows in lew of victory to offer to the mighty God, who has delivered Israel: what er'e I met first appertaining unto me and thou, unhappy thou more dearer to me than Life with ill timed Musick, art come first to meet thy wretched Father.

Daughter.

Great Sir be not dismay'd, but boldly keep your vows: What Glories greater then to live and dye a Virgin; all I ask is time to bewaile my Virginitie, and then dispose of me as you have vowed and longer trifle not with Heaven.

Father.

Thy Courage, O my dear dear Child Inspires my drooping Soul, though Tears burst from my Aged Eyes, which dry could view whole Nations Trage∣dies: take your freedom while you may, and then let Hea∣ven claim it's due; nor sh••ll thy memory be less lasting 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the World; not only famous shalt thou be in sacred Story, but yearly the Daughters of Israel shall bewaile thee on the Mountains.

Daughter.

O speak no more, least I offend the Great Creator of the Universe, with growing proud to be opprest with such a load of honour: Fare∣well my Father and my Lord, till two Months ex∣pire, and then I'll with obedience return to be at your dispose.

Father.

Tenthousand bl••ssings waite upon my Dar∣ling Love till she return.

The Conclusion.

The dayes expir'd, the ••eautious Maid returns, And's offered up while grieved Israel mourns; Though not a Bloo••y S••crifice as some. Vainly believe, but spends her dayes to come, As a Recluse till Heaven is made her home.

Psal. 6.2.

Have mercy Lord, upon me, for I am weak: O Lord, Heal me, for my Bones are vexed.

Soul. Jesus.

Soul.

Ah! Son of David, help;

Iesus.

What sinfu•••• Crie Implores the Son of David?

Soul.

It is I.

Jesus.

Who art thou?

Soul.

Oh! a deeply wounded Breast, That's heavie loaden and would sain have rest.

Jesus.

I have no Scraps, and Dogs must not be fed Like Houshold Children, with the Childrens Bread.

Soul.

True Lord, yet tolerate a hungry whelp To lick your Crumbs: O Son of David, help▪

Jesus.

Poor Soul, what ail'st thou?

Soul.

O I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 I sry, I cannot rest, I know not where to fly To find some ease; I turn'd my blubber'd Face From Man to Man; I roll from place to place T' avoid my tortures, to obtain relief, But still I am dog'd and haunted with my grief, My Mid-night torments call the sluggish Light And when the Mornings come, they woo the Night.

Jesus.

Sir cease thy Tears, and speak thy free desires.

Soul.

Quench, quench my flames, and swage these scorching Fires.

Jesus.

Ca••st thou believe, my Ha••d can Cur•• thy Grief?

Soul.

Lord I believe; Lord help my unbelief.

J••sus.

Hol•• forth thy Arm, and let my Fingers tr•• Thy Pulse, where chiefly doth thy torment lye?

Soul.

From Head to Foot, it reigns in every part, But play's the self-law'd tyrant in my Heart.

Jesus.

Canst thou Digest? canst Relish wholsome Food? How stands thy tast?

Soul.

To nothing that is good: All sinfull trash, and Earths unsav'ry stuff I can dig'st, and relish well enough.

Jesus.

Is not thy Blood as cool, as hot by turns?

Soul.

Cold to what's good, to what is bad i•• burns.

Jesus.

How old's thy Grief?

Soul.

I took't at the fall With eating Fruit.

Jesus.

T'is Epidemical: Thy Blood's infected, and the infection sprung From a bad Liver: 'tis a Feaver strong And full of Death, unless with present speed A vein be opened, thou must dye or Bleed.

Soul.

O I am faint and spent, that L••unce that shall Let forth my Blood, lets forth my life withall: My Soul wants Cordialls, and has greater need Of Blood, I (being spent so far) to bleed I faint allready, if I bleed, I dye.

Jesus.

