The Hymns and Songs of the Church, Part 1 · Song of solomon

The Hymns and Songs of the Church · Part 1 · Song of solomon

p. 31THE SONG OF SONGS.

The Preface.

SVch is the mercy of God, that hee taketh aduantage euen of our naturall affections, to beget in our soules an apprehension of his louelove, and of the mysteries which tend to our true happinesse; so, fitting his diuine expressions to the seuerall inclinations of men, that meanes might be prouided to winne some of all. For, otherwhile hee doth it by comparing the same to the glories of a temporall Kingdome, to winne such as are most desirous of honours. Sometime hee illustrates it by Treasures, Gold, and pretious Stones, &c. the better to allure such as are tempted with things of that nature. And diuers other wayes also, as appeares throughout the Booke of God. But in this Song of Salomon (wherein is mystically expressed the mutuall aff…ction betwixt Christ and his Church, with the chiefe passages therof throughout all Ages from Abel to the last Iudgement; at which time their blessed marriage shall be fully consūmated) he doth most mouing…y impart vntounto vsus, the rau…shing contentments of the diuine-LoueLove; by comparing it to that delight which is conceaued in the strongest, the commonest, the most pleasing, the most naturall and the most commendable of our Affections. And doubtles, it powerfully preuaileth to the enflaming of their spirituall LoueLove, who seeke rightly to vnderstand and apply the mysteries & expressions herein contained. Let no man therefore presume to sing, or repeat, in a carnall sense, what is here spiritually intended; vponupon paine of Gods p. 32heauie indignation. Nor let the wisedome of flesh and bloud vainely neglect Gods fauour, in offring this for the comfort of such as will rightly apply the same; because some Atheists and Sensuall men, shall perhaps turne this grace of God into wa…to…nesse, to their owne condemnation.

The first Canticle.

IN this Canticle, is first expressed that longing which the whole Catholicke Church had for the embraces of her Redeemer, (from the time of Abel, till his first comming) with her acknowledgement of his rauishing Excellencies; her desire to be drawne after him; and her confession of that ioyful happinesse which will arise from his fauours. Secondly, the particular Church of the Gentiles is brought in, intreating an vndespised vn… on with the Synagogue of the Iewes, both confessing and excusing her blemishes. Thirdly, the whole Catholike-Church is againe introduced, as desiring to be fed and guided by her beloued Shepheard. Fourthly, her Petition is most graciously answered, and she directed to follow the steps of the holy Patriarkes and Prophets. Finally, Christ setteth forth the power and rich graces of his Spouse, with what other ornaments hee will prepare for her. This Canticle w… may sing to the stirring vp of our spirituall LoueLove; hauing first seriously meditated th…se things: to wit; That desire we ought to hauehave in our soules to be ioyned to Christ; the excellencie of his perfections; the backwardnesse of our humane Nature to entertaine his louelove; the deformity and dammage we sustaine till wee be receiued into the communion of Saints; the readinesse of Christ to receiue and direct vsus; the pleasure he will take in our louelove; and the prouision he will make for the further beautifying of our soules.

p. 33Song. 9.

… COme kisse me with those lips of thine; For,… … better are thy Loues then wine. And, as the… … powred Oyntments be, Such is the sauour of… … thy Name: And, for the sweetnesse of the same,… … The Virgins are in louelove with thee.…

2

Begin but thou to draw me on,

And th…n, we after Thee will run.

p. 34Oh, King, thy Chambers bring me to:

So, we in thee delight shall finde,

And more then …ine thy LoueLove will minde;

And louelove thee as the Righteous doe.

3

And Daughters of Ierusalem,

I pray you doe not me contemne,

Because that blacke I now appeare.

For, I as louely am (I know)

As Kedar Tents (appeare in show)

Or Solomon his Curtaines are.

4

Though blacke I am, regard it not:

It is but Sunne-burne I hauehave got;

Whereof my Mothers Sonnes were cause:

Their Uineyard keeper me they made,

(Through enuy which to me they had)

So, mine owne Uine neglected was.

