Hosanna, or, Divine poems on the passion of Christ by Francis Quareles.

Crucified between two Theeves.

VVHat, reckon'd amongst rogues? mixt with the rabble D••svail'd like the jewell in the fable Cast in the count 'mongst theeves? what coine is he In Jury stamp'd, yet there not currant be?

They should not for inscription sake refuse Iesus of Nazareth King of the Iewes; A Peece so rich, no Angell that could make it So good, the Devill was content to take it. When mans arreareages for sinne were paid, And the whole ransome of the world defraid Those Moralists who anciently did dreame Vertue was not a meant, but an extreame, If they had seene him placed thus, would sweare Vertue was in the midst, for he was there, And by his presence made it plaine to try How Vertue look'd set by her contrary. And yet his glory had not an addition Of lustre lent it by this opposition; To set him off, he stood in need of none No foile was needfull for so rich a Stone.