Divine dialogues, viz. Dive's doom, Sodom's flames and Abraham's faith containing the histories of Dives and Lazarus, the destruction of Sodom, and Abraham's sacrificing his son : to which is added Joseph reviv'd, or, The history of his life and death / by George Lesly ...

Author: Lesly, George, d. 1701.1678

[Page]

DIVINE DIALOGUES.

VIZ.

Dives's Doom.
Sodom's Flames. and
Abraham's Faith.

CONTAINING The Histories of Dives and Lazarus, The Destruction of Sodom, And Abraham's Sacrificing his Son.

To which is Added Ioseph Reviv'd, OR, The History of his Life and Death.

By George Lesly, Minister of the Gospel.

Herbert's Church-Porch.

A Verse may find him, who a Sermon flies,

And turn delight into a Sacrifice.

LONDON, [...]inted for Charles Smith, at the Angel near [...] the Inner Temple gate, Fleet-street. 1678.

[Page]

To the Right Honourable Charles Earl of Westmoreland. &c.

Right Honourable,

THough the Author's obscurity, and unworthiness of the ensuing Poem, may in Justice forbid either your Lordships Patronage; yet the swift-wing'd fame of your Honour's goodness, giving life to my harmless ambition, hath emboldened me (though with trembling Heart and Hand) to make this poor address. Not that I have, or dare have, confidence to think it worth your Lordship's acceptance, being the frozen conception of one born in a cold Climate; but that the enlivening Beams of your Honour's Patronage, may screen it from that contempt and obloquie it might otherwise meet with in a hotter region: On this and no other score is poor Aeschine's gift presented to your Lordship. Favour therefore noble Sir, my begger with a Serene Aspect. And if your Honour think him worthy, grant him the regard of being one of the meanest of your Lordship's Closet inhabitants; and for his fidelity, take the word of a Priest, he'll neither steal nor flatter. [Page]His beginning is divine and so I hope is his rise, though he be not adorned with so much Eloquent bravery as this Golden-tongu'd age boasteth of; yet I dare say, he will stammer out so much truth as may inform the Reader, that the Kernel not Shel, the substance not shew of Christian Religion and Piety is to be minded. I might I confess have drawn the Matter to a longer Thread, had I not feared that it would neither please your Honours Eye, nor become the Hand of,

Your Lordships, most Obedient. George Lesly.

Wittring, June 14. 1676.

[Page]

To the READER.

HAving in a small essay declar'd my self a Lover of the Muses, I have now ventur'd upon the Stage, not ignorant of the fate [...]hat attends pious Poems; that of the Poet being [...]o less true than common. Pro captu lectoris ha [...]ent sua fata libelli. I discern a Cloud (I might say [...] crowd) of Carpers, for they will be of all sorts. The Learned whom I honour, and would be glad [...]o imitate, may think my Style antick, Matter [...]aw, Plots ill-laid and worse managed, and no [...]arty well humoured: To them I grant all, because they could better have answered wise mens expectations in such an enterprize. Yet I hope [...]hat the expression is neither so rude, nor the mat [...]er so indigested, (though that be not so tumid, [...]or this so taking as the Genius of the present Age [...]equires) but that they may out-live the rigour [...]f a sober censurer, and prove beneficial to some. The Lady that weareth a Ruff with a loose Gown; [...]he Gentleman with the high Crown'd Hat, and Wooden heel'd Shooes, may call it plain old Eng [...]ish, and good Morality at least.

[Page]I know there are Courteous as well as Critical heads, these may let my Pamphlet alone; 'tis intended for the other. If the Stage-Poet frown, all I shall say to him is, Though my Muse be not tuned to his Key, yet my mind transcends his Apollo.

Majora Cano.

But if all men put a fair construction on what they find here, and read, with the same intention I wrote it, not only to divert idle hours, but to deter them from sin, who will not trouble themselves with an impartial Scrutinity of Holy Wri [...] for an Antidote; and to promote Divine Faith and Charity among Mortals in this faithless and frozen Age. If this I say be done, my time (I hope) in Writing, nor theirs in Reading, will be mispent.

Farewell.

The Perſons.Dives, a …

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The Persons.

Dives, a wicked Rich man.
- Pride.
- Gluttony.
his Friends.
Huntsman.
Servants.
Lazarus, a Begger.
- Poverty.
- Sickness.
his Attendants.
Death.
Sexton.
Chirurgions, Masons, Carvers.
Mourners.
Angels, good and bad.
Abraham.
Threnophilus, one who writeth his Epitaph.

[Page]

The Prologue.THese humble Lines to all men cry aloud,
Bidding them shun Hells horrour Styg'an flood
In Heavens Language, ev'ry Neophite,
Must learn to say, mercy Lord, I'm not meet
To tread thy Courts; nor cast a hoping Eye
Upon a promise, till I do espy,
My Sins transferred on a Saviour.
And then, O then! begins that happy hour.
When dismal Clouds of wrath shall disappear,
And Sunshine mercy overspread the Sphere
Of thy poor weather-beaten Soul, and then,
Thy Tongue shall bless God; thank the trembling pen
Of him who rais'd thee out of deepest sleep,
E're death succeeded; wishing thee to keep,
The wholesome Lawes of him who can destroy
Thy Soul, or give it everlasting Joy.
These are the ends I have propos'd, and do
Wish they may prove effectual to you.
If sense, not swelling words have leave to speak,
Know, it is you, not yours that I do seek.

[Page 1]

[...] DIVES'S DOOM, OR, The Rich Man's Misery.

Dives, Pride, Servants.

Div.

WHat Monster's this li'th at my noble Gate,

Bedawb'd with leprous spots? what cruel fate

Attends the caitife? What unhappy Star

Rul'd at his birth: that such his mis'ries are?

While happy I, who scorn the Divine Powers

Am glorious, by Nature's help and yours.

Doth not the World behold my heaps of Gold

With cov'tous eyes?

Pr.

Yes, it was always bold.

Div.

This stately Fabrick that is by me made,

Do not all men admire?

Pr.

Yes, most have said:

You're he, and only he, dare boldly say,

The life of Man is constant holy-day.

The earth with all its fulness smiles on you,

And we its dearest Minions, serve you too.

Rise from your rich, embroyder'd Bed, I see

This petty light would emulator be,

[Page 2]Of those resplendant Rubies that hang round

Your Couch: and those, wherewith your Head is crown'd.

See! how the num'rous Atoms daunce and touch

Your lofty Brow, as if they did think much

That their own Brats should have so near approach

To your admired worth; they but encroach.

Rise up, and let your Purple Red, and White,

Exceed the Sun in beauty and delight:

Call, call your Waiting-men, that they may dress

And fit you, for your golden Business.

Div.

Who's there?

Pr.

What! Slaves, do not you hear my Lord?

Good Servants always answer at first word.

Serv.

We come, what is your Honour's will?

Div.

That ye Perform your Offices, I'll dressed be.

Serv.

What Cloaths to day, Great Sir, the Heavens frown?

Div.

What! Purple and fine Linne, worse I scorn.

Pr.

Good, good immortal Sir! why should you be

Serv'd with the Emblems of Mortality?

With Russet, Flaxen, or the courser Stuff,

Since your rich Wardrobe can afford enough,

To speak you Non-such, bring the Crimson Suit,

(You may at pleasure have a new recruit.)

Finest Silk Stockings, Shooes of golden Cloth.

With best of Beavers (never touch'd by moth;)

[Page 3]The largest Chain of Gold, and Diamond Rings,

Never as yet put on; all other things

Are ready. Barber, are your Razors good?

Come, shave your Master, but beware of blood.

Powder, Perfume, Pomatum, and the Glass,

Bring. Let my Lord see his admired face.

Haste with the golden Bason, silver Ure,

In place of water, Wine put in that's pure;

This will not only wash, but strengthen all

The Members of my Lord both great and small:

The Scarlet Cloak forget not, Cuffs and Band

Of Lace, see! how the Fools amazed stand:

Groom of the Chambers call to make a fire,

Perfuming first the Room at my desire;

Thus is my bus'ness done. Now I retire.

Gluttony, Dives, Lazarus, Huntsman, Pride, Poverty, Sickness.

Glut.

Hail, glory of the world, and more than Man!

Since Brother Pride hath serv'd you what he can:

I think it's time for you to take advice

From me; Drink first your Mornings-draught with Spice.

Here Sir, accept the Quintessence of Blood,

Distill'd from the Oppressed, taste, it's good;

And here the widows house, a greater Dose;

The next's a Cordial from the Church's Cloaths:

[Page 4]These (I presume) may serve you till you dine,

E'r then what you expect, I will designe.

Div.

Thanks dearest friend, O how this Spirit pleases!

Sure'tis Nepenthes, cure for all Diseases;

It is Ambrosia or Nectarian Juyce,

The Gods (themselves) no better drink can wish:

I certainly enliv'ned am all o're,

My Soul it self is greater than before.

Pr.

I'me sure your eyes shine brighter than the Sun,

Now Thunder speaks, make Earth-quakes, I have done

So all that's called Man, thy threatning voice

Shall fear, and we your Vassals must-rejoyce.

Glut.

Sir, if your greater business permit:

I have one word to speak (if you think fit)

This Beauty-broker minds not that the Clock

Saith, It is time, your Stomach to unlock.

His trimming without food can never please;

You know Dogs only hunger bear for ease.

Come Sir, your Table's richly furnished.

Pray give you o're and let my Master feed.

Here's Manna instead of Bread, here's sprightly Wine,

Here's flesh of all sorts, delicate and fine;

With Sweet-meats store, and all may gratifie

And please my Lord his Palat and his Eye.

Div.

Was ever Man so happy in his friends,

As I in mine? their kindness never ends;

For which on them my Substance I'le bestow,

(If that be not sufficient, Soul too.)

Open the Casement, pray let in the Air;

Hark, hark, what voice doth to my Ears repair.

Laz.

[Page 5]

One crumb for God's sake to a hungry Soul.

Div.

Go, ask the Huntsman why the Dogs do houl.

Laz.

One crumb for Heav'ns sake to the hunger-starv'd.

Hunt.

'Tis not the Dogs, a Beggar would be serv'd.

Div.

Prodigious boldness! dare that meazled whelp

Approach my Parlor-window to seek help;

Must he, a very mass of loathsomness

Name God or Heaven? (these do disturb my bless)

No, Huntsman, whip him while his life doth last,

And say, the rich man sent that for's repast.

Hunts.

Come Leprous Rascal, here's a wyred cord

With which I'le scourge you, you've disturb'd my Lord:

Thou know'st that Heav'n & Earth can ne'r agree,

How then should our great Dives suffer thee,

Who, what he e'r expects enjoyeth here,

Though such as Fools are, think there's more elsewhere.

Come, I must whip thee dead, 'tis his command;

Laz.

First, let me tell you on what ground you stand,

Though his great favours smile on you this day,

To morrow's frowns may call them all away:

[Page 6]And then the lash may be bestow'd on you:

Which heard, the Huntsman (making humble bow)

Said, Sir, what are you?

Laz.

Dost not plainly se [...]

Me, one (to look on) fraught with misery,

View me all o're, if any part be free,

I'le not desire compassion from thee.

If otherwise, take heed thou dost not wrong

My Lord and Master, who will be too strong:

For thee, and thine. Though he may from me take

This painful life, he whom I serve, can make

It up, with interest a hundred fold.

(Yet pardon me, if I have been too bold)

Hunts.

Make but these words clear to my duller brain,

And then I will forbear; if I be slain

In place of thee? What do'st thou say to this?

Laz.

My answer's short, thou art not far from bliss,

Could'st thou but see all unto me belongs,

Thou would'st conclude that all corporeal wrongs

Are Skin-deep only, while my better part

Rejoyceth always, when my wounds do smart,

Knowing that without tribulation

I never can possess that station

Bought with the blood of an eternal Son:

Ponder this well, and then God's will be done.

Dives.

What mean'th the cursed Block-head to delay

His torture thus.

Hunts.

I'm charm'd, and what to say

[Page 7]I know not, for he saith, he hath a Soul

Impassible: if so, I dare not foul

My hands with blood, for which I answer must

Before the Judgment seat of him that's Just.

Div.

Whip him, or die, Rogue, if that will not do,

My Dogs are keen, I'le make them eat him too.

Hunts.

Sir, I must do't, you must your shoulders bare

I will strike easie, though I dare not spare.

Laz.

Will not Heav'n woo thee? Is thy Masters word

Sharper then hellish Torments? Flaming Sword,

Mark them about me stand: who will defend

Thy worst of bloody blows, and then will send

Thee to the place prepar'd for crueltie,

Where Dives also shall a sharer be.

Hunts.

A Vision! I dare not touch this man,

Who hath an Angel for his Guardian.

Div.

A Fool, an Angel, you flew high last night,

Your brain is dry, eyes dim, there no such sight;

Old Nurses only scare their Babes with such,

Believe nothing, but what ye see or touch.

Call out the Dogs, Rockwood, Old Lady, Ring,

And you shall see that they mind no such thing;

Baw, aw, aw.

Laz.

Peace, gentle Hounds, forbear to do me harm.

Hunts.

My Lord, he can the Beagles also charm.

Sir, do but see, how they lie at his feet,

Dev.

Then call them in; hang him, it is not meet

[Page 8]That Wizards (such as he) should have relief

From him, who never was sensible of grief.

Laz.

Hang me, why so? you see I have no spell,

But that may keep such as your self from hell.

Div.

He makes me tremble, fill the other cup,

When Dinner's o're, I'le see him hanged up.

Come eat and drink, if this must be my doom,

I'le lose no time (I swear) before it come.

Hell! I have that within me, there's no other

Which I resolve to drown. Come, fill another,

A third, a fourth, fift, and then as many more,

I'm sure the Beggar's God hath no such store

In his Elizium—

Laz.

There pretty Dogs, lick on your healthful tongues,

Make satisfaction for your Master's wrongs;

But Good my Lord, one morsel to the poor,

Div.

Peace wretch, you shall be hanged at my door.

Laz.

For God's sake, Sir, bestow the crumbs that fall

From your full Table on him, who doth call

For Christ and Pitie's sake to be relieved,

My suit is honest, Pray Sir, be not grieved.

Div.

What tell'st thou me either of Christ, or Pity?

This is my House. I'xpect no other City.

Laz.

But to relieve the Poor's the way to bliss,

Div.

Give o're, you Rascal, there's no Heav'n but this.

[Page 9]Here's all that I can wish for, or desire.

Laz.

No, Herer's no screen to keep thee from Hell-fire;

Nor is here any fence 'gainst powerful Death,

Thou, thou, proud Dives, must resign thy breath.

Div.

Ha! ha! this canting Rogue would terrifie

Me also with that Mormo, I must die.

Pr.

I wonder, Sir, you have the patience

To speak, or look on such, bid drive him hence.

Laz.

I wonder more that he should dote on thee,

A pinted Devil, Soul's great Enemy;

While the Almightie's Power upholds the house;

Thou fawn'st and flatter'st; but if he let loose

His Instruments, Want, Sickness, Pain or Age,

Thou fleest, then men must Act, or leave the Stage,

Without thy aid, Angel's and Adam's foe

Cease thy delusions, let great Dives go.

Pr.

Sir, do not ye hear this malicious wretch,

'Tis want of Bread that makes him use this fetch

To draw you in for this his wants supply.

Pov.

No, thou'rt mistaken, if he still deny

Or give to Lazar, either cannot hinder

The wholsom Precepts he shall to him tender;

For having learn'd content in all Estates,

He can endure cold Frosts, and Summers heats.

Let him be pinch'd with want, abound with wealth,

All's welcom. Sickness is to him as health:

His needy Belly, and these noisome Sores,

Are called by him Harbingers to stores

[Page 10]Of endless Joy, the thoughts of which doth raise

His Soul above the World's Envy or Praise.

Sick.

True, true, dear friend, for when men are brought low

By me, they study only Heav'n to know,

Although my various pains disrobe their faces

Of earthly glories, they augment their graces.

The true accountant of his days did say,

Before affliction, I went astray.

But being touch't by my Morbifick hand,

His eyes were open'd, and he saw a Land:

So full of glory (though a King before)

He'll there throw down his Crown, and keep the Dore,

Where Sunbeam-Beauty sat upon his brow

So bright, so long, that Meshech, Kedar now

Are black and ugly, Heav'n alone can please,

Such are th' effects of this good man's disease.

Pr.

Great Sir, this drift you easily may 'spie,

They would have Friendship broke 'twixt you and I;

Old friends are always sure, beware of new,

There are Religious Cheaters, not a few;

Is any one so mad to think that heav'n,

When ballanced with Gold, can carry ev'n;

No Sir, leave these to such far-hoping fools,

They may be hurt, who meddle with edg'd tools.