5

Thou, whom my soule doth best affect,

U…o thy pastures me direct,

Where thou at Noone art stretcht along:

For, why should I be stragling spide

Like her that loues to turne aside,

Thy fellow…shepheards flockes among?

6

Oh fairest of all Woman kinde!

(If him thou know not where to finde)

Goe where the paths of Cattell are:

Their tract of foot-steps stray not from,

Till to the Shepheard Tents thou come,

And feed thy tender Kidlings there.

7

My LoueLove, thou art of greater force,

Then Pharaoh's troupes of Cha…ret-hor…e.

Thy cheekes and necke, made louely be

p. 35With rowes of stone, and many a chaine:

And, we gold-borders will ordaine,

Beset with siluer studs▪ for thee.

The second Canticle.

THis Song seemeth to set forth the mysterie of Christ his Incarnation, whereby the Churches first Petition (mentioned in the former Canticle) is accomplished. And herein, these particulars appeare to be mystically expressed. His Birth and repose betweene the two Testaments, with his sweet and sanctifying operations. Secondly, the Churches acknowledgment of her Redeemers beauty, innocency, and delightfulnesse; with how pleasant and incorruptible an habitation, is prepared for those Louers; and what excellent priuiledges she hath by his fauour. Thirdly, Christ and his Church doe (as two Louers) interchangeably preferre one another before all others, by way of comparison. Fourthly, the Spouses spirituall louelove-sicke passions are expressed. And lastly (shee hauing declared how shee is enclosed in his embraces) there is warning giuen that their sweet vnion be not disturbed. This Canticle may be properly sung vponupon the Feast of Christs Nati…ity, or at any other time; wee hauing first prepared our selues by a fruitfull meditating the particular mysteries of the Song.

Song. 10.

Sing this as the ninth Song.

WHile that the King was at repast,

My Spikenard his perfumings cast;

And twixt my breasts repos'd my Deare:

My LoueLove, who is as sweet to me

As Myrrh… or Camphire bund…es be,

Which at Engaddi Uineyards are.

p. 362

Loe, thou art faire; loe, thou my LoueLove

Art faire, and eyed like the Doue:

Thou faire, and pleasant art my Deare.

And loe, our Bed with flowers is strow'd:

Our House is beam…d with Cedar-wood;

And of the Firre our Rafters are.

3

I am the Rose that Sharon yeelds,

The Rose and Lilly of the fields,

And flower of all the Dales below.

My LoueLove among the Daughters showes,

As when a sweet and beauteous Rose

Amid her bush of thornes doth grow.

4

Among the Sonnes, such is my Deare,

As doth an Apple-tree appeare,

Within a shrubby Forrest plac't.

I sate me downn beneath his shade,

(Whereto a great desire I had)

And sweet his fruit was to my tast.

5

Me, to his banquet-house he bare,

Eu'n where his wine-prouisions are:

And there his LoueLove my banner was.

With Flagons me from fainting stay:

With Apples comfort me, I pray;

For I am sicke of LoueLove (alas.)

6

My head with his left hand he stayd:

His right-hand ouer me he layd.

And by the Harts and Roes (said he)

You Daughters of Ierusalem

Stirre not (for you I charge by them)

Nor wake my LoueLove till pleas'd she be.

p. 37The third Canticle.

BY contemplating this Canticle, we may be mystically informed of Christs calling his Church in the Apostles, and of her estate in the beginning of Christianity, when he went from place to place (as a Hynde ouer the Mountaines) to further the worke of our Redemption; wooing his Disciples (and in them his Church) to follow him, by shewing his Diuinity a little and a little (as it were) through the Grate, and from behinde the Wall of his Humanity. Moreouer, the spring-like season of the Gospell, after the cloudy and winter-like time vnderunder the Law, is here set forth. And then the Church hauing petitioned that the Curtaines of the Ceremoniall Law might be so drawne away, as that she may both heare and see her Beloued in his vnuailed perfections; she requesteth also, that the sly enimies of his Vineyard may be destroyed. She reioyceth likewise in their mutuall loues; and prayeth him that whilst the day of Grace lasteth, she may on all occasions enioy his speedy Consolations. Lastly, the Church confesseth how blindly she sought Christ during the Night of the Law; how diligently (and through what afflictions) she searched after him; how at length she found him; where also, & with what affections she entertayned him: And so concludes, as in the former Canticle. It ought therefore to be sung with Reuerence, and consideration of the Mysteries therein contained.

