Volume Vi Part 13 (1/2)

But what do we stay so long in this place?

I shall not be well, whilst I am with my Lord's grace.

[_Exeunt_.

ACT IV. SCENE 4.

SPIRIT, PHILOLOGUS, SUGGESTION.

[SPIRIT.]

Philologus, Philologus, Philologus, I say, In time take heed, go not too far, look well thy steps unto: Let not suggestion of thy flesh thy conscience thee betray, Who doth conduct thee in the path that leadeth to all woe.

Weigh well this warning given from G.o.d, before thou further go, And sell not everlasting joy for pleasures temporal, From which thou soon shalt go, or they from thee bereaved shall.

PHILOLOGUS.

Alas! what voice is this I hear, so dolefully to sound Into mine ears, and warneth me in time yet to beware?

Why, have not I the pleasant path of worldly pleasures found?

To walk therein for my delight no man shall me debar.

SUGGESTION.

Look in this gla.s.s, Philologus: for nought else do thou care.

What dost thou see within the same? is not the coast all clear?

PHILOLOGUS.

Nought else but pleasure, pomp and wealth herein to me appear.

SUGGESTION.

Give me thy hand: I will be guide, and lead thee in the way.

What, dost thou shrink, Philologus, where I dare go before?

SPIRIT.

Yea, shrink so still, Philologus; in time turn back, I say: In Sensual Suggestion's steps see that thou tread no more; And though the frailty of the flesh hath made thee fall full sore, And to deny with outward lips thy Lord and G.o.d most dear, The same to 'stablish with consent of conscience stand in fear.

Thou art yet free, Philologus; all torments thou may'st 'scape, Only the pleasures of the world thou shalt awhile forbear.

Renounce thy crime, and sue for grace, and do not captivate Thy conscience unto mortal sin: the yoke of Christ do bear.

Shut up these words within thy breast, which sound so in thine ear: The outward man hath caused thee this enterprise to take; Beware lest wickedness of spirit the same do perfect make.

PHILOLOGUS.

My heart doth tremble for distress; my conscience p.r.i.c.ks me sore, And bids me cease that course in time, which I would gladly run.

The wrath of G.o.d, it doth me tell, doth stand my face before: Wherefore I hold it best to cease that race I have begun.

SUGGESTION.

These are but fancies certainly; for this way thou shalt shun All worldly woes: look in thy gla.s.s and tell me what it show.

Thou wilt not credit other men before thyself, I trow.

PHILOLOGUS.

O gladsome gla.s.s, O mirror bright, O crystal clear as sun, The joys cannot be uttered which herein I behold!

Wherefore I will not thee forsake, what evil soever come.

SPIRIT.