Div.

Their words are vain, thou art to me most dear,

I hate their persons, and give o're to hear

[Page 11]Their savourless discourse. Come, let me drink,

This babbling makes me melanchol' I think,

Pr.

Chear up, great Sir, shall your couragious Soul

Be daunted with the whooping of an Owl;

Shall croaking flesh-crow-sounds disturb your brest,

Glut.

Here's Lethe water will make you forget,

That eyer Lazarus was heard as yet.

Div.

O! but my head akes, and my spirit's dull.

Pr.

In haste, of Cordial, bring a brimmer full.

Glut.

Be of good cheer, this draught is for your good.

Div.

Oh! oh! oh! oh! Now, now I feel my blood

Returning to its Centre; and my eye,

The greatest Object doubl'd doth espie.

Oh, hold me, all my limbs begin to shake;

Hold me, O hold, or else my poor heart will break.

Who's there? O who's there! O what friends have I

To leave me thus in my extremity.

Who's there? oh! who's there?

Laz.

All your friends are gone.

Div.

Canst thou not help?

Laz.

Yes, but I [...]ll let alone,

To see if your belov'd Fraternity,

Dare shew their heads to promise certainty

Of a reprieve.

Div.

Dear Pride where art thou now?

Pr.

At hand; but cannot help, I've made a Vow,

Never to own, or speak to dying men.

Div.

Delitious Gluttony, where art thou then?

Glut.

[Page 12]

Here Sir, but all in vain, your passage stops.

Div.

May be for Meat, yet bring the gold'n drops,

My Essences of all sorts, now bring out.

A friend (be damn'd) he never stirs a foot.

Glut.

Why should I, Sir, though I was sworn to be

Yours unto death; now you must pard'n me.

Div.

Ah wretches! who would trust you. Lazarus, where art thou?

Laz.

who would be abused thus?

What think you now of your forenoons discourse?

Div.

Good Lazarus forbear, that makes me worse.

Laz.

Then you must die, as once before I said,

Though you, and yours then nothing of it made.

Div.

Nothing so true. Oh! oh! what sight is here,

A Sceleton brings in an empty Beer.

Death. Dives.

Death.

Sir, I arrest you at th' Almighties suit.

Div.

I know him not. What man on Earth dare do't?

Death.

Do not your out-cries speak you prisoner.

Now better words become you, do not err.

Div.

I scorn to please a Bailiff What's my charge?

That I will pay; and thee thy fees at large.

How'er 'tis strange that any should me sue.

I never borrower was, nor lender knew.

Death.

The last is true, the first a horrid Lye;

All that thou haft is borrow'd; for which I

Do execute this Warrant without Bail.

Div.

— Stay, first set my goods to sale.

Death.

[Page 13]

Goods, thou hast none, a judgment past long since.

Div.

Judgment, you Rogue, I never ow'd two pence.

Death.

But you're a Bankrupt and must defray

All now.

Div.

What are the Bills that I must pay.

Death.

I have a many, whose total's transgression.

Div.

Then bail'd I may be by your own confession;

And I can have the best in all the Land.

Death.

No mortal dare your action take in hand.

To Goal you must.

Div.

I'll pay before I go.

Death.

You lived blindly, and you will die so.

Do not you hear? what?

Dea.

your own Conscience

Cry, guilty, guilty.

Div.

Yes, I must go hence.

Treasur's farewel, Pride, Gluttony and Pleasure,

This is the last, Death giv's me no more leisure;

Else I would question you of treachery;

For crying, Hail, and yet to Crucifie

Your Noble Master.

Death.

Such things said before

Might have done good, but now you must give o're;

Time's Glass is almost out, Eternit' enters;

The worst of men sometimes are late repenters;

Which can in no case mitigate Hell's flame,

Death.

Hast'any more to say, I strike the stroke.

Div.

No, no, you need not, my heart-veins are broke:

Augh—augh—augh—g-o-l-d-dead.

[Page 14] Death. Lazarus.

Death.

You smile, and yet you must my Captive be

Laz. Most joyful news (dear friend) then I shall see

An end to all my ling'ring days; in grief,

Is any thing more welcome than relief

To weather-beaten Seamen, when the Waves

Of boystrous Neptun clasps his open Jaws

About their Vessel, forc'd by Wind and Tide.

Or to the Sould'er when he hath espi'd

The Enemy triumphing on his ground,

With flaming Steel and conqu'ring Trumpet sound.

Unto the hungry Soul what gives more life,

Then sight of Butler's lib'ral hand, and knife,

Ready to cut that may his app'tite stay;

Or to the weary Pilgrim on his way,

What's greater joy, than when he sees, and whe [...]

His friends receive him safe return'd agen.

Such straits had I in all my life, yet still

I sought to be submissive to the will

Of my good God, and shall I quest'on now

That Strength and Goodness, which I ever knew?

No, thou art welcome as the Harbinger,

To call me hence, where my affections were,

All this sad time that I have liv'd on earth;

No man's more willing to resign his breath.

Death.

Thou'rt not afraid of death as Dives was?

Laz.

No Sir, you see that I have no such cause.

Death.

[Page 15]

You are a debtor too, and't must be paid.

Laz.

Yes unto nature. What my sins have made

Me liable to th'Law when Christ did bleed,

He said, that from the same I should be freed;

Whose Cross my Crown, and Blood my Treasure is;

This being so, pardon I cannot miss.

Death.

Then thou art ready.

Laz.

Yes, through Heav'ns Grace,

And hope e're long to see his blessed face.

[...]n Glory. Who is that behind you stands?

Death.

It is an Angel into whose blest hands,

You must resign your Soul. Now I must see

The Rich Man's Funeral Solemnitie.

Pride, Sexton, Chyrurgions, Masons, Carvers.

Pr.

This loathsome, pale-fac'd Death, made me retire

[...]rom my deceased Lord, whose last desire

Was, That you Sexton ring his passing Bell;

And you Embalmers dress his Body well;

And that you Masons out of Marble Rock,

[...]ig for his Statue a substantial Block,

[...] length sev'n foot, breadth four and somewhat more,

[...]or's just dimension (as he was before)

[...]ou'r wish'd likewise who Mallet use and Tool,

[...]o cut th' Effigies while his wandring Soul

[...]oth miriads of years 'bout Lethe Streams

[...]ange, drink and sleep, until his newer Dreams

[Page 16]Remove him to the fair Elizium,

Where none but such as my dear Dives come.

Sext.

Master, I went about your just Commands,

But flaming Spirits flood and held my hands,

Saying, That since you, you had damn'd his Soul,

He was no better if the Bell did towl:

Though then at Pray'r, these unexpected words

With stranger Faces and prodigious Swords,

Repell'd my spirits so, as I seem'd to be,

As fit for my last Fun'ral Rite as he.

Pr.

Well, 'tis no matter, I and Gluttony,

In spight of Heav'n and Hell will Ringers be.

Chyrurg 'ons view the Corps, and spare no cost;

We do too little when we do the most:

For our dead Father Dives, by whose breath,

All men received either life or death.

Though we 'bove all, as Trustees, must our skill

Use, till we have performed his last Will.

An't shall be done, Artists, what say you to't?

Chyr.

Sir, Art availeth not, we cannot do it;

The sparkling Glow-worm yesterday shin'd bright

Melts into Rottenness: A horrid sight!

Pr.

Where is the leaden Coffin? put him in.

Chyr.

Nor this Sir, can we do, he hath no skin.

His flesh and bones consume, nothing remains:

So save your Gold, good Sir, as we our pains.

Pr.

Is't usual for dead men to do so.

Chyr.

No, no, it only speaks where he's to go.

Pr.

Why? He's already in th' Elizian Groves.

Chyr.

Be not deceiv'd, Heav'n no corrupt'on love

Pr.

[Page 17]

And do you truly think his state is bad.

Chyr.

We do so truly, and think your's as sad

Without Repentance.

Pr.

Now I know ye rave.

Chyr.

We knew what we should have, no more we crave.

Pr.

Masons, where is the Stone that I bespoke

For's Statue?

Mas.

Coming hither it was broke.

Pr.

I think we shall be cross'd in each design.

Mas.

We ne're were so till now, 'tis a bad sign.

Pr.

I never heard so much of these till now.

Mas.

Such om 'nous things may make a proud man bow.

Pr.

Bow! with a Pox! then what must the most do.

Mas.

We answer soon, learn to be humble too.

Pr.

Be gon, ye Rogues, about your business.

Mas.

From such as you, we ne're expected less.

Pr.

Carvers, have you no such already made?

Car.

Yes; but we must take pains about the head;

which we with artificial hairs must cover,

And in his hands put bags of Gold however.

Now Sir, it's done according to your mind.

Pr.

Come take your Mony, I'll have that's behind.

Mourners.

Thrice cursed be the day and Fate,

That did our bliss obliterate;

Our golden Mine is now shut up;

Its owner drinks of Styg'an Cup;

[Page 18] While we his Votaries do groan,

Being depriv'd of him, alone,

From whom we all our living had,

All but his Flatter'rs wanted bread:

His Friends (though few) he loved well;

Since for them he would go to Hell;

Where we must leave him, and repent,

E're our last glass of time be spent;

Or else we must expect that Doom,

To which he is too surely come,

For his neglect of Pietie,

Of which he would no lover be:

Our Tears are vain; then let's give o're,

And take possession of his store;

It is sufficient that his Glory,

Will live as long as Sacred Story;

And name of Dives will be sweet,

To every earthly Proselyte,

Who make their God of gilded clay,

Till Heav'n, as him, sweep them away:

There needs no Tomb, most Rich Mens Purses,

Wrap him, as Children, by their Nurses.

Death, Angel, Lazarus.

Death.

Friend Lazarus, how like you my return [...]

Laz.

Well, though your absence gave me cause to mourn.

Had not the glor'ous Light you left behind,

Made my past mis'ries vanish from my mind.

Death.

[Page 19]

Doth not the Doom of the Rich Man affright

Thy feeble flesh.

Laz.

Ne're while I see this Light;

Which I am sure is earnest of that bliss

I shall receive when come where Jesus is.

Keep me no longer here, I am most willing;

Thou canst not hurt me having lost thy Sting.

Speaketh to the Angel.

And you, if sent from God, to be my Guide,

Hold fast, dark night, rough way, may make me slide.

Ang.

Joy of thy Lord, I'm come for that same end,

To bring thee safe to Heav'n, he did me send:

Whose will I always cheerfully obey:

Yet e're we take our wing, pray let us stay,

And talk of your Adventur's here below:

This I desire.

Laz.

I'll tell you what I know.

What entertainment had you all this time

On earth?

Laz.

As Cynthia▪ now Full, now Prime.

Or as bright Phebus, whose resplendant Rays,

Give heat and light to the renewed days,

And yet are sometimes wrapt in Clouds and Mist,

That if he shine or not, it is not guest;

Or when pale Luna overshades his face,

So various was my state, while in this place.

Ang.

Is there not then 'mong Mortals difference?

Laz.

Yes, that's one cause, for which I would go hence.

[Page 20]Some swim in pleasure, some are drown'd in want,

Though this last happens where true Grace is scant.

The Rich oppress the Poor, the fat devour

The lean, and yet this lasteth not an hour,

Being compared with Eternity.

Ang.

Do not some say, that they shall never dy?

Laz.

Yes, so said the Rich Man but yesterday.

Now I am almost weary of my stay;

For though I'm glad to see your glorious light,

I long to see my God, who shines more bright;

Into whose presence I desire to be.

Ang.

I have yet one word more to say to thee.

What were thy thoughts of Heav'n when thy distress

And sores were grievous?

Laz.

You may eas'ly guess.

I never yet despair'd of Shaddai's help,

Though men look'd on me as a leprous whelp.

Ang.

And think'st thou that such Misers come to bliss?

Laz.

The Scripture saith, To such God's Promise is.

Ang.

Trust me thou dar'st then with thy happy Soul.

Laz.

Why should I fear? Since you dare not controul

Your Makers Mandat; who desires that ye

Ne [...]r leave my better part, till plac'd it be

[Page 21]In Abram's bosom, where I shall inherit

More than Elisha's or Elia's spirit.

Ang.

This pleaseth well. What thy last words may be,

I'll hear of Mankinds treple Enemy.

And so go hence: The Flesh, the World, and Hell,

Are those I mean; b'ing such since Adam fell.

Laz.

The Devil a Lyar is, whom I defie,

And ever did, you are my witness, by

His black suggests, that did my Maker rob

Of's Glory; I despis'd, and shar'd with Job,

In's dunghil scabs, and rather than commit

A wilful trespass, I would to the pit

Have gone alive, he hath a murd'ring mind,

Although he flatter, let him get behind.

As for the alluring world, th' Almighty knows,

It never received ought of me, it owes

Me many common favours, fare it well;

'Twas better want them, then have gone to Hell.

Poor flesh, I am a debtor unto thee;

Wait but a while, my Lord will satisfie

With Interest, what e'r I took on score,

Enough for all; thou shalt revive: Nay more,

Thou shalt be glorifi'd with Christ thy Head,

At Day of Judgment, when he 'wakes the dead.

Ang.

This true Confession, makes the glorious

Earth is not worthy of thee, come with us:

Death strike him gently, he's the adopted Son

Of Abram, where I leave him, and have done.

[Page 22] Abraham. Lazarus. Dives.

Abr.

Welcome dear Child, now I am filld with joy,

To see thee trample all did thee annoy.

'Tis Faith, and Hope, and Love that helpt thee hither:

Two of which cease, the last shall never wither.

It's Summer always here, here's no Hail-showers,

To stock the fruit once set, or blast the Flowers.

Of bliss eteanal. Pray look upon me,

My faithful Son, whom I have long'd to see;

Here take this Crown, this Royal Diadem,

Adron that head, which formerly with shame

Lay on the Dunghil. Let thy spotted skin

Henceforth be glorious, as thy Soul within.

Prepare thine ears for the uncessant noise

Of Saints and Angels, who do all rejoyce

At thy admission to this Sacred Quire,

Where all their Hymn's are fraught with Divine fire;

And none do sing of any thing but love.

That's our eternal bus'ness now above.

Laz.

All praise to the Almighty, through whose Grace,

I fought the good fight and have won the race.

Abr.

Raise thy Immortal Voice another Key.

Thou must sing Halelujahs night and day

For ever— La. Halelujah —

Devil.

[Page 23]

Did my dark chains and torments fierce permit,

I should rejoyce to see Great Dives sit

Here pin'd with anguish thirst, and cold,

While my dear Friends consume his ill got Gold.

How fare you Sir? How like ye your remove?

The Scene is alter'd, since you were above.

Div.

Ah me! What ruful sights? what squalid shapes,

Of Bears, and Wolves, and Tygers, ugly Apes,

Devouring Vulturs; and that which is worse,

Damn'd Furies foaming under Heav'ns curse.

Fire, fire, O fire! dreadful, sulphureous.

Devil.

Such entertainment you must have with us.

Dives.

I freeze, I fry, and cannot get way.

Devil.

Stay, first for Purple, and fine Linnen pay.

You took on trust; your quintessence of blood

Must be exchanged for the Styg'an flood.

The pleasure you have had for some few years,

Is ended, after which eternal tears

Must have succession.

Div.

O! what glorious light

Do I see, shining through the gloomy night;

And place, with fairest Diamonds and Pearls

Beset and floored, fit for none but Earls,

Or such as I once was. What Sun-like Sage

Is that? his face bespeaks him of great age.

And who is that li'th in his glor'ous arms?

Sure, 'tis some Cupid, who fond nature charms.

Devil.

[Page 24]

Nothing but Nature yet, I thought this load

Of chains might have assur'd there was a God,

Whose habitation is the place you see.

Dives.

Then curst be they, who have deceived me.

Devil.

That ancien's Abr'am, and that glorious youth

In's happy arms is Lazarus, whose mouth

You once forbid to shew his wretched case,

Or give the least relief Div. Alas! alas!

Will neither of them help me, if I cry.

Devil.

'Twill but augment your torment, you may try.

Dives.

Father, dear Father Abram, ease your Son,

Who li'th in torment, else he is undon.

My misery's so great, I cannot tell:

But ah! too sure it is the fire of Hell,

Which heretofore none could make me believe;

Yet dearest Father (if you can) relieve

Me from this torment, reach thy helping hand;

If not, send Lazarus; who thy Command

is ready to obey, and let him dip

In cooling water, but his fingers tip,

Which he upon my scorched tongue may drain,

To quench this flame, which I cannot sustain.

Abr.

Son be content, time was thou wouldst not see,

(Without disdain) this poor man's miserie.