Song. XI.

Sing this as the fift Song.

I Heare my LoueLove: and him I see

Come leaping by the Mountaines there.

p. 38Loe, o're the Hillockes trippeth He;

And Roe, or Stag-like, doth appeare.

L…e, from behind the wall he pries:

Now, at the window-grate is he.

Now speakes my Deare, and saies, arise

My LoueLove, my Faire, and come with me.

2

Loe, Winter's past, and com…e the Spring,

The Raine is gone, the Weather cleare:

The season wooes the Birds to sing:

And on the Earth the flowers appeare.

The Turtle croweth in our Field:

Young Figs the Figge-tree downe doth weigh:

The blossom'd Uines a sauour yeeld,

Rise LoueLove, my Faire, and come away.

3

My Doue, that art obscured, where

The Rockes darke staires doe thee infold:

Thy voice, (thy sweet voice) let me heare,

And Thee (that louely sight) behold.

Those Foxes cubs the Uines that marre,

Goe take vsus, whilst the Grapes be young:

My Loues am I; and mine…s my Deare,

Who feeds the …illy flowers among.

4

While breake of Day, when shades depart,

Returne my Well-beloued One;

Eu'n as a Roe, or lusty Hart,

That doth on Bether Mountaines runne.

For him, that to my soule is deare,

Within my bed, by night I sought:

I sought; but him I found not there▪

Thus therefore, with my selfe I thought:

5

I le rise, and round the Citty wend,

Through Lanes, and open waies I'le goe,

p. 39That I my soules-delight may finde.

So there I sought, and mist him too.

The Citty-watch, me lighted on;

Them askt I for my soules-delight:

And somewhat past them being gone,

My soules-beloued found I straight.

6

Whom there in my embrace I caught:

And him forsooke I not, till he

Into my Mothers house I brought,

Her Chamber who conceiued me.

You Daughters of Ie…usalem,

Surre not (by field-bred Harts and Roes;

For you I doe adiute by them)

Nor wake my LoueLove till she dispose.

The fourth Canticle.

HEre, the Royall Prophet first singeth Christ his going forth to preach the Gospel; metaphorically expressing it (and as it were) by way of …dmira…o…, at the excellent manner thereof. Next he mentioneth his Couch (or resting place) meaning either the Church, or else that Bed of his Humanitie which the Holy Fathers and Pastors of the Church (as her valiant Champions) defended by the Sword of Gods Word, against Infidels, Heretickes, and all the Powers and Terrours of the Kingdome of Darkenesse Then he mystically describeth that Palace, Throne, or abiding place of Christ, together with the Glorie of it, as well in regard of the precious matter of each seuerall part, as in respect of the forme and …eautie of the whole Fabri…ke. And lastly, he exhort…th … the Faithfull (vnderunder the name of the Daughters of Syon) to contemplate seriously, the excellent Glorie of Christ, when (by his Incarnation) the p. 40Deitie was espoused to the Humanitie. In singing this we are to meditate in what securitie and glorious contentment we shall enioy the embraces of our Redeemer; seeing his Bed and place for entertainement of the Daughters of Ierusalem (that is the Soules of the Faithfull) is so excellently built and furnished, as this Allegorie implyeth.

Song. 12.

Sing this as the fift Song.

WHat's he that from the Desert, there,

Doth like those smoaky pillers come,

Which from the Incense, and the Myr…he,

And, all the Merchant-spices fume?

His bed (which loe is Solomons)

Threescore stout men about it stand:

They are of Israels valiant Ones;

And all of them with Swords in hand.

2

All those are men expert in fight:

And each one on his thigh doth weare

A Sword; that terrors of the night

May be forbid from comming there.