Tis either thou must bleed, Sick Soul or I: My blood's a Cordiall. He that sucks my Veins, Shall cleanse his own, and conquer greater pains Then these: Chear up, this precious blood of mine Shall cure thy Grief; my Heart shall bleed thine: Believe and view me with a faithfull Eye, Thy Soul shall neither Languish, Bleed, nor Dye.

Epigram.

Canst thou be Sick▪ and such a Doctor by? Thou canst not live unless thy Doctor dye. Strange kind of Grief, that finds no Medicine go•• To swage her pains, but the Physicians Blood!

Psal. 143:2.

Enter not into Judgment with thy Ser∣••ant, for in thy sight shall no man living ••e justified.

Iesus. Iustice. Sinner.

••esus.

Bring forth the Prisoner, Iustice.

Iust.

Thy commands Are done, just Judge: See here the Prison'r stands.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

What has the Prisoner done? Say, what is the cause Of this Commandment?

Iust.

He hath broken the Laws Of his too Gracious God; conspir'd the death Of that great Majesty that gave him breath. And heaps transgression, Lord▪ on trangression.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

How k••ow'st thou this?

Iust.

Ev'n by his own confession, His sins are crying; and they cried aloud; They cried to Heav'n, they cried to Heaven for Blood.

〈◊〉〈◊〉

〈◊〉〈◊〉 What say'st thou Sinner? Hast thou ought to plead, ••hat Sentence shall not p••ss? Hold up thy head, ••nd shew thy Brazen, and rebellious face.

〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Ah me! I dare not: I'm to vile and base ••o tread on the Earth, much more to lift ••••ine Eyes to Heav'n, I need no other shrift ••han mine own Conscience; Lord I must confesse, ••m no more then dust, and no whit less ••hen my in••ictment stiles me; Ah! If thou ••••arch too severe, with too severe a Brow, ••hat Flesh can stand; I have transgressed thy Laws, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 merits plead thy vengeance; not my cause.

〈◊〉〈◊〉

Lord shall I strike the blow.

Jes.

Hold Iustice stay.

Sinner speak on, what hast thou more to say?

Sinner.

Vile as I am, and of my selfabhor'd, I am thy handy-work, thy Creature Lord, Stampt with thy glorious Image, and at first, Most like to thee, though now a poor accurst Convicted Caitiff, and degen'rous Creature Here trembling at thy Bar.

Just.

Thy faul's the greater. Lord shall I strike the blow?

Jes.

Hold, Justice, stay Speak Sinner: Hast thou nothing more to say?

Sinner.

Nothing but mercy, mercy; Lord my state Is miserable poor and desperate; I quite renounce my self, the World flee From Lord to Iesus; from thy self, to thee,

Just.

Cease thy vain hopes, my angry God has vow'd, Abused mercy must have blood for blood: Shall I yet strike the blow?

Jes.

Stay, Justice, hold▪ My Bowels yearn, my fainting Blood grows cold, To view the trembling Wretch? Methinks, I spy My Fathers Image in the Pris'ners eye.

Iust.

I cannot hold:

Jes.

Then turn thy Thirsty Blad•• Into my sides, let there the wound be made. Chear up dear Soul; redeem thy life with mine, My Soul shall smart; my Heart shall bleed for thine

Sinner.

O groundless deeps! O love beyond degree Th' offended dyes, to set the offender free.

Epigram.

Mercy of mercies! he that was my drudge Is now my Advoca••e, is now my Iudge: He suffers, pleads, and sentences, alone: Three I adore, and yet adore but one.

Deutrenomy 32.29.

O that Men were Wise, and that they understood this, that they would con∣sider their latter end.

Flesh. Spirit.

Flesh.

What means my Sisters eye so oft to pass Through the long Entry of the optick Glass? Tell me, what secret virtue doth invite Thy wrinkled eye to such unknown delight?

Spirit.

It helps the sight, makes things remote appear In perfect view; it draws the Obj••ct near.

Flesh.

What sense-delighting objects doth thou spye? What doth the Glass present before thine eye?