[Page 25]Nor wouldest give the crumbs fell from thy Table,

To satisfie his Soul; when thou wast able,

His fortunes to have rais'd, to such a pitch,

That none but Dives might have been more rich:

Then thou thy portion hadst while wretched he,

Lay in distress; unpitied by thee.

Dost not remember these things?

Div.

Yes, O Yes!

Is this the cause I am depriv'd of bliss?

Abr.

And good cause too, wherefore give o're to grieve,

There's none in Heav'n or Earth can thee relieve.

A fixed Gulf, betwixt us ever shall

Unmoved stand; God's Justice, brazen wall;

So that no heir of Heav'n can come to thee,

Nor thou to them, for ease of misery.

Dives.

Then pray you send him to my Father's house,

I have five Brethren there, are very loose;

They're also feeding fat for this sad slaughter.

Abr.

Tush, News from Heav'n, will only make their laughter.

For they who drowned are in earthly pleasure;

Have this hard fate, ne [...]re to repent at leisure;

Or mend that is amiss, but spend their day,

In eating, drinking, rising up to play,

Till they are fall'n asleep: Their golden Dreams,

[...]re never well interpreted, till Streams

[Page 26]Of fire and brimstone from the higher powers,

Rain on their heads for ever.

Div.

O, these Showers

Would I were turned to some Marble Rock,

Or had at first been made a sensless Block.

Oh! that great hills and mountains might us swallow;

Or that (like Bruits) I might for ever wallow

On Earth, and have no other 'count to make.

Abr.

Give o're, give o're, and these your torments take,

A [...] from a just, and sin-revenging God,

Who will'd you once to bear a lighter load.

Div.

O! but my Brethren, Sir, know not my Doom.

Abr.

They'll know't (I doubt) too soon, when they are come

To that same place of torment where you are.

Div.

Then send, O send, Sir, e're they go too far.

Is not the gate of Heav'n ope' while they live?

They may repent, and God their sins forgive.

Abr.

'Tis but in vain to send one from the dead,

Se'ing he can say no more, than may be read

In Moses, Isai'▪ weeping Jeremie,

And all the rest whose Inspirations be

Divine. Then cursed wretch, thou must give o're

To cry, bidding Adieu for evermore

To Heav'n, where Lazarus must now remain

With me, and thou in Hell's tormenting pain.

[Page 27]

The Rich Man's EPITAPH, FOR The EPILOGUE.

HEre li'th the Man, who never did

Good while he liv [...]d, nor Vice forbid:

Here li'th the Man, who to his Wealth,

Trusted his Souls and Bodies health:

Here li'th the Man, who out of measure,

Glutted himself with beastly pleasure;

For which his hungry Soul and dry,

Is doom'd eternally to fry

In Hell. A warning unto those,

Who in base Earth their trust repose.

His Sentence past; let such give o're,

God's just still, as he was before.

Avertat Deus hoc malum à nobis.

FINIS.

FIRE And Brimſtone; …

[Page]

FIRE And Brimstone; OR, THE DESTRUCTION OF Sodom.

Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luk. 13.3.

[Page]

The Persons.

Prologus.
Angel. God.
Angels of God.
Abraham.
Sarah.
Sodomites.
Lot.
Lot's Sons.
Devil.
Lot's Wife.
Chorus.

[Page]

Prologus.IF any think my Buskin is too much,
Like to Satyr; know, 'tis not a touch:
If the Physitian can a Gangrene kill,
He must use Corrosives as well as skill;
Else putrid matter will infest the part
That's sound, till it hath seized on the heart:
This is too often seen to be disapprov'd;
Let not the courteous Reader then be mov'd,
If I have laid the Axe to the Tree's root,
Thinking to fell it. O! that I could do't.
If 
Lot's Wife, who was led by Angel's hand,
Scap'd not God's Judgment, but doth Pillar stand
Of Salt. And seeing Justice doth begin
With House of God, must we not all fear sin?
That 
Adam out of Paradice did cast;
And after him, drown'd the old World at last;


[Page]That slaved 
Israel four hundred years;
And costs each Heav'n-born Child much briny tears:
What say I, tears? for it the Son of God
Sweat drops of blood, and bore a heavy load
Of wood, for's Cross, and then resign'd his breath,
That who believes might not taste second death.
For it is 
Sodom burnt, our present Theme;
We must beware of Sin, or bear the blame.
If we give way, this 
Circe will bewitch
The best. The fire's hot made of wood & pitch
But hotter far, that's kindled by the breath
Of Sin-revenging God, eternal death.

[Page 33]

FIRE and BRIMSTONE; OR, 
The Destruction of Sodom.Angel, God, Abraham, Sarah, Angels.
BEhold, how 
Sodom swaggers in its Pride,
And Lust, and Gluttony! none is espied,
That thoughts of Heaven have; or bowe a knee:
But one poor Stranger, who adoreth me.
My Servant Lot: whose holy Soul they vex;
Because there's no distinction made of Sex
Nor age, But all promiscuously do go,
Like Goats and Leopards that all they may know
Each other. Come, we will go down and see,
Those horrid facts; whose cry has come to me.
I am the Holy One who sit above,
My purer Eye cannot such things approve.
The Soul that sinneth, it shall surely die.
Awake my Just revenge; I'le down and try:
If they my handy work who are but clay,
Dare quarrel with their Potter and say nay:


[Page 34]But we will do it. Who can us controul?
What profiteth Religion, since the Soul
Is mortal as our flesh and cannot rise?
Let's heap up sin on sin, and heav'n despise.
Put on your walking habits: Let us go
And view the place, to see if it be so.
Yet there's a trusty Friend lives in our way
By 
Mamre Grove: there we must make some stay.
See, Yonder is the place where Sun doth shine,
Gilding the Oakes whose tops seem to encline:
To bid us welcome —
Angels.
Eternal Son, true Day-Star from on high,
It is our honour that we may draw nigh
So great a Light, and be employ'd by thee;
To execute thy Will we ready be.
Ab. Sarah, Sa:
My Lord.
Ab.
Do'st not see strangers come?
Sa.
I do, I do, 'tis well you were at home.
Ab.
Their gate bespeaks them great: I'le run and see,
Walking on foot perhaps they weary be.
Al-hail my Lord, if I have favour found
With thee: pass not from off thy servant's ground,
Untill a little water fetched be
To wash your Feet, and you under this Tree
Rest for a while, it being almost noon;
You shall go on as soon as Dinner's done:
For therefore to your servant are ye come—
Ang.
'Tis true! go quickly, do as thou hast said.
Ab.
Up my dear 
Sarah now I lack thine aid,


[Page 35]Of Meal three measures thou shalt dress: & knead,
Cakes on the hearth make of it, we want bread;
And I my self will bring a fatted Calf:
Out of the herd; young man dress you its half.
Bring Milk and Butter hither unto me:
With Veal both roast and boil'd; my Lord you see
Your homely dinner, Let your Friends take place.
Where the Almighty eats, there needs no grace.
Accept such things as you are pleas'd to send
To your poor Servant who will you attend.
Ang.
These Favours I will certainly requite
Upon thee and thy Wife who's out of sight.
Where is thy 
Sarah? Is she not at home?
Ab.
Yes, in the Tent.
Ang.
Then why did she not come?
For I intend, about this time next year
To come again, and she shall surely bear
A Son: though 
Abraham be old, and she
Have no fore-runner of a pregnancie.
Sar.
Ha, ha, Is not this likely to be true?
Have I been thus long Married to you,
Without Conception? shall my nutted Breast;
And barren Womb procure a cleansing Feast?
No, I shall sooner far expect my grave:
Than that such Pleasure you and I should have.
Ang.
Hark; 
Sarah laughs, good 
Abra'm tell me why?
She cannot be thy Wife; if she deny
That the Almighty can all Natur's laws
Reverse, dilate, contract as he see's cause.


[Page 36]Or thinketh she that any thing on Earth
Can be too hard for him; who gave all breath?
Once more I say I will return, and she,
This time next Year, shall Joyful Mother be.
Sar.
Alas! What shall I do? he did me spie
Laughing, yet Woman-like I will denie,
I did not laugh.
Ang.
Nay, but thou didst, forbear:
He cannot be deceiv'd who's Eye and Ear.
Arise, Let us go hence: a fearful stink
Comes to my nostrils, from that filthy sink,
Whose crying sins do hasten its decay.
Ab.
Pray let your Servant bring you on your way.
Ang.
Well 
Abraham, since thou hast served me
So faithfully, nothing shall hidden be,
Of all that I am now about to do,
Here I will all relate before I go.
For thou shalt surely a great Nation be:
And all the World shall blessed be in thee,
The Sin of 
Sodom's great, its dreadful Cry
Hath long since sounded in my Ears, now I
Am come to see: armed an angry Judge,
Without repentance there is no refuge:
But Fire and Brimstone from the Lord shall fall;
And shall consume those cursed Cities all.
Ab.
Wilt thou not then the righteous in it spare?
Ang.
Thou know'st long since that great my Mercies are.
Ab.
If there be Fifty righteous in the place,
Shall not thy Justice run a slower pace?


[Page 37]Art thou not of the World the holy Judge?
If thou do otherwayes 'twill make men grudge:
We do confess thou'rt infinit in Might:
Yet let the Judge of all the World do right.
Ang.
It Fifty in it be I will return:
And for their sakes, I'le not at this time burn
The Cities—
Ab.
Since thou a gracious Ear do'st to me lend,
Who am but dust and ashes, I'le yet spend
Some of the breath thou giv'st me, and desire,
That if there want five, yet that dreadful fire
May not be kindled.
Ang.
If but five there lack
Of fifty, I'le not burn it for their sake.
Ab.
What if but fourty, Lord, what wilt thou do?
Ang.
For fourtie's sake I'le spare the Cities too.
Ab.
I plead for mercy, let not anger burn:
If thirty there be found, wilt thou return?
Ang.
Yes.
Ab.
But if twenty

Justi,Just Persons.
 Just, do there remain?
Ang.
For twentie's sake, I also will refrain.
Ab.
Let not my Lord be angry, this once more
I'le speak, What if you find but half a score?
Speak Lord, a grac'ous answer let me hear.
Ang.
Ev'n for Ten's sake I also will forbear.
Now get thee home, I'le make no more delay,
The Angels at 
Lot's house do for me stay.
Chorus.

[Page 38]Mamre 
from henceforth let thy grove

Renowned be, because Jehove

Daigned to rest in thy cool shade,

And with our Master Dinner had.

Cake, Milk and Butter: sav'ry meat,

Two Angels with their Lord did eat.

Which done, Jehovah 
did requite

Old Abram
's kindness: whose delight

Is to refresh the weary Stranger,

And to relieve the weak from danger.

The fear of God he alwayes keeps

Sure, when he either wakes or sleeps.
El-Shaddai 
in his faithful Eye,

Is all-sufficient Treasurie.

He with the Lord a Cov'nant made,

And he with him, Jehovah 
said:

Walk me before and perfect be,

Then I no good will hold from thee.

Of Children thou complains, thy Wife,

According to the time of life:

At my return a Son shall bear,

To usher in the next new Year.

Our Mistress needs not doubt the thing,

That's promised by Salem's 
King.

Let her laugh on, but not distrust,

What Heaven sayes fulfilled must


[Page 39] 
Be, see how on her Marble face,

A rich Vermilion taketh place;

The Rose and Lilie are at strife,

Who shall have most in Abram's 
Wife:

Her shaking hands and feeble knees,

Put on their youthful Liveries.

And is not Abram 
altered,

Since t'other day the Angels fed

At's Table? Doth not ev'ry feature

In's Face, declare a God of Nature?

Quick eye, quick ears, and nimble feet,

Strong legs and armes, do not ye see't?

'Tis said that Eggles onely do

Renew their age
 [...] Abra'm 
too.

Go happy Couple; let your new

Rais'd vigour unto the World shew

A resurrection from the dead,

In both of you by promis'd seed.
Isma'l 
thou must give o're to hope,

That thou shalt be our Fam'lies prop:

Thy Mother Hagar 
must forbear,

O're Abra'ms 
Wife to domineer.

It is not fit that hand-maid-drudges,

Should be of Mistris actions Judges.

If she intends to live in ease,

She must her grieved Mistriss please:

And thou thy unborn Brother serve,

Or be cast out o'th' house and starve;

For we are sure to have an Heir;

Of whose Flesh God will take a share:


[Page 40] 
And in it die that we may live,

To whom, Let's ever praises give.
Angels, Lot, Lot's Wife.
Ang.
Father pray tell us what is this Town's name?
Lot.
'Tis sinful 
Sodom, too well known by fame,
That hath already flown o're earth to heav'n.
Ang.
Pray what a clock?
Lot.
My Lords 'tis almost Ev'n.
Ang.
Can strangers any entertainment find?
Lot.
Yes Sir with me (if you to stay have mind)
Ang.
Is there no house in Town but yours that's civil?
Lot.
None, none My Lords, all imitate the Devil.
Ang.
Then what of this bad City will become?
Lot.
If God be Just 'twil have a sudden doom.
Ang.
What Judgment's fittest think'st thou for their Sin?
Lot.
Brimstone and fire suits best those burn'd within:
With lust unnat'ral,
Ang.
If it should be so,
What wilt thou do? think'st thou to perish too?
Lot.
No Sir, I do not, he whom I do serve,
Will send his holy Angels to preserve
Me; as from sin, so from the punishment,
That from the Heav'ns on 
Sodom will be sent.


[Page 41]My Lords come in, we'll talk more in the house,
For when night comes our streets are very loose.
You shall this once take harbour here with me,
Nor shall you leave my Cottage till you see
Next morning Sun. Here's water, wash your feet,
My Wife and Daughters shall take care for meat.
Ang.
Sir your good nature merits well of us:
Yet will the Street be better than the house,
There we will stay.
Lot.
My Lords that must not be:
You shall have welcome, pray turn in with me,
The ends I have upon you are but civil,
Then if I urge, you must not take it evil.
This is a cursed Town, and if you be
Wrong'd in the street, the blame will lye on me.
Wife try thy skill, see if thou canst perswade
These men; we never yet such Lodgers had.
If God in likeness of a man may be,
The man that speaketh most must needs be he.
Lot's Wife.
Husband were I such as the Town affords,
I might invite them with such Sugar'd words,
As neither I nor they I think approve;
Flatt'ry I hate, if they become in Love,
They will not pass our Door; come good my Lords,
My civil actions shall confirm my words.
Ang.
Your courteous invitations take a place
With us.
Lot.
My Lords I'm glad I have found grace,


[Page 42]To Lodge such persons as you seem to be,
And that you'll eat such victuals as you see.
Chorus.

Our hearts are griev'd to see

Those Men in Jeopardy:

Who Lodge with Father Lot,

On him will lye a blot,

Who doth them entertain:

If they shall now sustaine

Any harm in the night,

By the Sodomits 
might.

The Town already knows,

And have made bitter vows:

That before the Sun rise

They will secure the prize;

If Heav'n come to their aid,

They will not be affraid.

Where Lust doth rage and swell,

There is no thought of Hell.

No Monsters liker unto Devills be,

Than men giv'n up to filthy Sodomie.
Sodomites, Lots Sons, Lot, Angels.
Sod.
A prize, a prize! run, call the Town to­gether,
The beauties of World are now come hither:


[Page 43]Come let's not lose this opportunity,
At 
Lot the stranger's House, the Gallants lye.
How canst thou tell? I saw them enter in;
Sons.
Such persons to defile 'twill be a Sin:
Besides the old man hath perswaded them
To stay, if this be done; he'll bear the blame,
Forbear.
Sod.
You punies, you'l be Godly too,
Is this the way you do his daughters woo?
Son.
And we would have you so, could we per­swade.
Sod.
Ha, see how like they grow to their old Dad;
Go get you hence, we'll make no more delay.
Give o're to plead, or you shall dearly pay
For your sobriety; come out ye Rogue,
Bring forth these strangers, do not time prorogue:
We hear they're beauties, 'tis but what they owe,
Being within our Town, we must them know.
See how he shuckes, old Rascal do not dally
With us, nor time; see'st not the City rally
About thy House? 'tis but in vain to think,
That thou shalt eat our Bread or drink our Drink,
And not submit thy self unto our Will.
Lot.
All your requests (if just) I will fulfill.
I hope these boyst' rous words are all but Jests.
Sod.
Confounded Dog, bring forth thy hand­some Guests,
Or by our great God 
Priapus we swear,
That we thy Body will in pieces tear.
Lot.