King Solomon a goodly place

With trees of Libanon did reare:

Each Piller of it Siluer was;

And Gold, the bases of them were.

3

With purple couer'd he the same:

And all the pauement (thoroughout.)

Oh Daughters of Ierusalem,

For you, which Charity is wrought.

Come Syon daughter…, come away:

p. 41And crowned with his Diadem

King Solomon behold you may.

That crowne, his Mother set on him,

When he a married man was made,

And in his heart contentment had.

The fift Canticle.

THat louelinesse which is found in the most beautifull body, endowed with the riches of the mind, and adorned with the goods of Fortune (being of all obiects the most powerfull ouer humane affections.) The Holy Ghost in this Song of Songs, hath thereby mystically expressed the Churches estate in her seuerall Ages: That so it might the better worke into our soules an apprehension both of those excellent perfections Christ hath bestowed on his Church; and the better informe vsus also of that vnspeakeable affection which he beareth vntounto her. And it seemeth (the Metaphors in this Allegory being expounded) that the state of the Church in her seueral members is here described; with her Louers affection shewed towards her, about the time of the Gospels entrance; euen when our blessed Sauiour was abiding on the earth. But the explanation of each seuerall Metaphor will be too large for this place▪ Nor will eueryevery Capacity reach vntounto the particular application of them. It may suffice therefore, ifsuch do (by an implicite Faith) sing these Mysteries with a general application of them to Christ and his Church; beleeuing themselues members of that Spouse; And that Iesus Christ is he, who in this Song professeth an intire affection, not onelyonly to the whole Mysticall body of the faithfull, but euen to eueryevery member of it in particular.

p. 42Song. 13.

… OH my LoueLove, how comely now, and how… … beautifull art thou! Thou of Doue-like eyes apaire,… … shining hast within thy haire: And thy loc… … … like Kidlings be, which from Gilead hill we see.…

2

Like those Ewes thy Teeth doe show,

Which in rowes from washing goe;

When among them there is none

Twinlesse, nor a barren-one.

And thy Lippes are of a red;

Like the Rosie-colour'd thread.

3

Speach becomming thee thou hast.

p. 43Underneath thy Tresses plac't

Are thy Temples (matchlesse faire)

Which o're-shadow'd with thy haire:

Like Pomgranats doe appeare,

When they cut asunder are.

4

To that Fort, thy Necke's compar'd,

Which with Bulwarkes Dauid rear'd.

Where a thousand sheilds are hung;

All the Targets of the Strong.

Breasts, thou hast like twinned Roes,

Feeding where the Lilly growes.

5

While day breake, and shades are gone,

To the Mountaines I will ru…ne:

To that hill whence Myrrh doth come,

And to that of Libanum.

Thou my LoueLove, all beauty art,

Spotlesse-faire in eu'ry part.

6

Come my Spouse from Libanum:

Come with me from Libanum.

From Amana turne thy sight,

Shenir's top, and Hermons height;

From the dennes of Lyons fell,

And the hils, where Leopards dwell.

7

Thou, my Sister, thou art shee,

Of my hart that robbeth me,

Thou my Spo…se ▪ oh thou art shee

Of my hart that robbeth me,

With one of thine eyes aspect,

And with one locke of thy necke.

8

Sister ▪ and espoused-peere,

Those thy Breasts how faire they are!

p. 44Better be those Dugs of thine

Then the mo…t deli…ious wine:

And, thine oyntment… odours are

Sweeter then all spices farre.

9

LoueLove, thy Lip… drop sweetnesse, so

As the Combs of hony do.

Thou hast vnderneath thy Tongue,

Hony mixt with milke among.

And thy Robes doe sent, as well

As the Frankincense doth smell.

10

Thou, my Sister and espous'd,

Art a Garden, fast enclosd;

Walled-Spring, a Fountaine seal'd;

And the plants thy Orchard yeeld,

Are of the Pomegranat-tree,

With those fruits that pleasant be.

11

Camphire, there, with Nard doth growe,

Nard, commixt with Crocus too,

Calamus, and Cynamom,

With all trees of Libanum;

Sweetest Alo…s and Myrrhe,

And all spice that pretious are.