Spirit.

I see thy Foe, my reconciled Friend, Grim Death, even standing at the Glasses ••••d; His left hand holds a branch of Palm, his right Holds forth a two-edg'd Sword.

Fle.

A proper sight, And is this all? doth thy prospective please Th'abused fancy with no shapes but these?

Spirit.

••••es, I behold the darkned Sun bereav'•• (••f all his light, the battl••m••nts of Heav'n Shel••ring in flames; th•• Angel guarded Son Of Glory on his Tribunall-Throne; I see a Brimstone Sea of boyling fire, And f••inds, with knotted whips of flaming Wire, Tor••er'ng poor Souls, that k••ash their Teeth in vain, A••d kn••w their flame torment••d tongues for pain. Look, Sister, how the queasy-stomack'd Graves V••mit their dead, and how the Purple waves Scald their Consumeless Bodies, strongly Cursing All Wombs for Bearing, and all Paps for Nursing.

Flesh.

Can thy distemp••r'd fancy take delight In view of Tortures? these are shows t'affright:

Look in this Glass triangular; look here, Hear's that will ravish eyes.

Spirit.

What seest thou there.

Flesh.

The World in colours, colours that disdain The Cheeks of Proteus, or the Silken train Of Flora's Nymphs; such various sorts of hiew As sun-confronting Iris never knew, Here if thou please to beautifie a Town Thou mai'st; or with a hand turn'd upside down. Here mai'st thou scant or widen by the measure Of thine own will; make short or long at plea∣sure: Here may'st thou tire thy fancy, and advise With shows more apt to please more curious eyes.

Spirit.

Ah fool! that dot'st on vain, on present toyes And disrespect'st those true, those future Ioyes! How strongly are thy thoughts befool'd, alas, To dote on Goods that perish with thy Glass! Nay, vanish with the turning of a hand! Were they but painted colours, it might stand With painted reason that they might devote thee, But things that have no being to besot thee? For sight of future Torments is the way To baulk those ills which present joyes bewray. As thou hast fool'd thy self, so now come hither, Break that fond Glass, and let's be wise together.

Epigram.

What Soul, no further yet? what never commence Master in faith, still Batchelour of sense, It's insufficiency, or what has made thee Oressip thy lost degree? thy Lusts have stay'd thee.

Canticles. 7.11.

Come, my Beloved, let us go forth in∣to the Field, and let us remain in the Villages.

Christ. Soul.

1.

Christ. Come, Come m•• dear, and let us ••oth retire, And whi•••• the dain••ys of the fragrant Fields: Where warbling Phil'mel, and the shrill mouth quire Ch••n•• forth their raptures, where the Turtle builds H••r lov••ly N••st; and where the n••w born Brier Breaths forth the sweetness that ••er April yi••lds. Come, Come, my lovely fair, and let us try These rurall delicates; where thou and I M•••• m••lt in priva••e fl••mes, and fear no stander by.

2

••oul. My hearts eternal j••y, in lieu of whom The ••arth's a blast and all the World's a bubble! ••ur City-man Sion is the faire••t hom••, But Countrey sweets are ta••g'd wi••h lesser tro••∣ble, ••et's try them both, and ch••se the better; come A change in pleasure, makes the pleasure double. O•• thy Commands depends my go or tarry, I'll stir with Martha, or I'll stay with Mary, Our Hearts are firmly fit, although her plea∣sures vary.

3.

••••rist. Our Countrey-man Sion (situat•• on high) With various object, still renews delight 〈◊〉〈◊〉 arched Roof's of unstain'd Ivory, Her Walls of Fiery-••••arkling Chrisolite, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pavement is of hardest Porphiry; Her spacious Windows are all Glazed with bright

And flaming Carbuncles no need require, Titans faint rayes, or Vulcans feeble fire; And every Gate's a Pearl, and every Pearl, entir••.

4.