[Page 44]My Lords, this rudeness is not strange to me,
Be not dismaid, I will go out and see
It my grave presence can make them give o're,
However after me I'le shut the Door.
Brethren I do not understand your humour,
What is the cause that ye make such a rumour
I'th' street at this time, and about my Door?
Neighbours be rul'd, this wickedness give o're.
And if your Beastly lust cannot refrain,
But that these strangers you with sin would stain;
See here two Maids of mine who Virgins be,
Use them at pleasure, and let these go free.
Sod.
Rogue, runagate, slave, think not that thou must,
Make such exchanges to restrain our Lust.
Who made the'a Judge? If we be rul'd by thee,
Then must we bid adieu to Buggary.
But hold, stand back, or we will break the Door.
Lot.
Help, help, O help, these Villains press me sore.
Sod.
Hark, this mad fellow thinks to have Rescue,
Whence must it be? from Heav'n I warrant you
Heav'n! help, indeed of that we're not afraid,
Though it and Hell combine; their feeble aid
Cannot reprieve the Prisoners within,
We are not scar'd with punishment of sin.
There Bald-pate God-adoring Rascal, take yo
 [...] that;
strikes him
How pretily he looks in's dimpl'd Hat?


[Page 45]Now open to us.—
strikes again.
Ang.
Belov'd of Heav'n, we see thy willing­ness,
To curb these wretches, and our grief redress;
Come in to us, and we'll secure the Door;
Blindness shall make these Brands of Hell give o're.
Sod.
He is a Devil, he'th bewitched me,
And me, and me, and me, and me, and me.
I'm blind, I'm blind, and cannot find the Door,
By Heav'n nor I, I fear we must give o're.
We see their God can help them in a strait,
And cool our courage; let us leave his Gate,
Begging him pardon; for if we stand still,
He that hath struck us blind can also kill.
Not I, for though I see not, I can fell;
And if I catch the old knave, I will deal
Worse with him than before: In spite of Heav'n,
We may in time with him also be ev'n;
For if he does not ope our Eyes again,
He and all his to morrow shall be slain.
Ang.
Besides thy Family, do'st any pity,
Daughters, or Sons-in-Law, within this City?

 [...]f any; call them, those we'll not anoy:
But all the City else we will destroy,
Because the cry is wax'n great, we must
Reduce all Living in it into dust.
Lot.
Sons now take warning, get you from this place
Quickly, the Sun shall not twice run his race


[Page 46]From East, to West, before destruction shall,
(Reward of lust) on wicked 
Sodom fall.
God saith it, and I'm sure it will be done,
Sons if ye love your lives get ready soon,
To go with me—
Sons.
Sir, this you told all of us long ago,
And yet nothing is come to pass you know;
You old and fearful are, your brain is dry,
Before that it be so, we shall espy,
Unusual signes from Heav'n if any be,
Such things we may believe, but never thee.
Ang. Lot,
God give thee good morrow, dost not spy.
The Sun in this Horizon mounting high?
Hast, get thee hence, with Daughters, Sons and Wife,
Nothing that stayes behind shall keep in life.
You must out of the City speedily,
Lest for its sin you all consumed be.
Come there's no time to stay or look about,
He that would not be burnt must get him out.
Why do you linger? pray give me your hand.
Yours Madam, pray give me, we cannot stand;
Your God is merciful and full of pity,
And hath sent us to bring you out o'th' City.
Ang. Deus.
Scape for thy life, shake off all Worldly cares,
When God afflicts, all such things are but snares;
Trust not to humane help, 'tis I who fight,
And nothing's able to resist my might.


[Page 47]Go look streight forward, if thou turn thy back,
Or any that is thine, then I will make
Thee feel the smart of my afflicting Rod.
Fly to the Mountains, lest Almighty God
Consume thee with the City.
Lot.
Not so Lord,
Since I believe according to thy word,
And have found grace in saving of my Life,
As likewise have these two poor Girls and Wife.
Into the Mountains Lord, I cannot fly,

 [...]est there some evil take me, and I dye;
Add to thy former favours out of pity,
Leave for to flye unto the neighb'ring City;
Tis but a little one, my Lord it give
Into thy Servant, and his Soul shall Live.
Ang.
Dear friend, to shew thee what respect I bear,

 [...]o thee and all thy Servants, this I hear,

 [...]nd grant what thou desirest; flye in hast

 [...]o thy entreated shelter: while thou'rt past

 [...]he City Wall, my powerful hands are bound
With cords of Love, while thou art on this ground
Although my Just revenge doth burn and chafe

 [...]can do nothing, till thou art come safe

 [...]o 
Zoar.—
Chorus.

[Page 48]
Curs'd be the day when we,

This stranger first did see.

Curs'd be the mouth that spake

To us, that we should take

This wretch within our Walls,

Who Studieth our falls.

And hath with Heav
 [...]n conspir'd,

That Sodom 
may be fir'd:

There is no remedy,

We must destroyed be.

Come, yet let's endeavour,

To get the Rogues favour.

If he will but once pray,

We're sure Heav'n will stay

His hand, and will revoke

This sad and fatal stroke.

Rise, let us to his Gate,

(Perhaps it's not too late)

And give his guests good words,

The best Sodom 
affords:

If these do not take place,

Then there will be no space

Between us and the fire:

Taugh! I must now retire,

Here's such a loathsome smell,

That nothing (if not Hell)

Can the same parallel.


[Page 49] 
Angel-God, Sodomits, Devil, Lot, Lot's Wife.
Ang.
The Sun shines bright, and 
Lot almost at home
In 
Zoar, now must 
Sodom have its doom;

Gomorah also 
Admah and 
Zeboim,
The fifth, I will reserve as yet for him.
Awake my Justice, and let dreadful streams,
Of Fre and Brimstone darken the Sun-beams;
Once more let Heav'ns Windows open'd be,
That 
Lot may fire (as 
Noah water) see.
Shut up those bowells full of mercy are,
And neither young nor old i'th'Cities spare.
Raise thickest Smoak, and make a sulph'rous smell,
That living, they may know the paines of Hell.
Perhaps 't may warn all those that come behind,
To know, and walk according to my mind;
If not, while I am just they must be sure,
Those, or such dreadful torments to endure.
He that sheds blood, with blood must punish'd be,
For lust and anger fire's the destiny.
I'le stamp my curse on all things for their sake,
This fruitful plain shall be a stinking Lake.
If any fruit for ever after grow,
It shall not be for Food, but only show.
Sod.
Oh Heav'ns! I'm choack'd with Smoak,
I'm burn'd with fire,
O Brimston, Brimston! Where shall we retire?


[Page 50]We dye, we dye, O may this be the last
Of Heav'ns dreadful Sentence on us past!
We're burn'd and damn'd, there is no remedy;
We would not hear 
Lot, when he bid us fly
From wrath to come. O how our Limbs do crack
With fire! Our Conscience is upon the rack
For by-past Crimes; our beastly Lusts Torment
Us, as the pretious time that we have spent.
O wretched Nature, whither hast thou brought
Us Fools, and made us sell our Souls for nought?
Luxurious Eyes, why were ye so unkind,
To dote on objects, who have made you blind?
And you Tenacious hands, why did you grasp
The Poyson of the Spider? Why from Wasp
Did you seek Honey? did not Heav'n bestow,
As upon 
Lot, so also upon you,
The Lawful helps, and remedies for lust?
Was not all this enough? but that you must
In spite of Heav'n, lay hold on all that came,
Although they man his members had or name.
Could not a lawful Wedlock satisfie
Thy burning flame, proud flesh? No, thou must cry
Bring out thy handsome Guests, them we must know,
Not knowing that they were not from below▪
Whose Just revenge doth make us miserable,
To bear these scorching flames we are not able.


[Page 51]And yet alas! our wo doth but begin,
The vengeance is Eternal that's for sin.
O that 
Lots God would grant us a reprieve
But for one hour, that wretched we might live,
To wail our by-past sins; and beg his aid,
Who never yet to humble sinner said,
I scorn your plaints, but always graciously
Prepar'd a bottle for a melting Eye.
And piece-meal Pray'rs made whole with his own merit,
Sa'ing be comforted, 'tis you must inherit
My endless Joy; which sentence now doth pierce
Our Souls so much, that we cannot rehearse
Our woes, though Oh! alas! it is too late,
We must expect nought but Almighties hate.
See how the Devils laugh, whom we have serv'd:
O cursed Sp'rits it't this we have deserv'd
From you, for all those things that we have done
At your Comand?
—
Devil.
Give over, blame not me;
You know I did but only gratifie
Your own desires, I never could command,
Or force your wills; this the Almighties hand
Was only able to effect, but ye
With your unbounded wishes wearied me.
You made the Tinder, then from me beg'd fire;
Half what ye did, was never my desire.
You sought the newest ways to damn your Souls,
For which we Devils do account you Fools.


[Page 52]Your state might have been happy when at worst,
If you had not me, and your Natures forc'd.
If we Apostates had such promises,
And helps as you; No sinful false surmises
Of feign'd fruition (of I know not what)
Should e're have made us spirits forfeit that,
You were assured of by Heavens word;
Viz.
Whosoever turn'd unto the Lord,
Should have their crimson sins made white as Snow;
Their Scarlet ones like Wool; and what they ow
Cancelled out of Gods omniscience Book,
Ev'n all sins trumpery, that they ever took
On trust: and after death should all receive,
Glory in Heav'n, as much as they could crave.
Did not your consciences many times
Speak, when you acted these unheard of Crimes?
Then why did ye not say Tempter forbear?
This, this ye did not, being voy'd of fear,
Of either Heav'ns anger, or of Hell,
Till scorching flames of a Sulphureous smell,
Forc'd you on former actions to reflect,
Which heretofore you ever did neglect.
This you will find a good Apology,
When you to Heav'ns Tribunal called be;
Then you shall hear what I already said,
That if you had implor'd th'Almighty's aid,
He would at all points, so have armed you,
As all my fiery Darts should ever bow


[Page 53]And never pierce, But since your free election
Was sin, you must not grudge at your rejection.
You are my Prisoners, and Hell your place,
Where you shall never see the blessed Face
Of God in mercy, but for ever must,
Burn with his wrath, for your unnat'ral Lust.
Lot.
Come Wife, why dost thou tarry so be­hind?
Wife.
I am a Woman, can I be unkind?
Have we not dwelt in 
Sodom several years?
Can I behold its flames, and not shed Tears?
Lot.
When Heav'n is angry, we must be so too,
Wife.
Ah Husband! flesh and blood this can­not do.
Lot.
But flesh and blood shall not inherit bliss,
This truth we fully see confirm'd in this
Sad fire.
Wife.
O Husband, Husband! see the smoak,
The Town is fir'd.
Lot.
No, it will provoke
My God, who hath his mercy magnifi'd,
To grieve, that I'ave not with the City died.
Wife.
I must look back, let come of it what will,
What God hath promised he will fulfill.
I shall not dye.
Lot.
Fond Woman say not so,
Thou must perform conditions, if thou go
Alive to 
Zoar.
Wife.
O! I'm sensless struck.
Lot.
Who break God's precepts ne're have bet­ter luck.
Wife.

[Page 54]Help Husband e're I dye, I fixed stand,
My mouth is full of Salt.
Lot.
It is God's hand
That strikes; his blessed will I'le not controul,
However, Lord have mercy on her Soul.
Chorus.

Beware of Sin, for God abhors

Impenitents, and all their scores,

With pen of Iron graves in stone,

Which he'll produce when time is done.

Of vengeance if you would be free,

Beware of Lust and Gluttony.

This drowns the Soul, that doth it kill,

Though Christ for it his blood did spill.

The man that doth attempt the Crown,

Deserv's not to have kindness shown.

Christ's honour is his Crown, yet we

From time to time attempters be;

Though he be patient and forbears,

As witness his Jerus'lem 
Tears;

Yet at the last, when he doth come

With all his Angels; then our doom

(With Majesty) he shall repeat,

When we can neither Bribe nor Cheat

The Judge, nor Jury; but submit

To those that hurry to the Pit;

Where we must be depriv'd of bliss,

If we make Sin our business.

Then let us look on Sodom's 
flames, and say,

From Sodom's 
sins, deliver Lord we pray.
FINIS.

Abraham's FAITH. …

[Page]

Abraham's FAITH.

[...]. Mark. 9.23.

[Page]

The Persons.

Prologus.
Hagar, Abraham's Hand-maid.
Ismael, Hagar's Son.
Abraham.
Sarah.
Isaack.
Angel.
Midwife.
Devil.
Faith.
Flesh.
Despair.
Abraham's Servants.
Chorus.
Epilogue.

[Page]

Prologus.FRet not to see a Tragi-Comedy,
Written by one, who thinks no shame to be
All things to all men, Pedant, Player, Fool,
Provided he may gain a Sin-sick Soul;
And bring him back to his first Love and Lord,
Using no other Spel than Heav'ns word.
The Atheist I do first Court and say,
Sir, you're invited to our homely Play;
Where, if you look with 
Abraham's faithful eye,
You mercy in a Mystery may spie.
The disobedient Child, I do invite
To come, and view with me this happy sight.
Young 
Isaack, who submitteth to the knife
Of 
Abraham, from whom he first had life.
The tender Mother may also draw near,
And hear or read these Lines and never fear,


[Page] 
Abra'm by God must only tryed be,
The Boy by him, and then delivery
From Heav'n will come, or if the World's worthies,
Will daign a look, or stoop to catch such flies
As I have brought; or can spare any time,
From greater matters to read humble Rhyme,
They're welcome. Sick men also from their beds
May come, and have a Pillow for their heads.
He that is fit to hang himself may come,
Here is a Ram already in his Room.
In fine, of all sorts, comers welcome be,
To see Heav'ns Wisdom, Pow'er, Philanthropy.

[Page 59]

Abrahams Faith,

Hagar, Ismael, Abraham, Sarah, Midwife.

Hag.

ALas poor Boy, our comfort now is o're!

I never knew what 'twas to grieve before.

How often have I solac'd in the Armes

Of thy dear Father? Oh! but now the charmes,

Printed by Heav'n upon my Mistress face

Are irresistable, alas! alas!

Ism.

Why Mother, why? was it not always so?

Hag, No Child, thou'rt ignorant, thou dost not know;

It is not long since Old-age and dispair

Of Issue, made her self account me fair,

And recommend me to my dearest Lord;

Though now her piercing looks, as sharpest Sword

Cut what they see. We, we are both undone,

She must enjoy old Abraham alone.

Ism.

[Page 60]

But Mother, Sarah hath no Children yet.

Hag.

I know she hath not, but the time is set

For her deliv'ry; and 'twill be a Boy,

To dis-inherit thee, the only joy

Of me thy Mother.

Ism.

Dis-inherit me

He cannot, unless Law perverted be:

The Primo-geniture I'm sure is mine,

Which no man shall perswade me to resign,

Hag.

I'm but the Hand-maid, Sarah is the wife;

These very words may breed an endless strife

I'th' Family: and Mistress without doubt,

Will study means whereby to cast us out.

Sar.

My Lord can you the glories of my face

Behold and not admire? Can there be place

In your grave Breast, for any other flame

Beside that kindled from my Eyes? then tame

Your strange desires; and let your lawful Bed

Bound your caresses. Know that you are Wed

To Sarah now, who ceaseth to be dead

And barren as before: View her from head

To foot, her features and her limbs mark well,

And if these please not, see her Belly swell.

One Child from Heav'n may ballanc'd be with two,

That come by Natures law, and mine is so.

Abr.

Dearest of Wives, this new thought on discourse,

Seemeth to rise from some malitious source.

What is thy will? or what dost thou desire?

Would you have fewel added to the fire

[Page 61]That Heav'n hath kindled? Dear what do'st require?

Sar,

That you shake off your Hand-maids, and Love me,

Is all I crave; I will not Rivall'd be.

Kind Husbands when their Wives in my condition

Be, (for the most part) do with full submission

Hearken to them, fearing untimely birth.

Abr.

Well Sarah, well, you are dispos'd for mirth.

Sar.

'Tis mirth to you, but I must feel the sorrow,

I think I shall be brought to Bed to morrow.

Go, call the Midwife, I am very bad;

I never yet such Griping torture had,

Abr.

Chear up my dearest, when thou see'st the Boy,

'Twill banish grief, and ravish thee with joy.

When Males are born the trouble is forgot,

And thine will be a Boy I question not.

Sar.

Pray for me Husband, this is a sharp bout.

Abr.

He who hath promis'd, he will help thee out.

Midwife what news?

Mid.

You have a lovely Child,

Thank Heav'n your expectation's not beguil'd.

Sar.

Take him my Lord, this Boy will make you glad.

Abr.

It is the best that e're my dearest had,

[Page 62]Here, take ye him, 'tis time that he were fed.

Mid.

Nay hold as yet my Lord, you've forfeited.

Abr.

Forfeited, what?

Mid.

Good Sir, a Midwives fee.

Abr.

Here take the Child, and I will give it thee.

Here.

Mid.