12

All the Gardens eu'ry where,

Take their first beginning there.

There, the precious Fountaine lyes,

Whence all liuing-waters rise:

Eu'n all those Streames that come

Running downe from Libanum.

p. 45The sixt Canticle.

IN this Canticle is mystically set forth the death and pas…ion of Iesus Christ; …rom whence all the Sacramen…s and spirituall graces bestowed on the Church tooke their beginning First; Christ desireth that by the blowing of those two contrary winds, the Charitable will of God, a…d the malitiou… will of his Aduersaries, the worke of our redemption might be wrought. To which purpose the Church also addeth her request. Secondly, Christ sheweth, that hee hath accomplished his own, with the Churches desire therein: and (expressing the fulfilling of his Bitter-sweet-passion) inuiteth all the faithfull to come and take benefite thereof. Thirdly, here is wondrous moouingly intimated, both our Redeemers watchfulnesse to secure vsus (euen while hee slept in the graue) and those LoueLove-passages of his, wherwith he came to wooe vsus in his humane nature (as it were a louer knocking and calling at his Beloueds window) in the darke-night of his Passion, and vnheeded Afflictions. Lastly, here is described the Churches readinesse to open to her Beloued; with that louelove distemperatu…e which appeared in her, when the women and the Disciples misled him in the graue; and when, through feare of the high Priests, they were for a time dispoiled of their Robe and vaile of Faith. This Canticle may properly be sung in commemoration of our Redeemers suffrings; And of his Spouses feare and sorrow before his Resurrection.

p. 46Song. 14.

… ARise thou North-win…e from the North,… … And from the South, thou South-winde blowe,… … Upon my Garden breathe yee forth, That so my… … Spices (there that growe,) From thence abundantly… … may flowe. And to thy Garden come my… p. 47… Deare, To eate thy fruites of pleasure there.…

2

My Sister and espoused-peere,

Unto my Garden I am come;

My Spice I gather'd, with my Myrrhe,

I ate my hony in the Combe,

And drunke my wine with milke among.

Come Friends and best-belou'd of me;

Come eate, and drinke, and merry be.

3

I slept, but yet my heart did wake.

It is my LoueLove I knocking heare.

It was his voice: and thus he spake;

Come open vntounto me my Deare,

My LoueLove, my Doue, my spotlesse-peere.

For, with the deaw my head is dight:

My lockes with droppings of the night.

4

Loe, I hauehave now vndressed me;

Why should I clothe me as before?

And since my feet cleane washed be,

Why should I soyle them any more?

Then through the creuice of the dore

Appear'd the hand of my Belou'd;

And towards him, my …art was moou'd.

5

I rose vntounto my LoueLove to ope,

And from my hands distilled Myrrhe:

Pure Myrrhe did from my fingers drop,

Upon the handles of the Barre.

But then departed was my Deare.

p. 48When by his voice I knew 'twas he,

My heart was like to faint in me.

6

I sought; but seene he could not be.

I cal…d but heard no answere sound.

The Citty-watchmen met with me,

As they were walking of the Round,

And gaue me stripes that made a wound:

Yea, they that watch and ward the wall,

Eu'n, they hauehave tooke away my vaile.

The seauenth Canticle.

HEre is allegorically expressed the Maiesty, power, & excellency of Christ; & is the effect of that which was Euangelically …ung of him after his Resurr…ction, & Ascensiō. First, the Bride is introduced ad…uring the faith… Israelites, that when they hauehave attained the knowledge of Christ her Spouse, they should professe and teach him to the rest of their Members. Secondly, those who lon… to finde him, desire againe of the Church, to know the excellencies of that Beloued of hers: and (by doubling the question) seeme to imply a two-fold Excellency. Thirdly, the Church speedily answeres tho…e tha… enquire after her Spouse; and (by describing his excellency in his ten principall Members) mystically notif…eth his ten-fold spirituall perfection: whereupon to insist, were not heere conuenient. Lastly, the faithf… craue the Churches direction to helpe her finde him ou… ▪ and receaue her gracious answere to that purpose.

