Edward Benlowes

1603-1676 / England

We Jangle Not In Shools, But Strain To Set

We jangle not in Shools, but strain to set
Church--Musick, at which Saints being met,
May warble forth Heav'ns Praise, and thence Heav'ns Blessing get.

Church--Anthems irksome to the Factious grow;
In what a sad Case were They, trow,
Should They be penn'd in Heav'n, where Hymns for ever flow?

As, fir'd Affections to your Beauties move:
So, Stillatories be of Love;
That, what was Vapour, may, by Virtue, Essence prove.

Survey Theophila; her Rules apply,
That You may live, as You would die:
Virtue enamels Life; 'Tis Grace does glorifie.

O, may those fragrant Flow'rs that in Her grew,
Blown by such Breath, drench't by such Dew,
Spring, & display their Buds, Ladies Elect, in You!

To this Spring--Garden, Virgins, chast and fair,
Coacht in pure Thoughts, make your Repair,
To recreate your Mindes, and take fresh Heav'nly Air.

Ye snowy Fires, observe her in each Grace;
So, may You, bright in Soul as Face,
Have in The Gallery of Heroick Women Place.

Nay, when your Dayes and Piety shall summe
Up their Compleatness, may Ye come
To endlesse Glories Court, and with blest Souls have Room!
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