Soul. Fool that I was, how were my thoughts de∣ceiv'd? How falsly was my fond conceit possest! I took it for an Hermitage but pau'd And daub'd with neighb'ring dirt, Thatcht at best Alas I never expected more! nor crav'd; A Tu••••le ••••p'd, but for a Turtles nest: Come, Come, my dear, and let no idle stay Neglect th' a••vant••ge of the head-strong day How pleasure gr••tes that Feels the Curb 〈◊〉〈◊〉 delay.

5.

Christ. Come then, my Ioy, let our divided paces Conduct us to our fairest t••rritory; O there w••'ll twine our Souls in sweet embraces, Soul. And in thy Arms I'll tell my passion stor•• Christ. O there I'll Crown ••hy head with all my grac•• Soul. And all these Graces shall reflect thy Glo•••• Christ. O there I'll f••••d thee withCel••stial Man•• I'll be thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Soul. And I, ••hy Hanna. Christ. I'll sound my Trump of joy. Soul. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 resound Hosanna.

Epigram.

Mechanick Soul, thou must not only do With Martha, but with Mary ponder too: Happy's that House where these fair Sisters vary, But most, where Martha's reconciled to Mary.

Ecclesiastes 3.1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Hea∣ven.

Time. Death.

1.

Time. Behold the frailty of this slender snuff, Alas, it hath ••ot long to last: Without the h••lp of either ••hief or puff▪ Her weakness knows the way to wast. Nature hath made her substance apt enough To spend it self, and spend to fast: It needs the help of none That is to prone, To lavish our untuch'd, and languish all alone.

2.

Death. Time, hold thy peace, and shake thy slow pace Sand, Thy idle Minutes make no way, Thy Glass exceeds her hour, or else doth stand, I cannot hold, I cannot stay. Surcease thy Pleading, and enlarge my hand, I surfeit with too long delay. This brisk, this bold fac'd light Doth burn too bright; Darkness adorns my Throne, my day is dark as night.

3.

Time. Great Prince of darkness, hold thy needless hand, Thy Captiv's fast and cannot flie: ••hat Arm can rescue? who can countermand? What pow'r can set thy Pris'ner free? 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if they could, what Close, what Forreign Land Can hide the Head that flees from thee?

But if her harmless light Offend thy sight, What need'st thou snatch at Noon, what will be thine at Night.

4.

Death. I have not stay'd my patience, my quick trade Grows dull and makes too slow return: This long-liv'd dept is due, and should been paid, When first her flame began to burn: But I have stay'd too long, I have delay'd To store my sast, my ••raving urn. My p••tent give•• me power Each day, each hour, To strike the pleasant Thatch, and shake the princely Tow'r.

5.

Time. Thou count'st too fast: t••y patient gives no power, Till Time shall please to say, Amen. Death. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thou appoint my sha••t? Time. Or thou my hour? Death. 'Tis I ••id, do. Time. 'Tis I bid, when: Alas thou can'st not make the poor••st flower! To h••ng t••e drooping head till then: Thy shafts can neither kill, Nor strike, untill My power give them Wings, and pleasure Arm thy will.

Epigr••m.

Expect, but fear not Death: Death cannot kill Till Time, (that first must Seal her pati••nt Will) Would'st thou live long? keep time in high ••steem, Whom gone, if ••hou ca••st not recall, redeem.

A Dialogue between the Harlot and the Vnadvised Youth.

The Argument.

Words smooth as Oyl the Simple Youth betray, Whilst he to certain Ruine takes his way.

Harlot.

O! my Inchanting Youth, why stand'st thou Gazing thus? why at this distance, when the burning Glances of desireous beauty dart with so much Ardency and covet thy Embraces? Come be not Coy, nor Start, nor turn Aside; consider who 'tis Calls, who Courts thy Favour.

Youth.

What Voice is this I hear? What Female Form is it my Eyes behold? What Lovely shape is it that th••s Approaches me?

Harlot.