Sir I thank you, when I women lay

Of their first born, I see I'ave double pay;

The next my Lady hath, my Lord will hold

His hand, and will not part with so much Gold.

Abr.

I am no Niggard if that time do come,

I promise thee to give a bigger sum.

Mid.

My Lord I'm but in Jest, yet may you have

A num'rous issue, if you nothing gave.

Sar.

Husband you know I laughed heretofore,

Have not I reason now, as many more;

Then from my laughter let him have his name.

Abr.

I'ave call'd him Isaack, is not that the same?

Sar.

My Lovely Babe, come let me suckle thee.

There is no Mortal can more joyful be.

Chorus.

[Page 63]

Heav'ns mind's fulfill'd,

And Sarah 
still
 [...]d.

O how she long'd,

And said I'm wrong'd.

No Wife like me,

Who Abra'ms 
be:

All have their Joys,

Their Babies-toys.

I'm only she,

Who barren be.

New, now her Breasts

Are made two Nests,

For harbouring

The lov'd Off-spring,

Of her dear Lord,

At Heavens word.

And more she may

Have that same way.

Gods promises

To us are bliss.

No Art avails,

When Heaven fails.

His blessings he

Bestow'd, then she

Got blowen Saills.

If any after Children want, they may

For remedy, with her to Heaven pray.

[Page 64] Abraham, Sarah, Isaack, Angel.

Ab.

Dear heart methinks this Boy hath suck'd too long.

Sar.

What? and hath neither Feet nor Tongue

E're he be wean'd he must a Foot-man be,

To run and prattle up and down with thee.

Now do your pleasure.

Ab.

Call our friends together,

He must not be a burthen to his Mother.

Isa.

Mam if I lose my pap the Child will cry.

Sar.

Yes prety thing thou must, or Mam will dye:

O! how it snugs and sleeps upon my Breast;

Poor rogue, I'm sure of all he loves me best.

Here, thou shalt have thy bubby one month longer,

E're that be o're my Chicken may be stronger:

And if that will not do, He give'm another,

No Love is like to that of a dear Mother.

Come dry Nurse, take the Child and use him well,

Thy care of him, shall make thee ever dwell

With me in plenty. Abram see the scorn

Of Hagar's Brat, that in my house was born;

If you deceive not Heav'n which counts you just,

You must him and his Mother both, out thrust;

Because the Rog [...]e in years hath got the start,

He strives with Isaack for an equal part

In thy estate, but it must not be so;

If me and mine you Love, pray let them go.

Ab.

[Page 65]

What change of humours all you Women have!

It is not long since you the handmaid gave,

And said, of her you shall raise seed to me;

I thought this was enough to make her free

I'th' house, but now I see 'tis otherways,

Favours of this kind, have sudden decays.

However your desire I will fulfill;

Hagar be gone, it is thy Mistress will.

Ang.

Well said my friend, for I desire the same,

Thy Family must from Isaack have its name,

And blessing too. Ab. Thy will I shall obey;

Come Sirs, get up and make no more delay:

The Lord commands, whose laws are all to me

Just, though contrary they to nature be.

This Bread and Water take, and so go hence,

You have abus'd your Mistress patience;

Though I know nothing, I must not controul,

This peevish humour grieves my very Soul.

Chorus.

Each day hath its succeeding night,

Clouds sometimes darken the Suns light.

The Flowers that florid are to day,

Tomorrow Frost nips quite away.

Youth like a shaddow flies, and age

Sayth, 'tis my turn to tread the Stage.

Life must give place to grim-fac'd Death,

There's nothing fixed made of Earth.

[Page 66] But all dance round and Circle make,

While one anothers place doth take.

The passions likewise have their turns,

One Breast with Love and Hatred burns.

One's sad, and merry, Melancholly,

And all sometimes, are counted folly.

Honours and pleasures are so brittle,

That most wise men esteem them little.

In fine there's nought but thoughts of Heaven,

That bringeth Wages home at Even.

Angel, Abraham, Devil, Faith, Flesh, Despair.

Ang.

Abra'm my faithful Servant, do'st thou hear?

I must give thee a visit once a year;

I [...]ave found thee perfect always hitherto,

And now I am come, to try if thou wilt do

What I command thee, without stay or grudge;

Remember, once thou call'd me righteous Judge.

Ab.

I'm here, speak Lord, thy Servant hears and will

Count all thy precepts Just, and them fulfill.

Ang.

What could'st thou freely part withal for me?

Ab.

What could I not? since I have all from thee.

Ang.

Then thou must take thy Son, thine only Son,

And sacrifice him; so my will is done.

[Page 67]The Mount Moriah's fittest for thy turn,

There thou shalt lead young Isaack, and him burn;

This action, Abraham, will please me well.

Ab.

My Lord if you command, I'le go to Hell.

Devil.

Fond fool give o're, Religion makes thee mad,

Heav'ns Minions never yet rejoycing had

Without a damp; their sweet is mix'd with soure,

It is not possible for humane power,

To act what he commands, being as strict

As those, who bid men without straw make brick.

Faith.

Give o're thou murd'ring Sp'rit, do not delude,

The friend of God, all whose commands are good,

If he should fear or fret at his desire,

Thou canst not keep him from a fiercer fire

Than he is bid to kindle for his Son,

That's Brimston, and will last when this is done;

And yet will be no pleasing Sacrifice

To God nor him, do Abraham and be wise.

Flesh.

What Father ever yet so cruel was,

To Murther his own Child without a cause?

View but these Limbs and features of his face,

His sparkling Eyes, then there will be no space

Left in thy harden'd heart, for cruelty;

A faithful man will never Butcher be

Of humane Bodies—

Faith.

[Page 68]

Faint flesh, those Eyes and Features are but toys,

That fade with time and age, there's greater Joys

Laid up for Isaack, immortality;

What needs thou care then if he burned be?

Besides, hast thou not heard how Phaenix rare,

Burned to ashes, doth her self repair

Out of the same, being first a little Worm?

If thou believe, thou need'st not fear this storm.

Despair.

Thou canst not be belov'd of God, since he

Bids thee perform such monstrous cruelty:

They say he's merciful, if it be so,

Thou may'st lye still and never think to go

To Mount Moriah, whom he loves, he loves;

But this command, rather his hatred proves.

Faith.

This is an old tone, and bespeaks thee fool;

Know, that he hath given ev'ry man his Soul,

Which, if he back again from him requires,

By Famine, Sword, or Pestilence, or Fires;

'Tis never to destroy that he doth this,

But for removall to Eternal bliss.

Ab.

Give o're, give o're, now it is almost day,

I will no more dispute. Believe and pray

I will, for success on my loved host,

I spend but time, my God is at the cost;

He gave me Isaack, and desires that he

In fire and flames should from the Altar be,

Sent whence he came—

[Page 69] Sarah, Abraham, Servants.

Sar.

My Lord I fear you have a troubled head,

For I could scarcely hold you in your Bed:

Tell me your Dream, it fearful is I'm sure,

For I have Dreamed too, and can't endure

Now when awake, no not to think of it:

I saw a Bow from Heav'n, bent and hit

My darling.

Ab.

Sarah then our Dreams are one,

God bids me go and burn my little Son.

Sar.

Burn him? alas! I see I laugh'd too soon,

Then must my hopes and comforts all be gone.

Ab.

Peace Sarah, it is God requires the Lad,

And he shall have him, if I twenty had.

Can I bestow them better, than to give

My Maker all? in whom I move and live.

Sar.

My Lord 'tis but a Dream, as yet forbear,

Such things require a double Messenger.

Ab.

Dearest thou know'st my Dreams are always true,

Though such a Dream as this I never knew.

However, honey, let us with submission

Part with the Lad, obeying Heav'ns commission;

His pow'er is great, so is his mercy too,

Thou know'st not what he is about to do:

For I may safely with the Boy return;

And if I do not, there's no cause to mourn,

We are but as were, and he another

May give, whom thou may'st call Isaack's Brother.

[Page 70]The promiser is all-sufficient,

We can have no just cause then to repent

Our Piety, which always promise hath,

Of grace and freedom from Eternal Death.

Sar.

My Lord he is your own, and God your Friend,

Obey him, mean while I will Prayers send

For him to Heav'n, as soon as you are gone,

And beg he may not give me cause to moan,

Who laugh'd before.—

Ab.

Go Sadle me my Ass, and two of you

Must go with me, where yet I do not know.

Call my Boy softly, tell him he must rise,

To see his Father offer Sacrifice.

Go to the Log-pile, and choose out some wood,

Cleave none for use, but that's exceeding good.

Ser.

Sir all is ready.

Ab.

Sarah fare thee well,

Still hope in God, the Lad may live and dwell

Again with thee his Mother, till he come

To mans 'state: or another in his room.

Sar.

My doubts are over, may the Lord direct

You in your Journey, for if he protect,

Or kill the Boy, I shall leave to complain;

Perhaps he doth intend a greater gain,

Than either you or I as yet expect;

Kiss me dear Child, and thou my God effect

The present work, my Husband is but clay,

And may stretch out his hand another way

Than is thy will; again kiss me my Son,

Then go with courage, Heav'ns will be done.

Ab.

[Page 71]

Behold my Servants, do not you espy,

Above the rest, a hill stands very high?

I and my little man must yonder go,

Mean while abide ye here.

Ser.

My Lord why so?

May we not bear our Master company?

Ab.

No, If ye did perhaps ye'd hinder me,

From acting th'highest piece of Piety,

That ever yet was heard, or seen with Eye.

Ser.

Have we not seen the Sacrifice before?

Ab.

'Tis true, and yet in this will be much more

Faith, Resolution, needful, than when I

For smaller matters Sacrifice or pray.

Ser.

Good my Lord, let us go to see the sight.

Ab.

No, no, I cannot, it will you affright.

Ser.

We must contented be and you obey,

Hoping you will not from us make long stay.

Ab.

I will return assoon as I have done,

'Twill be no pleasure to stay there alone.

Ser.

Alone you cannot be, this little Boy

Can make a Wilderness a place of joy.

Ab.

But I must leave him there my God commands.

Ser.

First dearest Master tye your Servants hands;

For we will sooner far resolve to dye,

Than see you actor of such cruelty.

This is in jest.

Ab.

No, I must Sacrifice

The Boy, Heav'n bids me, who I'm sure is wife;

If I do freely act what he commands,

He either will approve, or hold my hands.

[Page 72]Tnink you that I can any other thing

Value above my All-sufficient King?

No no, it is his mind and't shall be mine,

In spight of all who 'gainst it do combine.

I think his Mother hath the greatest cause,

Who willingly submits to Heav'ns Lawes;

Bidding me act what my good God hath said,

For proof thereof, she him incouraged,

To suffer valiantly—

Ser.

Sir, We are not to quest'on your intent,

Being our Master; but a good event

We will implore.

Ab.

Come, come my pretty boy,

This cloudy day may end in Sun-shine Joy.

Take up the Wood my Son, I'ave knife and fire,

We must fulfillers be of Heav'ns desire.

Chorus.

Eternal Wisdom, when he made

Sun, Moon and Stars, to each he said,

Take you your turnes; you must the day

Govern, and you your Scepter sway

I'th' night, when men are gone to rest,

And think to sleep with quiet Breast.

This is Heav'ns Lawes, and yet we see,

That men then most unquiet be.

Abram from Heaven hears a voice,

Which quickly marr'd his new made joys.

[Page 73] It bids him go and burn his Son,

Which is no sooner said than done,

And Sarah who in all mens thought,

Would have Abraham counted nought,

For harbouring such cruelty

In's Breast, as he should Butcher be

To his own Child; contents and says,

Husband we may have happy days

When Isaack 's gone, then why should we,

Strive Abrams hinderers to be?

Go on Sir, let your high desire,

Be hallowed with Heav'ns fire.

Isaack, Abraham, Angel, Epilogue.

Isa.

O Father, Father, one thing yet we lack,

[...] Lamb for offering you'ave forgot to take.

[...]hall I run back and make a quick return?

Ab.

No, no, you need not, that which I must burn

God will provide; come let us go together,

[...]e find a Lamb, my Boy, when I come thither.

Isa.

Doth any clean Beast pasture on that hill?

Ab.

That work which God begins he will fufill.

[...]ut hark my Child, dost thou not fear my God;

Isa.

Why doubt you that?

Ab.

Then this thy load of Wood

Must thee consume.—

Isa.

But Father, doth your God such Sacrifice equire?

Ab.

It seems so now.

Isa.

Father be wise,

[Page 74]The Dev'l can change into a Saint of light,

May be 'twas he that call'd you in the night.

Ab.

No Child, God's promise goeth far with me,

Who faith, that none shall ever tempted be

Above what they are able; I do not fear,

Nor needest thou to shed a guiltless tear.

Isa.

My tender limbs will ne're endure the heat.

Ab.

He'll send his Angels to wipe off the sweat.

Isa.

My dearest Father, is your heart so hard?

Can nothing this your enterprize retard?

Ab.

Nothing my Child, though I be full of love,

And grieve to kill thee, yet since my Jehove

Commands; My faith doth overcome my sense,

And makes me with humanity dispence.

Boy thou must dye.

Isa.

I'm glad it is for God.

Ab.

None other should have made me lay this load

On Isaacks tender shoulders. Now my Child

We're at the place where I must Altar build.

Dig up the Turf, and let us raise the Earth.

Isa.

Ah Father I'm already out of Breath.

The thoughts of Death, with the Sun's melting heat

O'recometh me, Oh see how I do sweat!

Is't done enough?

Abra.

Not yet, it must b [...] higher,

That all the ashes may fall from the fire.

Now 'tis enough, come Child, bring me the Woo [...]

Isa.

'Tis here my Father.

Ab.

It is very good

[Page 75]All's done so far, my Boy thou must be bound.

Is.

Your will be done: O that I may not swoun!

But with undaunted courage yield my breath,

To him who power hath of life and death.

[...]t is my Maker's will and I submit,

[...]oping by him to be kept from the pit

[...]fernal: He will raise me up again,

With Saints and Angels ever to remain.

[...]ehold my hands! I'le fold them for your ease.

Ab.

Son, knew I any way my God to please,

[...] would not touch thee.

Isa.

I am now grown strong,

[...]nd valiant too, I count this death no wrong.

Abr.

Thou must get up before I bind thy feet.

Isa.

Sir, that your will I should perform is meet.

[...]ow bind not hard, I will not struggle much,

[...]ut dearest Father, kill me at first touch,

[...]he knife is sharp enough and you are strong.

Ab.

Dear Child I tremble, and may strike thee wrong.

Isa.

Hold Father but a little, let me pray

[...] Heav'n, and first Lord teach me what to say.

[...]y God look on me with a tender Eye,

[...]nd pardon all my sins of Infancy;

[...]en my Eyes before the knife come down,

[...]hat while I live, I may leap at the Crown

[...]epar'd for Martyrs. Lord let me inherit,

[...]e blessings promis'd by thy holy Spirit.

[...]all, call thy Angels to receive that Soul,

[...]ho ne're as yet did willingly controul

[Page 76]Thy will. Sir, now strike on, for I have done.

Ab.

No, I must pray too, e're I can go on.

O All-sufficient whose purer Eye,

Look'th with abhorrence on all cruelty;

Accept this Sacrifice, make strong my arm,

Since thou best know'st that I intend no harm

To my dear Child, but that I may the name,

Receive (when done) of faithful Abraham.

Lord I believe, raise feeble hand and heart

To give the blow—

Now Child I strike. Here. O! who holds m [...] Arm?

Ang.

Stay Abram, stay, and do not any harm

Unto thy Son, I minded but to try,

If I could in thy faith a flaw espy.

Look but behind thee, there's the Sacrifice,

Lay hold of it, and let young Isaack rise;

I'm sure thou lov'st me 'bove each Earthly thing

Since thou wast willing to make offering

Of thy own flesh: Touch not the hopeful Boy,

But let him to his Mother go with Joy.

This Ram thou shalt instead of him up offer,

I never did intend that he should suffer.

Ab.

The best of news that ever yet were hear

For though I did believe, I greatly fear'd.

But bless'd be God, and let him ever be,

As Abraham's so also God to thee;

Let no distrust for ever Lodge within

Thy Breast, thou'rt Type of him who must for

[Page 77]Be offer'd really; is it not best

To go unto the Servants?

Isa.

There's no haste.

Before approaching death I pray'd, and now

Restor'd again, I'le at the Altar bow.

He that is freed from danger ought with speed,

To bless the hand that helpt him in his need.

Ab.

Do happy Child, and I will second thee;

[...]oynt Prayers welcome unto Heaven be.

Isa.

