Emblemes by Fra: Quarles

To every thing there is an appointed time. ECCLES. 3.1.

Time. Death.

Time BEhold the frailty of this slender snuffe; Alas it hath not long to last: Without the helpe of either Thiefe, or puffe, Her weaknesse knowes the way to wast: Nature hath made her Substance apt enough To spend it selfe, and spend too fast: It needs the help of none, That is so prone To lavish out, untoucht; and languish all alone.

2

Death. Time, hold thy peace, and shake thy flow pac'd Sand; Thy idle Minits make no way: Thy glasse exceeds her how'r, or else does stand, I can not hold; I can not stay; Surcease thy pleading, and enlarge my hand, I surfet with too long delay: This brisk, this boldfac'd Light Does burne too bright; Darknesse adornes my throne; my day is darkest night.

3

Time. Great Prince of darkenesse, hold thy needless hand; Thy Captiv's fast, and can not flee: What arme can rescue? Who can countermand, What pow'r can set thy Pris'ner free? Or if they could, what close, what forrein land Can hide that head, that flees from Thee? But if her harmelesse light Offend thy sight, What needst thou snatch at noone, what will be thine at night?

Death. I have outstaid my patience; My quick Trade Growes dull and makes too flow returne: This long liv'd det is due, and should bin paid When first her flame began to burne: But I have staid too long, I have delayd To store my vast, my craving Vrne. My Patent gives me pow'r, Each day, each how'r, To strike the Peasants thatch, and shake the Princely Tow'r.

5

Time. Thou count'st too fast: Thy Patent gives no Pow'r Till Time shall please to say, Amen. Death. Canst thou appoint my shaft? Time. Or thou my How'r? Death. Tis I bid, doe: Time Tis I bid, When. Alas, thou canst not make the poorest Flow't To hang the drooping head, tell then: Thy shafts can neither Kill, Nor strike, untill My power give them wings, and pleasure arme thy will.

S. AUGUST.

Thou knowest not what Time he will come: Wait alwayes, that because thou knowest not the time of his comming, thou maiest be prepared against the time he comes. And for this, perchance, thou knowest not the Time, because thou mayest be prepared against all times.

EPIG. 6.

Expect, but feare not Death: Death cannot Kill, Till Time, (that first must seale her Patent) will: Wouldst thou live long? Keepe Time in high esteeme; Whom, gone, if thou canst not recall, redeeme,