Why, why this distance? Wherefore shrinks the Comely Youth? Why shuns he her that wou'd be proud to lay him in her Bosom, and with much Joy hug him in her warm Embraces.

Youth.

Alas! I know not why I'm thus invaded, ••herefore is it you persue me thus? What is't you see in me that shou'd prove so Alureing?

Harlot.

Come, come, these niceties they must ••e waved, I see you are an novice in the Arts of Love, and want to be instructed; this distance ill ••ecomes you, when a kind, a most obligeing lover wooes you, to be frolick and complacient.

Youth.

Could I but understand your meaning, I ••••ould tell the better how to answer: But as yet I'm ig∣••••rant of your design, nor know I what it is you'd have ••e do.

Harlot.

All that I ask is that you would be kind, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Husband is absent, and his distance from his ha∣••itation gives free scope to love. Peace-offerings I ••ave made, and by this kiss came out on purpose to

find to meet my lovely Youth, to lead him to my rich Imbroider'd Bed, persumed with Amber, and the Civit of Ethiopi••, strew'd all with Ros••s, and o'respread with Gessamin; Aloes and Cynamon are scatter'd round about it, come than my joy lets loose no time, but whilst we may with hasty steps hie thither, and upon that soft recumbancy till morning take our fills of Love, where midst a thousand trans∣ports with kind kisses and low murmurs, I'll relate my passion.

Youth.

The words you speak methinks move rapture in me, yet I'm ignorant in the affairs of Love, and drea•• the combate, as not knowing how I must behave my self.

Harlot.

How dread, why will my joy forsake so soft a list? Will he be so fainthearted as to fly a yielding foe, who fainting with a passion tho to fierce to be withstood will melt into his Arms, whilst he may f••e••ly ri••••e all those joys that lovers meet, and the Dame that love•• him more than life, be∣come his well pl••a••'d Victim.

Youth.

M••thinks I'm more and more transported with the word st••at ••rem••ling 〈◊〉〈◊〉 rough th•• wide Or∣gans of my Ears, and reach the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sea••s of life, yet something though I und••rstand not w••ll what 'tis checks me: Nay, bids me for••ear and fly the offer you have made.

Harlot.

Alas▪ '••is Youthfull fear, just so was I possest befor•• I had ent••red loves delightfull com∣bate, long time I hoverd on its Flo••ry Verges be∣fore I entered, but being in I sur••aited without con∣trowl upon the sw••ets that nearly must in course re∣semble Heavenly joys, th••n sti••le those conspiring fancies that wou'd ro•• y••u of your bliss, and ca•••• your self into my open arms.

Youth.

I am convinced ther's something more th•••• words can well express in loves transporting happyness a ••••ing so generally coveted by man, therefore laying 〈◊〉〈◊〉

side all other thoughts, I resolutely throw my self in••o your kind embraces to be at your dispose.

Harlot.

Spoke like a lover, and now will we fly with all the Wings of love to my retirement, where my joy shall find far more than he with rea∣son could expect: There, there my Snowy Arms shall twine about him like the clasping Ivy, whilst with a declyning head he pants upon my riseing Breasts and rifles all the sweets of love.

The Conclusion.

She has prevail'd the Youth, she has insnar'd In those dark Nets, she for his Soul prepar'd, Whilst he pursueing falls deluding joys, Amidst his revels, his own Soul destroys. So to the snare unthinking Birds still flye: So goes the Ox where he must surely dye.

A Dialogue between Jonah and the Mariners.

The Argument.

Jonah supposing though in vain, to flye From Gods dread presence, his all-seeing Eye. Takes shiping; but the dreadfull Storms preven•• His disobedience, when a Whale is sent To take him in, when cast into the Sea, And cast him on the Coast of Niniveh.

1 Mariner.

O what prodigeous storms arise in the dark Ai•• what tracks of f••re appear, how loudly roar the fighting Winds, and what a hight mount up the brivy Waves, whilst black faced terror does dis∣••use it self throughout the Ocean, no Sun nor Moon appears to cheer us with their light, no Star to guide us in our course.