Song. 15.

Sing this as the 13. Song.

OH! …f him you happen on,

Who is my Beloued-One,

p. 49Daughters of Ierusalem;

I adiure you, seriously,

To informe him, how that I

Sicke am growne of louelove, for him.

2

Fairest of all women, tell

How thy Louer doth excell,

More then other Louers doe.

Thy Beloued, what is he

More then other Louers be,

That thou dost adiure vsus so?

3

He, in whom I so delight,

Is the purest red and white:

Of tenne thousands chiefe is he.

Like fine gold, his head doth show,

Whereon curled Lockes doe grow;

And a Rauen-blacke they be.

4

Like the milky Doues that bide

By the Riuers, He is Ey'd:

Full, and fitly set they are.

Cheekes like spicy-beds hath he;

Or like flowres that fairest be.

Lips, like Lillies, dropping Myrrhe.

5

Hands, like rings of gold, beset

With the pretious Chrysolet.

Belly'd, like white Iuorie

Wrought about with Saphir's rich.

Legs like Marble-Pillers, which

Set on golden Bases be.

6

Fac'd like Libanus is He.

Goodly, as the Cedar-tree;

p. 50Sweetnesse breathing out of him.

He is louely, eu'ry where.

This my Friend is, this my Deare,

Daughters of Ierusalem.

7

Oh thou Fairest (eu'ry way)

Of all women! whither may

Thy Beloued turned be?

Tell vsus whither he is gone,

Who is thy Beloued-one,

That we seeke him may with Thee?

8

To his Garden went my Deare,

To the beds of spices there;

Where he Feeds, and Lillies gets.

I, my Loues am, and (alone)

Mine, is my Beloued-one,

Who among the Lyllies eates.

The eight Canticle.

HErein is contained a continuation of the Praises of the Bride, and of that ardent affection expressed by her B…loued in the fifth Canticle: yet, it is no vnnecessary repetition. For, it seemeth to hauehave respect to the Churches estate, and the passages betweene her and Christ in another Age; euen when the Gentiles began to be called and vnited vntounto the Church of the Iewes, according to what is desired in the first Canticle. And th…refore, shee is here compared to Tyrzah and Ierusalem for louelinesse. Her glorious encrease, her singuler puritie, her extraordinary applause, the splendor of her Maiestie, and the powrefulnesse of her Authoritie is here also described. Moreouer, the feares and hindrances sustained in her first persecutions are here Mystically p. 51showne. And, Lastly, they who through feare or obstinacy are separated from her, are called to returne, in regard of her apparant power. This, we may sing to remember vsus of those graces God hath bestowed on his Church. To comfort our soules also, with that dearenes…e which Christ expres…eth towards her, of whom we are members. And on diuerse other occasions, according as he that vseth it, hath capacitie to vnderstand and apply the same.

Song. 16.

Sing this as the 13. Song.

BEautifull art thou my Deare:

Thou as louely art, as are

Tirzah or Ierusalem

(As the beautiful'st of them)

And as much thou mak'st afraid,

As arm'd Troupes with flaggs displaid.

2

Turne away those eyes of thine▪

Doe not fixe them so, on mine:

For, there beame forth (from thy sight,)

Sweets, that ouercome me quite:

And, thy Lockes, like kidlings be,

Which f…om Gilead hill we see.

3

Like those Ewes thy Teeth doe show

Which in rowes from washing goe,

When among them there is none

Twinlesse nor a barren-one.

And (within thy lockes) thy Browes

Like the cut-Pomegranat showes.

4

There are with her sixtie Queenes;

There are eighty Concubines:

p. 52And, the Dam'sels, they possesse,

Are in number number-lesse:

But, my Doue is all alone,

And an vndefiled-one.

5

Shee's her Mothers only Deare;

And, her ioy that her did beare.

When the Daughters her surueyd,

That she blessed was, they said:

Shee was praysed of the Queenes,

And among the Concubines.

6

Who is shee (when forth shee goes)

That so like the Morning showes?

