So full their eyes are of that glorious sight, That in nought else on earth they can delight Which they have written in their inward eye, Then look at last up to that sovereign light Even the Love of God, which loathing brings Of this vile world and these gay seeming things; With whose sweet pleasures being so possessed, Thy straying thoughts henceforth for ever rest. SPENSER. Harmony. EFTSOONES they heard a most melodious sound, The joyous birds, shrouded in cheerful shade, With the base murmur of the water's fall; The water's fall, with difference discrete, Now soft, now loud, unto the wind did call ; The gentle warbling wind low answered to all. SPENSER. Angels Watching and Ministering. AND is there care in heaven, and is there love case -Else much more wretched were the Of men than beasts: But, oh! the exceeding grace Of Highest God, that loves His creatures so, And all His works with mercy doth embrace; That blessed angels He sends to and fro, To serve to wicked man, to serve His wicked foe! How oft do they their silver bowërs leave, Oh, why should Heavenly God to men have such regard! SPENSER. Psalm xxiii. THE Lord, the Lord my Shepherd is, Taste misery: He rests me in green pastures his; By waters still and sweet, He guides my feet. He me revives; leads me the way Which righteousness doth take, For his name's sake: Yea, though I should through valleys stray Of death's dark shade, I will No whit fear ill. For Thou, dear Lord, Thou me besettest Thy rod and Thy staff be To comfort me; Before me Thou a table sett'st, Even when foe's envious eye Doth it espy. Thou oil'st my head, Thou fill'st my cup; Nay more, Thou endless good Shalt give me food. To Thee, I say, ascended up, SIR PHILIP SIDNEY. This side doth beauty take, The strongest judgments weak: This doth the voice and face, Like loving brothers' case, For father's heritage: That each while each contends, Itself to other lends. For beauty beautifies, With heavenly hue and grace, The heavenly harmonies; Music more lofty swells In action aptly graced : Love more affected seems Music doth witness call The common sense, which might To be forsooth upright, Then reason princess try, SIR PHILIP SIDNEY. Thou, God, Seest Me. O LORD! in me there lieth nought Thou markest it, |