Lord let me ever with all thankfulness

Adore thy name, since thou did'st not oppress,

With grief my Mother, but hast saved me,

That I to her may greatest comfort be

[...]n old age, when my Fathers hoary head,

[...]hew's to the World that he is almost dead.

[...]id me thy will perform, I'le never grudge,

Being perswaded thou'rt a righteous Judge.

Ab.

Lord I can say no more than I have said,

Who thee implores shall ne're want timely aid.

Thy Arm is strong, Eyes quick and alwayes ready,

[...]o ease his Burthen, who doth carry steady;

[...] have endeavour'd, and my weak intention,

Hath met with mercy, Heav'ns condescention.

FINIS.

[Page]

EPILOGUE.IF any thing in these few sheets be found,
May burn the thorn, or prick the stony ground.
If any thing the way-side-corn doth gather,
To Sow't in good, then, then my Heav'nly Father,
The Meat is right, if not spoil'd by the Cook;
If so, the squeamish may forbear to look
Upon it. If any hunger starved be,
Eat heartily, it will not surfeit thee.
If any Gentleman or Lady find,
Ought in this Poem fitteth not their mind;
They may repair unto some fatter Soil,
Where they may have their lukewarm hearts mad boil
With love and valour, (Imps of flesh and blood)
I'ave no such ware, but here is that's as good.
And love, and valour too, yet such as will
Not hurt the lover, nor the valiant kill.
They love and fight, and yet both victors be.

Abra'm and God. This Tragi-Comedy,
Pleased my self, when I it undertook,
And pleas'd my friends, when they on it did look;
But if it please not others, let them cast
It out of Doors, perhaps 't may be the last,
That they shall see of mine in such a stile,
For this I'le neither Plaudite, beg, nor smile.
FINIS.

JOSEPH REVIV'D. OR, …

[Page]

JOSEPH REVIV'D. OR, The Twelve last Chapters of Genesis Metaphrazed.

Containing the LIFE and DEATH Of Holy JOSEPH.

By GEORGE LESLY, Minister of Wittering in Northamptonshire.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that Love God, Rom. 8.28.

LONDON, [...]rinted for the Author, and are to be sold by Charles Smith at the Angel near the Inner Temple gate, Fleet-street. 1678.

[Page]

Imprimatur,

Gul. Jane S.T.B. Reverend. in Christo Patri D ^no. Henrico Episc. Lond. à Sacris Domesticis.

Jan. 17. 1675.

[Page]

To the Right Worshipful WILL. WYMONDESOLD, ESQUIRE, Mr. EDMUND, Mr. RICHARD, Mr. MATTHEW, and Mr. THOMAS his Brethren; with their truly Vertuous Mother and Sisters.

Worthy Sirs and Ladies,

BEING about to throw my Mite into the Publick Treasury, to plant a tender VINE in the Lords VINEYARD, I thought you fittest to fence it with Your favourable Aspects, who are not onely almost equal in Number but Vertues, to those Sacred Patriarchs, whose History I have metaphrazed. The Meeter is like my Self, dull and despicable, [Page]but the Matter is of Divine Inspiration, which juires Your acceptance by Heavens Authority, while as the other onely lets the World know, that I am,

YOURS, Extraordinary obliged, GEO. LESLY.

Wittering, Jan. 7. 1675/6.

[Page]

TO THE READER.IF Heaven be pleas'd to dart his glorious Rayes
Into my Soul, let others take the Bayes,
Who climb 
Parnassus and Mount 
Helicon
For airy Notions, while I at the Throne
Of Mercy beg an understanding Heart
To measure out what 
Moses did impart
To th' World, concerning 
Jacob and his Seed,
'Mong whom a Dream did great dissention breed.
Though God inspir'd the Prophet from above,
And he (poor Heart) revealed all in love,
Whose harmless Vision counted was a crime,
And so (perhaps) may this my humble Rhime:
Yet if in friendly manner you disclose
My oversights, I'le mend, or write in Prose.
G. L.

[Page]

To my Worthy Friend Mr. GEORGE LESLY, upon his Poem called JOSEPH Reviv'd.

WITH Fiction while the airy Poet doth
Abuse the Text, thou tell'st the naked truth;
Thou stuff'st thy Verse with Sense, and every Rhime
Compleat speaks thee a Poet without crime.

He who in Sacred Phrase was once forlorn,
And piece-meal shown, like to his Garment, torn,
Thou offer'st whole; snips and shred's they Theam,
Thou draw'st his Story up without a Seam.

O happy Art! thrice 
Joseph rides in State,
In 
Pharaoh's Second Char'ot first, then date
His second Trophy with Divine Records,
His Honour last commenceth with thy words.

Bid Breth'ren all his Glory'n 
Egypt tell;
He needs not now, thy Pen hath don't so well,
That all the 
Brittish Orb of it may ring,
And we of thee, while thou of him do'st sing.

Tho. Woolsey D. D.

[Page]

[Page 1]

JOSEPH REVIV'D.

OF 
Rachel's long'd for darling since I sing,
And thy beloved, help me 
Jacob's King.
My Bark is crazie, and my stock is small,
Yet if thou Wind and Sea command, I shall
Safe to the Harbour this my Pinnace bring,
Then of my self and it make offering.
At 
Padan-aram had this worthy breath,
Not long before the beauteous 
Rachels death,
Yet 
Hebron was the place of his abode,
At seventeen years belov'd of man and God:
Where with his Brethren, 
Dan and 
Napthali,

Asher and 
Gad, he on the downs did lie,
Feeding the Flocks with them, their ill report
Grieved the Lad, for which he did resort
Unto his aged Father, and declar'd
Those passages that he had seen and heard.
These actions, Boy, to them will fatal prove,
Though I can never take from thee that love


[Page 2]I unto 
Rachel (while she liv'd) did bear.
For proof whereof this Livery take and wear.
This, with his tydings did exasperate
His Brethrens spirits, so that him they hate,
Which heaven soon perceiveth, and his fame
Raiseth, by dreams to be fulfill'd on them;
The which when he (awake) begins to tell,
Their eyes inflame and hearts with anger swell
Against the harmless Youth, who ne'rtheless
In friendly manner did it thus express:
This night, said he, as we all binding were
Sheaves in the field, mine did it self uprear
In King-like posture, and yours round did stand,
Making obeisance, waiting its command.
To which his Brethren hastily reply'd,
Shalt thou reign o're us? Shall it e're be said
That thou shalt have dominion? No, thy grave
Is just reward, for these thy Dreams to have.
Yet where 
Jehovah works no man can let,
He dreams again of their succeeding fate,
Which he once more doth unto them reveale,
And said, this other I will not conceale.
And thus it was, Behold! the Sun and Moon,
With Stars eleven, to me have homage done.
Of this he did not only certifie
His Brethren, but his Father, who did cry,
Fie Son! what mean these uncouth thoughts? be sure
Such wild presages I shall ne'r endure;


[Page 3]Think'st thou, that I, my Wife and Children too
Shall crouch and bow, and fall fore such as you?
No child, be wise, forbear thus to divine,
Lest all the rest against thee do combine.
This storm is ceased, and the young men gone
Their flocks to feed, in 
Sechem every one,
For whose long absence, neither night nor day
Can 
Jacob rest, till 
Joseph's sent away,
Who said, Go down and see if all be right,
I've suffered much for my ten Sons this night.
Your will, said he, is unto me a Law,
I'le go to 
Sechem, though I never saw
The place: no sooner doth he undertake
his journey, than the way he doth forsake,
And wanders too and fro in open field,
Till one drew nigh and pitied the child,
Saying, What seek'st thou Stripling, 'tis my grief
To see thee straying here without relief?
My Brethren, Sir, said he, pray tell me whither
They've driven their flocks to feed, I must go thither.
Boy, answer'd he, I think I heard them say,
Rise up, and let's to 
Dothan streight away:
And there they are, for any thing I know,
The grass is good, because the ground is low.
My thanks I give you, Sir, and if I find
Them there, I'le say you were exceeding kind.
This said, he runneth thither joyfully,
Not dreaming once of any danger nigh.


[Page 4]But 'twas a dream, for he's no sooner spy'd
By his malicious Brethren, than they cry'd,
Behold! our Dreamer comes, prophetick Mome;
Come, let us slay him, he shall ne'r go home,
And cast him in some Pit, then we will say
Some evil Beast hath ta'ne his life away.
And then 'tis hop'd that we shall quickly see
A final end both of his Dreams and he.
But 
Reuben who was judg'd least to respect
God or his Father, doth the Lad protect;
Sa'ing, Let's not kill him, for some time or other
It will come out, remember he's our Brother;
If his Blood cry, let us not think to thrive:
We'll rather put him in this Pit alive.
This course he was the willinger to take,
Because thereby he thought to get him back
Safe to his Father. All this time the Lad
Thought of no ill, nor yet suspicion had,
But rush'd among them, ravished with joy,
Wishing them health; who answer, Foolish Boy
Hast not more Dreams to tell? we must now see
If this fine Coat doth make thee prophesie.
Are we not Brethren? Oh! be not so rude,
Said he, I mean to you nothing but good.
No, Stripling no, thy Sighs, thy Pra'rs, thy Tears
With us must take no place, thy tender years
Which pity crave, must taste our crueltie;
In this dry Pit thou art design'd to lie.


[Page 5]To't, fling him down, 'tis Noon we'll take repast:
But hold, who's this draws towards us so fast?

Ishma'lites surely, come from 
Gilead
Load'n with Spice, Balm, Myrrhe, Egyptian Trade.
By this time 
Judah's heart began to melt,
Whose words declare that he great trouble felt.
What profit's in our Brothers blood, said he,
Though we conceal't, yet murderers we be.
Give o'r; I've found a way that's better far:
We see these Camels richly loaden are,
Let's with their Masters this our Dreamer truck;
And being gone, we'll pray for his good luck.
This, this will clear us from the Calumnie
Of Fratricide that would upon us lie.
Ho, Chapmen tarry, want ye not a Lad
To drive your Horses and promote your Trade?
Here's one, we'll sell him cheap. A pretty Youth,
Reply'd the Merchants, he will serve us both.
How prize ye him? Speak, if ye mean that we
Should buy him of you, rate him not too high.
At one word, twenty Pieces is our price.
Hold, here's your Money, he is worth it twice:
And so we hope he'll give, the Boy likes well.

The Wares are always good that Merchants sell.
We'll carry him to 
Egypt, for his Age
And Feature fitteth him to be a Page
To some great Lady; if that will not do,
My Lord he can serve in his Chamber too.


[Page 6]And if the Rules of Phisiognomie
Deceive us not, such Graces hidden lie
Under his flaxen hair, and downie chin,
As hitherto in any scarce hath bin.
Come, let's go hence; I'le now unto the Pit,
Saith 
Reu. to see if 
Joseph be in it,
But missing of him, whom he thought to find,
He instantly returns with heavie mind
Unto his Brethren, crying out, Alass!
The Boy is taken out of yonder place:
Whither shall I go? not home to my dear Father,
Seeing he'll require of me; no, I'le rather
Breath out the rest of my unhappy years
In some dark Cell, and expiate with tears
My double crime. No Brother, cry the rest,
We have a project (if ye think it best)
Will with our Father clear both us and you:
Look, here's his Coat, and there are Coats enough,
Let's with their blood besprinkle it, and then
Go cheerfully to 
Hebron back again,
And ask our Father if this garb he knows,
Since at first view it like to 
Joseph's shows.
On this they all conclude, and home return
With joyful faces, though they'd cause to mourn;
And with these tydings 
Jacob did salute,
At which surpriz'd, he's suddenly struck mute,
And beats his Brest, his Eyes great floods let out
Of Tears, and said, Poor 
Joseph without doubt


[Page 7]Is torn in pieces by some evil Beast,
Who first devours, and after makes his feast.
This said, he rent his clothes, sack-cloth put on,
And many days mourned for him alone,
Without all comfort, till at last his Sons
And Daughters all come unto him at once,
Saying, O Father why doth this your grief
Transport you so, as not to take relief;
We think you might be joyful, when you see
Of your own Loins this goodly companie.
No, said old 
Jacob, though I love you well,
Yet this Lad's death will make me go to Hell
Mourning: poor heart! in him alone I liv'd,
And now being dead, how can I be but griev'd?
Yet all this sorrow can nothing retard
The sturdy Pedlars, who by driving hard
Have got to 
Egypt, where by quick retaile
They mean their Spice to vend, and 
Joseph's sale
Expect; both which accordingly fell out,
Buyers (like Bees) to them flock round about;
And 
Potiphar himself beholds their Trade,
Where suddenly he spies the lovely Lad;
Likes, buyes and payes, carries him to his house,
That Proverb's false, 
Mountains bring forth a Mouse.
At home when he good notice taken had,
Of all things were performed by the Lad,
And of the Blessings he from God receiv'd,
Name and Religion, then of him he crav'd;


[Page 8]Which known, from slavery he did set him free,
Saying, Of my House thou now shalt Ruler be.
The pious Youth no sooner is preferr'd,
Then th' others Pra'er for thrift is answered;
For God did then th' 
Egyptians house so bless,
That all things prosp'red, whether more or less.
This made the Captain trust him with his store
Of all that he had car'd for, nor knew no more
Then what he eat; But, ah! the goodly face
Of 
Joseph tempted 
Jempsar to embrace
The holy Youth with her surrounding Arms,
And glance her am'rous eys, adul'trous Charms.
These made him blush with shame and fear together,
And answer, No, you're Sacred as my Mother.
Doth not my Master trust his State with me?
And hath with-held nothing at all but thee.
This wickedness is great, I dare not do't;
Pardon me Mistress, and leave off your suit.
Say, if I grant all that which you desire,
Can you keep off God's Wrath and Husbands Ire?
Nay, he will be offended, and my Lord
Will never after take an 
Hebrews word.
Yet this enflamed Wanton gives not o'r
To speak him kindly ev'ry day and hour;
Adding forced Caresses, but in vain,
From day to day, till she had drunk the bane
That either must her Lust or Fury end
Upon her Servant and her Husbands Friend:


[Page 9]Both which are grown to that prodigious height,
That though the Sun shines, yet she counts it night,
Saying within her self, he's here I guess
Alone i'the house about his business;
This is the last exploit I mind to try,
To which the Fool must either yeild or die;
And then laid hold upon his Coat and swore,
I'le have all I desire of thee before
Thou go, there's none can see or hear the noise;
But he as frighted at her lustful voice,
Flees out and leaves his Garment in her hand.

Where God forbids to fight, he dares not stand.
Now Hell and she must act another part,

Viz. mourning face put on, dissembling heart,
The sugar'd words she used but of late
For baits, turns Choller, this to cruel hate;
Calling aloud to all, for Heavens sake help,
I am abused by this 
Hebrew Whelp.
See here the Relicts of his villany:
My cries it made him leave, and from me flee.
And now would God my 
Potiphar were come,
For I shall never rest till he's at home,
And have related unto him what fare
Must be expected i'the house where 
Hebrews are.
He's at the door, run and let in my Lord.
How now my Girl? What? neither smile nor word?
Smile, No: how can I? since your very slave
Embolden'd is, thine, not my Love to crave:


[Page 10]He hath attempt'd that Fort was ne'r besieg'd
By more than thee, to whom I am oblig'd.
Horrid! Nay, 'tis no Jest, this Coat but see,
And then my wrong revenge, or love not me.
To which the furious Husband answer made,
Enough my 
Jempsar, it shall ne'r be said
That you (my Love) can any thing demand
That I'le deny, wherefore I pray you stand
To see the Prologue of his torturing pains,
He shall imprison'd be and bound with chains.
Go, cursed Rogue, I'le never trust the face
That's beautiful, it's seldom lin'd with grace.
This heard, the courteous Lad made humble bow,
Saying, My Lord, I never wronged you;
Time trying all things, you shall plainly see
The fault was hers, and there was none in me:
Wherefore, I hope, that God whom I do serve
Will grant such favour, that I may not starve
In this dark Prison—
Thy words are bootless, Jaylor keep him sure
While I have studied what he shall endure.
Which, when 
Jehovah from's Imperial Throne
Heard, wills a winged Herald to be gone
Down to his Footstool-Earth, and there to tell
The Turn-key, he must use the Pris'ner well.
This made our guiltless Youth much favour find
With him, that unto others was unkind:
For, what in prison was among them done,

Joseph was doer of it; he alone


[Page 11]Without controle rul'd all, because the Lord
Him prosper'd, according to the World.
Yet all this time our 
Joseph never thought
How he from prison should at last be brought,
Till he that all for good makes work together,
Sent 
Pharaoh's Butler and his Baker thither
For misdemeanour, who were put in ward
With 
Potiphar the Captain of the Guard,
Whom 
Joseph serv'd; at last each dream'd a dream,

Viz. Butler, Baker on a several Theam,
Which so perplexed both of them next morrow,
That he it spied, and said, Sirs, what sorrow
Tormenteth you, ye lowr and are so sad?
There is some cause, if your night-sleep was bad.
Boy, that's not all, but we have dreaming been,
And none can tell us what the same doth mean.
Hear me, my Masters, do not you yet know
That their Interpretations from below
Come not, 'tis only such, events can read
As are with Sp'ritual Mantles overspread.
Then do but tell me what was each mans Theam,
Not doubting I shall quickly read your Dream.
A Vine, said Butler, I saw me before,
And in the same three Branches and no more,
Which budded, shooting forth its Blossom-flow'rs,
Whose clusters all brought forth such Grapes as ours;
The Cup of 
Pharaoh being in my hand,
I took, and press'd them in at his command;


[Page 12]Who afterward both took and did it drink.
This is the sum of what I dream'd I think.
is this the thing you have a mind to know?
Come, rouze your Spirit, it needs not be so low;
The Branches three, as many days portend,
Before the end of which the King will send
For you, and to your wonted place restore,
His Cup to bear, as you was wont before.
When this Prediction is fulfill'd on thee,
Be sure to put the King in mind of me:
And tell him, though he have Magicians store,
Yet there's an 
Hebrew Lad that knoweth more
Than all of them; and this a mean will be
From Bonds and Prison for to set me free;
For I indeed an 
Hebrew stol'n was,
And hither brought, I know not for what cause;
Where now again, without a crime I lie
In this dark Cell, and may do till I die.
In this young man, said the Baker, well,
And will adventure mine also to tell.
Three Baskets white I had upon my head,
In which were several sorts of meat and Bread
Which I to 
Pharaoh brought; but e'r I came
Birds flockt about my head, and eat the same.
This Dream of yours will prove but bad I fear,
And therefore, Sir, I beg you would forbear
To urge from me what it doth signifie;
Take this for all, that you must quickly die.