Beautifull, as is the Moone,

Purely bright as is the Sunne;

And appearing full of dread,

Like an Host with ensignes spread?

7

To the Nut-yard downe went I;

(And the Uales encrease to spie)

To behold the Uine-buds come,

And to see Pomegranats bloome:

But, the Princes Charrets did

Uexe me so, I nought could heed.

8

Turne, oh turne, thou Shulamite,

Turne, oh turne thee to our sight.

What I pray is that, which you

In the …hulamite would view,

But that (to appearance) shee

Shewes like Troupes that armed be?

p. 53The ninth Canticle.

SOlomon in the first part of this Canticle, commending the Churches vniuersall beauty in her seuerall parts, is vnderstood to hauehave respect to that time after the Conuersion from Paganisme, wherein she was endowed and made louely by the varietie of those Offices, States, & Degrees, into which her members were for orders sake distinguished; as well as by the addition of those …ther Graces formally receiued. Which States and Degrees are here Mystically vnderstood by the parts of a beautifull Woman: (as doth excellently appeare, the Allegory being particularly expounded.) The second part of this Hymne expres…eth the mutuall interchange of affections betweene the Bridegroome and his Bride; and those sweet contentments they enioy in each others Loues. Lastly, here is set forth both the Churches desire to bee freed from those persecutions, which hinder her open, and full fruition of her beloued; and mention is here made also, of those publike and vndisturbed embraces, which they shall at length enioy. The first part hereof we ought so to sing, that it may remember vsus to shunne their blindnesse who discerne not the beauty of Order and Degrees in the Church. The second part puts vsus in minde, that she is the treasure…e both of those graces which cause contentment within our selues, and make vsus acceptable to God. By the last part we may apprehend the comfort that will follow, when we desire that the open profession of Christ may be granted, meerely for the louelove of him.

p. 54Song. 17.

Sing this as the ninth Song.

THou Daughter of the Royall Line,

How comely are those Feet of thine,

When their beseeming Shooes they weare▪

The curious knitting of thy Thighes,

Is like the costly Gemi…es of prize,

Which wrought by skilfull workmen are.

2

Thy Nauell, is a Goblet round,

Where Liquor euermore is found.

Thy faire and fruitfull Belly showes

As doth a goodly heape of Wheat

With Lillies round about beset;

And thy two Brests like twinned Roes.

3

Thy Necke, like some white Towre doth rise.

Like Heshbon Fish-pooles, are thine Eyes ▪

Which neere the Gate Bath-rabbim lye.

Thy Nose (which thee doth wel-become)

Is like the Towre of Libanum,

That, on Damascus hath an eye.

4

Thy Head like Scarlet doth appeare:

The Hayre ▪ thereof, like purple are:

And in those Threads the King is bound.

Oh LoueLove! how wondrous farre art Thou!

How perfect doe thy pleasures show!

And, how thy Ioyes in them abound!

5

Thou Statur'd art in Palme-tree-wise.

Thy Breasts like Clusters doe arise.

I said, into this Palme I'le goe;

p. 55My hold shall on her branches be:

And those thy Breasts shall be to me

Like clusters that on Uines doe growe.

6

Thy Nostrils sauour shall aswell

As newly-gathered fruits doe smell.

Thy Speech shall also relish so,

As purest wine, th…t for my Deale

Is …itting drin…e, and able were,

To cause an old mans lippes to goe.

7

I, my Beloued's am; And, he

Hath his affection set on me:

Come well-beloued, come away,

Into the Fields, let's walke along;

And there the Villages among,

Eu'n in the Country we will stay.

8

We to the Vines betimes will goe,

And see if they doe spring or no;

Or, if the tender Grapes appeare:

We will, moreouer goe, and see,

If the Pomegranats blossom'd be:

And I my LoueLove will giuegive thee …here.

9

Sweet smels the Mandrakes doe afford:

And we within our Gates, are stor'd,

Of all things that delightfull be.

Yea, whether new or olde they are,

Prepared they be for my Deare:

And I hauehave layd them vp for thee.