2. Mariner.

'Tis true the danger's great that the wild Ocean teems with all; uncertain 'tis what Wind rough East or West we now must yield u••to, the Clouds

and Skies express the South-winds rage, the murmuring Seas the North-winds fury, speak not safe nor Ship∣wrack, can we reach the port?

1. Mariner.

See, see, the glareing lightning seems to set the Waves on Fire, whilst Heaven powrs down its cattaracts of Rain, no Fire but that in such a Storm could live, how are we born by Winds and Seas fell rage, up to the trembling Pole, and down again to Accharons deep cave.

2. Mariner.

T••at clap of Thunder rent the Main∣mast, and has born it by the ••o••rd, the shrouds are rent, and now the leaking Vessel sucks the Waves apace, ••ll h••lp is vain, unless the pow••r that rules the Winds and Seas, with speed call back his angry Messengers, and still th•• boistrous Flood.

1 Mariner.

Yet let's use our utmost skill, no hand must now be unimploy'd to save our lives. Cast, cast the Carg•• forth, lighten the Vessel, and per∣haps she then may weather the rough Tempest; so, so my Lads, come over with it all.

2. Mariner.

Now this is done the danger is never the ••ess, the Maisen is shivered, and the Rudders rent, the searchingWaves suppli••s the weight of what we have cast forth, no safety is expected from our l••bour, for me••••i••ks I see grim death stand a d••ncing on the angry Billows and each yauning surge expose wide Graves to my amazd sight, no hope remains but what we can expect from prayer, then with prostration let each call upon his God, and seck for s••fety, from the angry Deitie, perhaps he may relent and bi•• the Winds be still. Ha, see her's one regardless s••oring on the brink of ruin. Ro••se, rouse thou drowsy wretch and call upon thy God.

Ionah.

Whose that disturbs me with loud cla∣mour, is't not night the time that weary mortals should repose.

1. Mariner.

'Tis true, but know before many mo∣ments p••ss we are no more, death, horrid death is hasting 〈…〉〈…〉 Lives, the Ship is sinking, all our skill to

Ionah.

How! then is Death so near? Oh! now I hear the Storm, the fighting Winds, and ratling Thunder shivering the swolen Clouds, and feel the heaving Ocean toos the labouring Bark.

2. Mar.

Yes, yes, too well we hear the like, but for whose cause is all this wrath of Skyes; sure Angry Heaven wou'd not destroy us unless some mighty Sin gave provocation. Come then and let us cast each Man his Lot, that we may find who has transgrest.

1. Mar.

Agreed, agreed. Ha! on the Stranger it is fallen: tell, O tell what thou hast done, and who thou art?

Jonah.

I am a Hebrew that fled from the Face of him that ma••e the Vniverse, who lives for ever, and is only God in Heaven and Earth; who rouses or makes still the Seas at pleasure: 'Tis I, 'tis I that have occa∣sion••d all that threatens you; no way there is for safety, but by casting me into the Swelling Flood.

2. Mar.

O wonderfull! But how shall we then Answer for your Blood? Let not the God whom you A••ore impute to us, if in this our great necessitie we do a deed we shall hereafter blush to own; therefore we'll try.

Jonah.

In vain you strive to get a shore: nor is there safety but in what I have advised.

1. Mar.

Then lay not Lord, the blood of Inno∣cence, the blood of him that ne're offen••ed us, to our sad charge; if thus we give him to the Waves, seeing we have no other way to save our lives.

2. Mar.

So now he's doust in the Rough Billows: Ha! a monst••rous Whale has suck'd him in, an•• now the Winds are still, the Ocean leaves to Rage: the Clouds are ch••st away, bright day appears; and all our Leaks are stop'd by Miracle.

1. Mar.

'Tis true, though wonderous: This was sure some Homicide, or Altar Robber, that thus pro∣voke the Angry Powers: but see we have with safe∣ty reach'd the wish'd for port.