[Page 13]I fear not that, say on, I will approve
Of that my Friend reveals to me in love.
My life I will resign most willingly,
If of my Service 
Pharaoh weary be.
If't must be so, The Baskets that you wore,
Predict, that e'r three days be o're
You shall be hang'd, and Birds your flesh shall eat.
This is the vision of your baked meat.
Make sure of Heaven, thy part on Earth is done.
Now by this time rose third days sparkling Sun;
Where God ordaining, 
Pharaoh made a Feast
Upon his Birth-day, unto all the rest
Of them that were his Servants; by and by
In frolick humonr he aloud did cry,
Go, bring the Baker and the Butler up,
This man is fittest to give me the Cup:
As for the other, his last doom shall be
To be lift up, and hanged on a Tree.

The honour which the Princes favour lends

May be call'd in, and then in shame it ends.
Good turns are soon forgot, a Proverb sure,
For guiltless 
Joseph must as yet endure.
Courtiers use not always to keep word,
Although the make their Vows unto the Lord,
Whose time's the best to set our Captive free;
Though two full years he must in Prison be,
Till 
Pharaoh dreams that he by Water side
Stands, and Seven Fat well-favourd Kine espi'd


[Page 14]Come up from thence, as also seven lean,
And joyn'd to th' other; those when he had seen
Stood horror-struck, and what th' event might be,
Wait, 'twas not long before that he did see
Those scurvey lean-flesh'd Beasts the other eat,
And yet still looking poor, and wanting meat.
So 
Pharaoh 'woke, till slumber had his eyes
Closed, and then the second time he spies
Seven Ears of Corn come up both good and rank,
Seven others also that were poor and lank;
And as the other Lean, did Fat devour,
These eat the Rank likewise that very hour.
This doubled Phantasme so perplex'd the heart
Of 
Egypt's King, that he must both impart
To his Magicians, willing them to see
If they could tell what either signifie.
We are confounded, cry the 
Sophi's, Lord
Of these thy dreams we cannot tell one word.
This unexpected answer so rouz'd up
The memory of him that bore the Cup,
Who thus exprest himself unto the King;
My Lord, I've sinned in this very thing:

Pharaoh well knows that he with me was wrath,
And with the Baker also sent me forth
Unto the Prison, where we both did lie,
Till our sad Dreams an 
Hebrew did espie;
Who told me of it, as it since hath prov'd,
Saying, the Butler needs not to be mov'd,


[Page 15]For he shall be restor'd; but Baker he
Shall by the King condemn'd and hanged be.
These tydings pleas'd the King beyond all measure,
Who priz'd the meaning of his dreams 'bove treasure.
Call in the young man, for he's wiser far
Than all the 
Sophies that in 
Egypt are.
Run quickly unto 
Potyphar, and say,

Pharaoh must see his Prisoner to day.
Where Kings command, the message is obey'd.
The Seer's call'd to come in haste, who said,
What, is your haste so great? may I not stay
Till I be shav'd and unto Heaven pray,
And change my Garments also, since you see
I am not fit before your King to be?
He comes—Sweet Youth, said 
Pharaoh, but declare
What these my Dreams mean, and Garland wear.
My Butler tells me, if thou hear the Theam
Thou canst interpret every anxious Dream.
My Lord, said he, that Grace is not in me,
But God whom I do serve can let you see
A true interpretation from my Mouth;
Look well upon me, and despise not youth,
For what my Maker doth to me reveal,
That, and no more will I to 
Pharaoh tell.
Say on, my Lord, what was your dream? Why I.
Said 
Pharaoh, stood great 
Nilus River by,
And there, behold, seven Fat-wel-favour'd Kine
Feed in a Mead, and said, These Beasts are mine:


[Page 16]But suddenly again to me appear'd
Seven other Lean ill-shap'd and hanging ear'd,
Such as the Land of 
Egypt never bred;
For on the first Sev'n Fat when they had fed,
Their Bellies clung unto their Backs, and were
Ill-favour'd, lean as e'r they were before.
Thus I awoke, but when my drousie eye
Was clos'd again with sleep, I did espie
Seven Ears of Corn upon one stalk that grew
So full and good, as yet I never knew.
After them came up Seven more was thin
And wither'd, as they'd Thunder-blasted bin,
Which suddenly the better did devour.
And I again wak'd, calling o're and o're
On those that studious Magicians were,
The truth of these my Dreams for to declare;
But all of them together answered,
'Tis God that caus'd your Dreams, he must 'em read.
Now, he that would by this thy favour merit,

Elisha-like must have 
Elia's Spirit.
Say 
Hebrew then, the smoothness of thy brow
Tells me, this task will be too hard for you.
My youth bespeaks me ignorant I know,
Great Sir, yet since the knowledge from below
Comes not, that must your doubled dream unfold,
That which is young by Nature, Grace makes old;
By which, I tell you, that your dreams are one,
And signifie, what Heaven will have done.


[Page 17]In 
Egypt Land the Seven good Ears and Kine
Such years portend, this he bids me divine.
The ill flesh'd ones, and blasted Ears of Corn
Foretels a Famine will make 
Egypt mourn
For seven more. See, 
Nile cannot contain
The Waters sent for nourishment of Grain;
And all things else needs moisture for that space,
After which time it will dry up. Alass!
What I must do, I know not, pray be kind,
And as of that, of this, Sir, speak your mind.
You must seek out in all the Land discreet
And wise men, who may strictly oversee't.
Them bid a fifth part of its fruit to gather;
These hard times will require a Nursing Father.
In all thy Cities let it stored be,
That when the Famine comes they may to thee
Repair, and buy it at thy Stewards hand;
Else this great Scarseness will undo the Land.
This thing when 
Pharaoh and his Servants heard,
They thanked 
Joseph, and his God they feard,
Saying, where shall we such another find
In whom the Spirit is, and knows his mind.
And since thy God, ev'n thine hath shew'd thee this,
None either wiser or discreeter is
In all the Kingdom; wherefore thou shalt be
My House and Servants Ruler, God to me:
To shew I am in earnest, take this Ring,
And be hereafter next unto the King:


[Page 18]These clothes put on, and Chains about thy neck,
And let my Subjects pay thee all respect;
Ride in my second Chariot, then to thee
Shall all my Vassals humbly bow the knee.
While I am 
Pharaoh, it shall be a Law,
That all my Kingdom of thee stand in aw.
No foot or hand in it shall moved be,
Till first they have direction from thee.
And since thou can'st reveal my secrets all

Zaphanath pa'neah I will ever call
Thy name, and thou shalt surely be the Son.
Of 
Potipherah, who is Priest of 
On.

Thus you have seen our 
Joseph in the Den,
Sold and imprison'd and restor'd again.
Now what his future happiness may be,
Launch out again with me, and you shall see
The Scene is alter'd, and his celeb life
Chang'd for the blessing of a vertuous Wife,
Who bore before the Famine unto him
Two hopeful Males, 
Manas. and 
Ephraim.
The first was named so, because he had
Forgot his Fathers house and former Trade.
And when the other God did to him send,
He said, I'le call him 
Ephraim, for an end
Is put to my affliction, and my store
Increased is, and Honour more and more.
The Plentie's ended, and the Famine come:
Said 
Pharaoh, Joseph, let us now go home.


[Page 19]The truth of all that thou hast said I see,
By th' hungry peoples crying unto me
For maintenance, I know not what to say
To still their clamour, only that they may
Repair to thee for answer, and receive
What thou thinks meet, I know 'tis bread they crave.
The Famine now grown over all the Earth,
And every Creature suffering under dearth,
The Store-houses were opened, and meat
The moneyed 
Egyptians did eat.
Yet though he sold to many of the store
The Famine waxed daily more and more;
Neither did 
Egypt only Victuals want,
But in all other Countryes Food was scant.
Yea, even in 
Cana'n, which was wont to be
For plenteousness the Worlds Granary.
The Famine plac'd it self in every Face,
Which 
Jacob seeing, cryed out, Alass!
What shall we do? we'd better ne'r been born
Then die for hunger; yet I hear there's Corn
In 
Egypt, up then, get you down and try
If of the Ruler you can any buy.
Go thither therefore all of you, save one,
Him leave with me, I cannot be alone.
Father, said they, our lives we owe to you,
Can we refuse then what you bid us do?
No, 
Benjamin shall stay till we are come
With all our Asses fully loaden home.


[Page 20]Your blessing, Sir, e'r we our Journey take,
We are all ready, only that we lack.
That God's and mine your Journey prosper may,
Till ye return I'le never cease to pray.
Your Money make full weight, entreat the man,
Tell him the Famine's great in 
Canaan;
And that with others you are come to buy
Egyptian Corn, your wants that may supply.
Now unto 
Zoan Jacob's Sons are come,
Saying, is the Lord, the Governor at home?
We come from far, O let's obtain the grace
To speak, and shew him our disast'rous case.
Lo, I am here, said he, your business:
At this they bow'd to the Earth and could express
Nothing; his Glory and their present grief
Ties up their Tongues, they cannot ask relief.
The Prince again, who all their Faces knew,
Stranged himself from them, and angry grew,
Saying, whence come you? surely you are Spies;
The countenance often the heart betrayes.
This rough expression so encreas'd their fear,
That trembling they reply, No, Sir, this year
Our 
Syrian Land was parch'd and nothing bore,
Meer want made us come unto thee for store.
Go, go, you lye, I know your whispering
Perswadeth me that there is no such thing;
But Villains come the nakedness to view
Of this our Land, and then himself withdrew.


[Page 21]Nay, Good my Lord, said they, our Story hear,
We all Sons unto one, and true men are;
Mark what we say, and if we tell you Lyes,
Then, and not else conclude that we are Spies.
Tush, this is nothing, every man will say
As much, if so by that he cleared may
Be, but if you give not a better reason
Of your down coming, I will swear there's Trea­son
Intended. Then we're twelve, reply'd the other,
Brethren, of whom you see ten, and another
At home, his Fathers joy, and one is not.
Ha, now, that you be Spies I surely wot;
And so for all your words, I shall you prove,
If you bring not to me your Fathers Love.
Choose out among you one, and for him send,
Till then our Controversie cannot end,
Nor you be clear, if you do not, I swear
By 
Pharaoh's Life, that you vile Vagrants are.
Go, bring the Lad, his Face when I do see,
I'le say all's true that ye have said to me.
Resolve, this Prison must be your abode
Till all agree, this do, live, I fear God;
If ye be true men, then let one of you
Be bound in Prison, where you all are now,
And let the rest take Corn that may supply
Your wants at home, lest they for hunger die
In this great Famine, only bring the Boy:
It's truth, I seek to prove, not to destroy


[Page 22]Your lives; to which they 'gree, and say t' each other,
We guilty are concerning our dear Brother,
Who to his anguish't Soul so hard'ned were,
That when he pray'd his plaint we would not hear;
For which, in Justice our Almighty God
Doth lay on us this his afflicting Rod.
Then 
Reuben unto them reply'd, and said,
Did I not tell you so, when fast you laid
Your hands upon the Boy, but did no good;
Therefore of us required is his blood.
This they among themselves in Hebrew spake,
Thinking that 
Joseph could no notice take;
For seeing one who (as his part requir'd)
Interpreted what they of him desir'd,
And unto them what his Lords answer was;
They spake their minds aloud about the cause
Of their distresses, which when 
Egypt's Lord
Had heard, he turn'd from them without a word.
His sympathizing Soul swell'd so high,
That he must either quickly burst or cry.
See, where Gods Spirit dwells no hatred lives,
He turns again, communes, in heart forgives
Their ancient Crime, yet seemingly unkind
He from them 
Simeon takes, and him doth bind,
And then commands his Servants for to fill
Their Sacks with Corn, not leaving off until
They said they had enough; the money he
Bids put into their Sacks mouths most secretly.


[Page 23]Provision for their way bids also take,
Saying, here's enough, I would not have you lack,
Nor yet diminish ought that ye have bought;
It's pity you should come so far for naught.
Their Asses now when they all loaded had,
From 
Egypt soon they their departure made,
Travelling hard till it was time to bait
Their Asses, and themselves had need to eat
Their Dinner over, Beasts now to be proven'd,
One his Sack opens, and cryes out, I'm cosen'd,
Did you not all see me my money pay,
And yet 'tis here in my Sacks mouth this day?
This quickly made their joyful Faces lowr,
And curse the day and the unhappy hour,
When they their Brother sold. It surely is
For vengence, said they, that our God doth this;
Up, and let's load again, till we our place
In 
Canaan see, and our old Fathers face,
That from his wise and long experience
May gather'd be, what can proceed from hence.
Now they're returned home and do relate
To 
Jacob, how the Steward did them hate,
All which we might well by his car'age gather;
But, Ah! said they, this was not all dear Father,
For he would not convinced be, but we
Must needs be spies, come 
Egypt for to see;
And though we spoke the truth, all this he urg'd
May come from Subtile Rogues, and so be forg'd;


[Page 24]But if you will prove true, said he, leave one
Till ye have brought me 
Jacob's little Son.
This we were forc'd to do, 
Simeon is there,
And must, till 
Ben our Brother doth repair
Thither with us, when we go next to buy,
Whose sight will work poor 
Sim's delivery,
And our free Traffick throughout all the Land;
Of this we have the Rulers Word and Hand.
But pray let's see your Corn if it be right,
Said 
Jacob, sure your Money was full weight.
You shall, Dear Father; bring the Asses nigh,
That we may empty't in the Granary.
Lift up this Sack, 'tis of unusual weight,
Pray God there be not here another slight;
Look, here's my Money, mine, and mine, and mine.
And all of ours, as sure as thou had'st thine.
At this Adventure all of them are sad,
Saying, what shall we do, our case is bad?
But most of all old 
Jacob, whose gray Head
Shakes with a Palsie, and falls down half dead,
Wringing his feeble hands, his sighs declare
What his sad thoughts of this Adventure were.
They'll count you 
Thieves, said he, O how I grieve!
Moreover now, who can my Son relieve?
Of 
Joseph and of 
Simeon I'm bereav'd,
And now poor 
Ben. is also from me crav'd.
But hold, before this his request I'le grant

Simeon I'le lose, and die my self of want.


[Page 25]Not so, Dear Father, said the eldest Son,
Your will in all things else I will have done:
But he must go, whom if I bring not back,
Then here I leave two Sons, them you shall take
And slay: Dear Sir, the charge lay upon me;
A good event, I hope, you'll quickly see.
Son, hold thy peace, my darling being dead,
Would you his Brother also from me lead?
No, he must not go down, for if he do,
My dayes are done, and I must leave you too:
That sorrow my gray hairs will bring to grave,
Leave off this suit, and any thing else crave
I will it grant—
As greatest Stocks, that always are impair'd,
Without supply, diminish, so it far'd
With 
Jacob and his Sons, who now begin
To feel their flesh (for want) waste, and their skin
A withered complexion put on,
While through the same, they might discern the bone
The very last of their Egyptian store
Eat up, the old man called out once more
Unto his Sons, and said, Go down again
To 
Egypt, and bring 
Simeon with our grain.
Whence 
Judah took occasion to express
Himself at large about the business
In hand; The man, said he, made protestation,
That neither we nor any other Nation
Should any thing receive, or see his face,
Unless that 
Ben. came down in 
Simeon's place.


