[ 1177] Hope in God, the best hold-fast.
FAmous is that history of Cynegirus,* 1.1 a valiant and thrice renowned Atheni∣an, who being in a great sea-sight against the Medes,* 1.2 spying a ship of the Ene∣mies well man'd,* 1.3 and fitted for service, when no other means would serve, he grasped it with his hands to maintain the fight;* 1.4 and when his right hand was cut off,* 1.5 he held close with his left; but both hands being taken off, he held it fast with his teeth, till he lost his life. Such is the hold-fast of him that hopes in God, dum spirat sperat, as long as there is any breath he hopes. The voice of hope is accor∣ding to her nature, Spes mea Christus God is my hope. In the winter and deadest time of calamity, Hope springeth, and cannot die; nay, she crieth within her self,* 1.6 Whether I live or die, though I walk into the chambers of death, and the doors be shut upon me, I will not loose my hope; for I shall see the day, when the Lord shall know me by my name again, righten my wrongs, finish my sorrowes, wipe the tears from my cheeks, tread down my enemies, fulfill my desires, and bring me to his glory. Whereas the nature of all earthly hope is like a sick mans pulse, full of intermission, there being rarely seen sperate miseri on the inscription, but it is subscribed, Cavete foelices.