The Conclusion.

Jonah cast Over-baord, soon finds a Tomb In a dread Fishes huge insatiate Womb; Who three dayes bearing him from Coast to Coast; Him on dry Land with horrid Roaring tost. When he to Nineveh do's hast and cry Against them for their great Iniquity; Who concious of their Guilt, bewaile their Sin, And blunt God's Anger er'e their woes begin. At which the Prophet being displeas'd, the Lord Shows him his folly, by a sensless ••ourd.

A Dialogue between Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.

The Argument.

Long tempted though in vain, good Men at last Are by the Tyrant bou••d in Fetters fast; Doomd to a ••iery Tr••all for his sake Who Heaven and Earth, the Sea, and all did make.

Nebuchadnezzar.

How's this, can what I hear be true? dare ye you preverse Captives still deny to fall on bended Knees and kiss the ground, when you approach the Shrive of great Diana? Know you not she is a Goddess by your King ador'd, and humbly sought unto in all Events of Peace and War?

Shadrach.

We know no God nor Goddess but the God of Jacob, whom with fear and R••verence we Serve, and to no other dare we, can we, will we bow.

Neb.

What Insolence is this, is this an Answer fitting to return a Monark? Know you not the great decree that is unalterably past, and that your Lives are in my Hands.?

Meshach.

All this w•• know, nor wou'd not, could we help it, disobey or disoblige the King; but in the thing be now requ••res, we dare not be complya••t. The mighty God, in whose dread Presence now we stand, must be

Obeyed rather than Man; we must not Rob him of his Honour and give it to an other.

Neb.

And these are your Resolves, you will not Worship at the shrine of Gold I have set up? but dare preversly break the firm decree Established by the Princes.

Abed-nego.

Our great Resolves, O King are past, and here we stand, do with us as you please:

Neb.

Wretches, vile Slaves, whom I exaulted to heights of honour, in hopes you would comply with my Commands. How dare you trifle with a Mo∣narck at this rate, when Death and Horrour sit up∣on his frowns? I have been heitherto placeable mild, which makes you yet more obstinate: where∣fore know that now all mercies Banish'd from my Brest; in crackling flames you shall be broiled alive, the fury of the fiery Furnace shall plainly speak the Anger I conceive: and who's then that God that shall deliver you out of my strong hands.

Shad.

Your Anger, mighty Monarck, frights us not▪ nor are we carefull to reply: For if the mighty God whom we Adore, the God who made all things, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whose will the World and all that move in it depend, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 let us fall to Glorifie his Name; and in's Eternal Wis∣dom thinks it not convenient to rescue us from the devour∣ing flames; know not withstanding, we'll patiently ex∣pire for his dear sake, rather than prostrate our selves before base Idols, the vain work of mortal hands.

Neb.

Horror and Death! her's ••nsolence beyond degree: Heat, heat the burning Furnace with a Seavenfold Fire, and cast them instantly into the flames, that I may glut my well pleased Eyes to see them fry, and that their cryes may prove sweet Mu∣sick to my Ears; bind them in all their Gaitie to add more fuel to the Flames; and that the terror may b•• more gird every ••art with strongest Chains, tha•• they may be exposs'd the better to the circling Fires

Meshach.

We smile to see a Monarck storm 〈◊〉〈◊〉

against those that are regardless of his Rage, and stand prepared to bear what er'e his fury can inflict; though we in ought have not transgrest against him.

Neb.

My Ga••rds, why are you slow in executing my Commands? He dyes that disobeys a moment longe••: So hence with e'm, whilst I and my Nobles follow to behold the Spectacle.

The Conclusion.