10

Would, as my Brother, thou might'st be,

That suckt my Mothers breast with me:

Oh would it were no otherwise!

In publike then I thee would meet.

p. 56And giuegive thee kisses in the street;

And none there is should thee despise.

11

Then I my selfe would for thee come,

And bring thee to my Mothers home:

Thou likewise shouldst instruct me there.

And wine that is commixt with Spice,

(Sweet wine of the Pomgranat iuyce)

I would for thee to drinke prepare.

12

My Head with his left-hand he stayd;

His right-hand ouer me he laid,

And (being so imbrac'd by him)

Said he, I charge you, not disease

Nor wake my LoueLove vntill she please,

You Daughters of Ierusalem.

The tenth Canticle.

IN this last part of Solomons Song, he first singeth that sweet peace, and extraordinary prosperity vouchsafed vntounto the Church after her great persecutions: and expresseth it by putting the question who she was that came out of the wildernesse leaning on her Beloued. Secondly, hee introduceth Christ putting the humane Nature in remembrance, from what estate he had raised it; and requiring the dearest of our affections in regard of the ardency, vnqu…nc…ablenesse, and inestim…ble value of his louelove. Thirdly, h…uing remembred the Church of the affection due to him, Christ teacheth her the charitable care she ought to h…ue of others; and th…t she being brought into his fauour and protection, should seeke the preferment of her younger Sister also; euen the people who hauehave not yet the breasts of Gods p. 57two Testaments to nourish their soules. Fourthly, the Churches true Solomon or Peace-maker (meaning Iesus Christ) hauing a Vineyard in Baal-hammon (that is) wheresoeuer there are p…ple; Herein is declared, th… reward of such as are profitably employed in that Vineyard. And lastly, the confirmation of Christs marriage vponupon the Hils of Spice (meaning Heauen) is hastned. In singing this Canticle, wee ought to meditate what estate God hath raised vsus from; what louelove hee hath vouchsafed; what our charity should be to others; what we should minde concerning this life; and what desire we should hauehave to the comforts of the world to come.

Song. 18.

… WHo's this, that leaning on her Friend, … … Doth from the Wildernesse ascend? Minde how… … I raised thee, Eu'n where thy Mother thee conceiu'd,… p. 58… where she that brought th…e forth conceiu'd,… … beneath an Apple-tree. …

2

Me in thy heart engrauen beare,

And Seale-like on thy hand…wrist weare:

For LoueLove is strong as Death.

Fierce as the Graue is Iealousie:

The coales thereof doe burning lye;

And furious flames it hath.

3

Much Water, cannot coole Loues flame:

No floods hauehave power to quench the same.

For LoueLove so high is priz…d;

That, who to buy it would assay,

Though all his wealth he gaue away,

it would be all despis'd.

4

We hauehave A Sister scarcely growne,

For she is such a little one,

That yet no Breasts hath shee.

What thing shall we now vndertake,

To doe for this our Sisters sake,

If spoken for shee be?

5

If, that a wall she doe appeare,

We Tu…ret… vponupon her will reare,

p. 59And Pallaces of Plate:

And then with boords of Cedar-t…ee

Enclose, and fence her in, will we,

If that she be a Gate.

6

A wall already built I am:

And now my Breasts vponupon the same

Doe Turret-like arise.

Since when, as one that findeth rest,

(And, is of setled peace possest)

I seemed in his eyes.

7

A Vineyard hath King Solomon,

This Uineyard is at Baal-hamon,

Which he to Keepers put:

And eu'ry one that therein wrought,

A thousand siluer-pieces brought,

And gaue him for the fruite.

8

My Vineyard which belongs to me,

Eu'n I my selfe doe ouersee.

To thee, oh Solomon,

A thousand-fold doth appertaine:

And, those that keep the same, shall gaine

Two hundred-fold for one.

9

Thou, whose abode the Gardens are,

(Thy Fellowes vntounto thee giuegive eare)

Cause me to heare thy voice:

And let my LoueLove as swiftly goe,

As doth a Hart or nimble Roe,

Upon the Hils of Spice.