Читать книгу A Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne - George Wither - Страница 33

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Illvstr. XXIII. Book. 1.

THe lick'rish Beare to rob the Honey-Bees

Among their stinging-Swarms thrusts in his pawes;

Adventureth to climbe up hollow Trees,

And from their Cells, the well fill'd Combes he drawes:

Right so, the Sensuall-Man that he may gaine

His bruitish Lust, a thousand perills dares;

And, that his Lawlesse-will he may attaine,

Nor Conscience, Credit, Cost, nor Labour spares.

'Twere shamefull basenesse, therefore, if that he

Who knoweth Vertue, and is thought her Lover,

Should so by any Perills frighted bee,

To make him such Affections to give-over.

For, why should that Vaine-Crew whose Valour springs

From beastly Fury, or inflamed-Passion,

Enabled be to compasse bolder things,

Then Sober-Wit, and Grave Consideration?

Or, why should lisping-Wantons, for their Lust

So much adventure as one finger, there,

Where we our Lives in hazard would not thrust

For Vertues Glory, if it needfull were?

For, though her Sweetnesse fast is closed in

With many Thornes, and such a Prickling-guard,

That we must smart, before that Prize we winne,

The Paine is follow'd, with a Rich Reward.

By Suff'ring, I have more Contentment had,

Then ever I acquir'd by Slothfull Ease;

And, I by Griefe, so joyfull have beene made,

That I will beare my Crosse, while God shall please.

For, so at last my Soule may Ioy procure,

I care not, in my Flesh what I endure.