In flames the Servants of Jehovah's Cast, Their Chains fall off that lately bound them fast, Whilst the sharp Element do's loose it's heat, A whistling wind makes it a pleas'd retreat: The Execution that, that day was seen, Was on the Men that durst to cast them in: God saved his Chosen. And his Angels sent The Monarcks Page to frustrate and prevent Whom be Amaz'd beholds to walk in Fire, With those that were the subject of his Ire; Calling them forth, on them he finds no harm, The gentle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Garments did not warm; Which strange stup••ndious great deliverance Converts his Rage to Love, and do's advance, Jehovah's worth for the Kings decree, Forbi••s loud to Praise to other Deitie.

A Dialogue between Darius and Daniel.

The Argument.

Daniel through envy is against the mind Of great Darius in a Den confin'd, With hungry L••ons who d•• him no harm, Gods Angel dos their furious fury charm.

Darius.

What horrid Dreams have terrified me 〈◊〉〈◊〉 my br••ken slumbers? How has sweet sleep fled ••••om my Eyes, and tedious tossings made a restless

night? Sure it was because the Prophet is in danger, from which a Monarck could not rescue him. But now the Morning Dawns, and I am at the fatal Den, into which malitious Men have cast him as a Prey to hungry Lyons: I'll see if that great God he serves, has hitherto preserved him from their rage. O Da∣niel, Daniel! Servant of the highest, speak, it is a King your Friend that longs to hear your voice, which would be Musick to his Ears. Say, say, has God, the God wh••m you have served been able to deliver you.

Daniel.

Great Monarck live for ever, thy Servant is in safety; the God of Jacob, at whose tremendious name I bend me to the dust, has s••nt his Angel, and has clos'd the rending Iaws of the stern Lyons, causeing them to faun on me without a power to hurt, since inte∣grity in me was found before him, nor in ought have I offended great Darius.

Darius.

O welcome sound! And is my darling safe? Blessed, blessed, for ever be thy God, whose power has kept the cruelest of Beasts, from bathing th••ir stern Jaws in Blood of innocence. With speed, with speed; draw, draw him thence, draw out the man my Soul so much delights in. O let me embrace my Daniel, my dear Prophet! Whom the malice of ill-minded so far exposed to danger.

Daniel.

Thus low I kn••el to meet the favo•••• great Darius dos vouchsafe his Servant.

Darius.

O Rise! My Love, my Life, my Soul; and say, how look'd your stern assoc••a••es, when you first took lodging in the Den.

Daniel.

At first great King they roard aloud in ex∣pectation of decending prey, as being allmost famisht, but having at a distance glar'd on me with firey Eyes they came and couch'd beneath my feet, fa••••ing and swindg∣ing round their Tails, so tame that all appearance of their natural fierceness vanish'd, suffering me with much delight to stroak them and make pastime with curl∣ing

Maines, nor was I ignorant whose power restraind their rage, but as I mused the Den at the top divided and a brightness shone throughout - the gloomy place, when as a man decended with refreshment for your Ser∣vant, brought by an Angel from a distant land: And the same way he came, return'd, on which repast have∣ing well fed, I layd me down to slumber till your Royal voice awaked me.

Darius.

Amazing, yea stupendiously amazing is what you relate, nor hence will Darius trust in any God but him, that has been able to deliver his much injured Servant, to him I will pay my vows, and Death shall be his Doom if subject to my Scepter, that dares once bend his knee to any other Deity: Nor shall the malitious and revengefull men that durst traduce my Daniel scape dire vengeance, and not only they, but all that appertains to them of their curst race, not one shall live, the Lyons shall have plenty of their Blood. Than come my Faith∣full Friend, come to the Pallace of thy Monarck, whilst I give command for the quick Execution of what' I decree.

Daniel.

Great Sir I'm all obedient, and with joyfull steps thus wait upon my King, who has vouchsaf'd to load his Servant, with so many favours and next him whom I adore will make it my delight to do his just com∣mands.

The Conclusion.

Daniel deliver'd and yet greater made, His foes the Murdrous Lyons soon invade, Breaking in pieces with resist less force, Their feble Bodies, and their Souls divorce. Whilst a decree is sent through all the Coast, That each fall down before the Lord of Host.