[Page 26]If thou wilt send our Brother, then we may
Go down and buy more food, else cease I pray,
We dare not. Unto which he did reply,
Why was ye so unwise as to descry
My Boy, or give him such a strict account
Of me, and to what number mine did mount?
It was not in our power that to conceal,
Said they, the man was strict and made us deal
Thus plainly; for he said, Have you a Father
Alive or Brother, nay, or Brethren rather?
This made us speak the Truth, but never thought
That he would say, let 
Benjamin be brought,
Or that he would have proved so unkind
As to take 
Simeon from us, and him bind.
Father, continu'd 
Judah, if with me
You send the Lad, we'll go, I'le surety be,
And of my hand you shall again require
Him, dearest Father, grant me my desire;
This will not only prove us to be true,
But purchase food, and 
Simeon home to you.
Fear not, good Sir, if I do not restore
Him safe again, I'le bear the blame therefore
For ever; had we not thus lingered,
We had return'd the second time with Bread.
Well, well my Sons, then if it must be so,
Said he, my Counsel take before ye go.
Of all our best fruits you shall quickly gather
Some, and present them unto 
Egypts Father.


[Page 27]A little Balm, and Myrrhe, and Honey take,
With Spice and Almonds, Nuts, a Present make;
With double money also in your hand,
And that you carri'd last into the Land
Restore, perchance it was an oversight.
Then take my Son your Brother, do what's right,
And let 
Jehovah give you mercy when
You come before the man that doth retain
Your Brother, and let 
Benjamin come back.
At this his Blood boil'd, and these words he spake;
I see there is no probability
But of my Boyes I must bereaved be.
However, get you hence, I trust my God
Will give me strength to bear this heavy load.
This was the Farewell which old 
Jacob took
Of all his Sons when 
Cana'n they forsook,
And unto 
Egypt with the Present went,
The double Money which their Father sent.

Benjamin also with the rest went down
To see the Ruler and view 
Memphis Town,
Who are no sooner 'lighted then descry'd
By 
Joseph, who, when 
Benjamin he spy'd,
Call'd unto 
Ramses hastily, and said,
Dispatch with Dinner, is the Cloth yet laid?
Prepare more Victuals than was wont to be,
For these 11 men at Noon must dine with me.
'Tis done my Lord. Gentlemen, follow me
Into the Hall, the Prince desires that ye


[Page 28]Such entertainment as the House affords
Receive with welcome, as doth 
Egypt's Lords.
This unexpected carriage so amaz'd
The new-made-Guests, that each on other gaz'd,
And said, we may now easily perceive
The entertainment we are like to have.
This is the Rulers House where now we be,
Death or vile slavery is our destinie.
That pithie Sentence is not seldom true,

Love quickly turns to hate that is but new.
We know the drift, 'tis for our moneys sake
Was in our Sacks, that he this course doth take.
'Tis like the Steward knoweth for what end
We are brought in, try, if he be our Friend
He'll give us some accompt; he that's forearm'd,
As Proverb saith, is also partly warn'd.
Let's commune with him, and excuse our selves
For this our Money, there is no way else
That can be taken, this we will relate,
Which done, he'll either shew his love or hate.
Sir, at the first when we came to buy food,
We paid money for it, that was good.
Full weight it was, but shortly after how
It came into our Sacks, we know not now.
Our ignorance we hope will be excus'd:
Here is our Money, we have not refus'd
It to repay, and other Money too
At this time brought to buy more food of you.


[Page 29]Pray rest contented and be not afraid,
Said 
Ramses, seeing 
Jacob's God hath laid
Treasure into your Sacks; what I did crave
I had, and 
Simeon is no more a Slave.
Lo, here is Water, please you wash your Feet,
And I my self will give your Asses meat.
By this assurance they so cheared are,
That in his absence they their Gift prepare
Against the Lords incoming, seeing they
Should see his face, and dine with him that day.
Now the Clock strikes, Servants begin to run
Each to his Office, waiting the return
Of 
Zaphnapaa'neah, who came in and stood
Like glorious 
Phoebus, when from under cloud;
Whose sparkling splendor dazled the eyes
Of all, but most his Brethren, whom he spies
With piercing aspect; this his love exerts
To them, whom conscious of their own deserts,
Bow'd to the Earth their Heads, and said, My Lord,
Accept such things as 
Cana'n doth afford.
Who smil'd and took the Present, saying, How
Doth your old Father, and your selves all now?
Is he yet living? Doth his Silver Threads
Yet shine? They answer, Yes, with bowed heads.
At last the Ruler spieth out his Brother,
Ev'n 
Benjamin, the Son of his own Mother;
And said, My Friends, is this the youngest Lad,
When you were here, you said your Father had?


[Page 30]I guess it is, his count' nance speaks no less.
Thou'rt as my Son, whom God Almighty bless.
This he pronounced with such vehemency,
That Tears appear'd in his melting Eye,
Though Pow'r and Policy bid him refrain,
His face is wash'd, and he returns again,
And bids them set on Bread, 'tis quickly done,
For all the rest together, him alone;
And for the 
Egyptians by themselves, whose meat
Was not the same with that which 
Joseph eat,
Being unto them a great abomination
To feed on such things as the 
Hebrew Nation.
Now all is ready, Chaplain say the Grace,
And let each Stranger set as is his place:
He that is eldest bid him first go in,
And let the rest assede, then 
Benjamin.
Judge you if 
Joseph did not give them cause
To think that he once their Domestick was,
He can so well their Birth and Age discern,
They marvel at it, yet doth nothing learn.
Come, Trenchers here: Carver cut up this Dish,
And reach me hither that same boyled Fish.
Sir, take this Mess, and you, and you, and you;
You're welcome all: they thank him with a Bow.
But, Oh! methinks that young man is not serv'd,

In a Cooks Shop I would have no man starv'd.
Here, 
Ramses, reach the last man this from me;
This seen, the rest did wonder why't should be:


[Page 31]That of him he should take such special care,
And furnish with more than a five-fold share.
As Meat of all sorts, so the Drink was free,
For 
Joseph said, with you I'le merry be.
The Grace-Cup's over, now let us go on
To sing of all the Rulers kindness shown.
Their Sacks he first commands to fill, and then
Their money to be put in them again.
Next take my Cup, my Silver Cup, said he,
And in 
Ben's Sack's mouth let it hidden be,
With his Corn-money when he hath it paid.
All is perform'd, My Lord, as you have said.
The joyful Brethren, e'r it was light day,
That Morning with their Loads are sent away;
Though they have scarcely past the City Walls,
When 
Hue and 
Cry's sent out; Constable calls:
Stand thankless Wretches: tell me what's the cause
That ye have thus ev'n broken Natures Laws,
And all the Rules of Hospitalitie.
You said, we're true men, but ye robbers be;
My Lords, both drinking and divining Cup,
(Deny it not) you, you have taken up.
Was this requital for your Noble Feast?
Restor't again, may be ye took't in Jest:
Nay, but you Jest, said they, we hope your Lord
Hath sent you unto us with no such word;
For though we here be Strangers, yet the chief
At home we are, we need not play the thief.


[Page 32]Did we not with us treble Money bring?
Why then should we have stol'n this petty thing?
If you among us do the Goblet find,
Hang him that took it, and the rest Slaves bind.
You've said enough, yet it must not be so,
But he that took it Servant back shall go,
And you be blameless, for it were too much
That one should die, and th'rest be kept for such
A crime: then to't, said 
Reuben, to the rest,
Pull down your Sacks, and open them in haste.
Let this unthought-of search with me begin,
And so go on to Brother 
Benjamin.
When all of them had narrowly been try'd,
Except the last, then was the Cup descry'd,
Which brought upon them such a sudden fear,
That some their cloths rent, some their hair did tear.
To see these mourning Brethren 'twas great pity,
Loading their Asses, turning to the City.
When 
Judah and his Brethren too were come
To 
Joseph's House, expecting their last doom,
He bow'd and said, What shall we say unto
My Lord? What shall we speak? What shall we do
To prove us guiltless? sure God hath found out
Our hidden fault, for which without all doubt
He doth us punish; wherefore we are thine,
Because the Cup is found with 
Benjamin.
The Fact is too apparent, yet our God
Who searcheth Hearts, knows our intended load


[Page 33]Was Corn, not Plate; but since it must be so,
His will be done, and we no further go.
This when the man had heard, he answer made,
I never yet on any burthens laid
More than I thought was just, then God forbid
That I should any keep, but him who did
Convey away my Cup, 'tis only he
That I adjudge my Servant for to be;
As for the rest, let them go home in peace,
I'le use him well although he live by Grace.
Then 
Judah, with a look that spoke his fears,
Said, Good my Lord, graciously deign your ears
Unto a few things that I must express
About my Brother 
Ben. his business.
Didst thou not strictly of us all enquire
If we had yet a Brother more, or Sire?
We answer'd, Yes: a comely aged man,
Call'd 
Israel, and dwells in 
Canaan,
Who keeps at home with him our youngest Bro­ther,
His Darling being dead, who was another;
Which two fair 
Rachel to our Father bore.
This makes him love the living Lad the more.
And thee require of us more earnestly
His coming down, that thou might set thine Eye
Upon him; but we all with one accord
Said, this can scarce be granted to my Lord,
For if his Father part with him, we fear
He will not live with us another year.


[Page 34]At this thou (vexed) from us turn'd thy Face,
Say'ng, bring him down, or else my wonted Grace
I will withdraw; which, when we did go home,
We told our ancient Father all in sum,
But had no answer, till at last he said,
Rise, get you down to 
Egypt for more aid;
But we remembring this thy threatning word,
Said, none of us dare speak unto the Lord,
Or see his Face unless our Brother go
To 
Egypt with us. Surely it was so.
Which when our Father heard, he sigh'd and said,
I thought the Corn had been already paid.
Must I the pledge of 
Rachel's love forsake,
Or else want Corn which I do so much lack?
Certainly this is hard, I am right loath,
Seeing one is not, now to part with both.
Poor 
Josephs death torments me yet with grief,
Only this Boy, he gives me some relief;
If ye then seek me of him to deprive
I must breath out my last, and ye ne'r thrive.
This, Sir, said he, if any truth there be
In man, was said by him, and more to me.
You being Judge, can any thing be worse
Than for a Child to have the Fathers curse?
But if I could dispense with that, what can
I say to him when come to 
Canaan?
His life being bound with his, of this I'm sure,
Without the one the other can't endure.


[Page 35]Besides, to him for this I surety came,
Saying, if he come not, let me bear the blame
For ever. Now let me the favour find
To stay in place of him; pray, Sir, be kind,
And send the Boy unto his Father back
With joy, that he in him may pleasure take.
Great Sir, if you old Age admire, relief
Grant, be not Author of our Fathers grief.
This dext' rous Plea with 
Joseph took such place.
As it was soon known by his changed Face,
Whose frowns do vanish, and his threats are gone;
Love makes him cry, Go out, leave me alone.
He who of late spake rough and threatned all,
Now weepeth loud, and on their necks doth fall.
What means our Ruler? Is not this a wonder,
That he who to th'Egyptians speaks like Thunder,
Should be so much transported as to cry,
And none but these eleven Strangers by!
Dear Hearts, I'm 
Joseph, doth my Father live?
Said he; to which they could no answer give:
His unexpected Greatness and their fault
Daunts them as vanquish't sould'ers new assault,
Till he cryes Quarter, and bids shake off fear,
Saying, I am 
Joseph whom ye sold, and here
Was brought by Merchants; Come, be not afraid,
It was not you, but God that for your aid
Had order'd all things, and for preservation
Of life hath given unworthy me this Station.


[Page 36]Two years already hath the Famine been
In 
Egypt Land, and five yet is not seen,
In which 'twill be in vain to plow the Land,
Because the Mower shall not fill his hand;
Wherefore your God and mine sent me before,
That I for you and for your houses store
Should make provision; he whom I do serve
Me hither sent that I might life preserve,
And thought me fittest all the Corn to gather
That was in 
Egpypt, and be 
Pharaohs Father.
Haste then, go up to the Old Man and say,
Thus saith thy Son that was not, I this day
Am Lord of 
Egypt, so made by my God,
Who wills that thou come down and make abode
With me, and 
Goshen for thy dwelling place
Accept, it's near, there thou mayst see my face.
Thy Children, Flocks, and all shall nourisht be;
Nothing that's thine shall taste of poverty
In these five years of Famine. Cast your eye
And view my Limbs and Features, it is I;
And let my Brother 
Benjamin the Youth
Look well upon me; Is it not my mouth
That speaketh these things? pray also declare
Unto my Father what my Glories are
In 
Egypt, and perswade him to make haste
To come, and quickly of my Favours taste.
Then turn'd he unto 
Benjamin, and said,
Joy of my Heart, how well am I now paid


[Page 37]For all my wishes and my pray'rs for thee!
Who am admitted once again to see
My fathers image and my mothers face
In thine, dear Brother; God give thee his grace.
This said, in token of his true respect,
He weeps and kisses, falls upon his neck;
And he again, as far as modesty
Permitted, wept and kist most ardently.
Which though in secret done cannot be hid;
The Court takes notice what the Ruler did:
And that his Brethren come they 
Pharaoh tell,
Who said, I'm glad. Servants, they like it well.
Come in, said 
Pharaoh, Zaph; I mean to see,
Whether thy father 
Jacob be like thee.
Send for him into 
Egypt, where his store
Shall be so much, that he shall wish no more.
This is my will, I hope you'l not neglect
To pay your father all the true respect
You owe: and for their better commodation
Chuse out of Waggons best in all the nation
For them; the little ones, and all their stores,
Being persuaded that the land is yours.
As one who's willing to obey his Lord,
And serve his Father, 
Joseph doth accord.
Horses and Chariots quickly are prepar'd
By him, who for provision nothing spar'd.
For each of ten had from him change of cloaths,
But to his brother 
Ben. gave five of those.


[Page 38]Three hundred pieces as a token he
Unto him gave 'bove what his cost should be:
His Fathers Present it is greater far,
For unto him ten Asses loaded are
With finest Gold, that might supply his need,
And other ten loaden with Corn and Bread,
That might sustain his Father in the way;
All which he doth with small or no delay:
And then commands that they should thence depart,
With seeming joy, yet grieved at the heart,
Lest they his Brother 
Benjamin molest,
At parting from them, thus himself exprest;
Brethren, I hope ye will all cordial be,
Till ye to 
Jacob bring good news of me,
Telling him I do live and wish him health,
And hope that he will see me and my wealth.
This do, and so I hope God will you bring
Unto the old man, who is languishing
For your long stay. These are the whole commands
Wherewith I wish you kiss my Fathers hands.
At home with bowed knees they all salute
Their aged Father, who for Joy stood mute,
When he had heard that 
Joseph was alive,
Ruler in 
Egypt, and therein did thrive;
For sometimes he believed, and sometimes not,
Because they'd told him that the Lad was not.
But to confirm the truth they all declare
What with the Ruler their adventures were,


[Page 39]And how he serv'd them e'r he let them know
Whose Son he was, or what he did them ow;
And also show him all the Waggons trim
That should to's Son in 
Egypt carry him.
These seen, his fainting Spirit did revive,
Say'ng, Well, it is enough if 
Joseph be alive.
Help Lord, for now my Son I must go see
In 
Egypt land; this done, then let me die.
No sooner had the next 
Aurora bright
With blushing Skies succeeded gloomy Night,
Then Father 
Israel to his Char'ot hies,
And rests not till 
Beersheba he descries,
Where resting, he commandeth to erect
An Altar, whence he might his Pra'rs direct
And Sacrifices to the God of Heav'n,
Because his odd Sons were again made ev'n.
That he a prosperous success might have,
Of 
Isaac's God he doth protection crave
In's Journey, and for length of days implores,
Till he had seen young 
Joseph and his Stores.
He had not fully ended his devotion,
When Suns departure, and the Starry motion
Invited him to leave and to take rest.
No, no, saith 
Jacob, there is no such haste,
I once again will of my God enquire,
If he my going 
Egypt-ward desire;
If he be willing, I will not be slack,
But if he be not, then I will turn back.


[Page 40]This said, from Heav'n he heard a sudden voice
Say'ng, 
Jacob, Jacob, fear not, but rejoyce;
Since I have been thy fathers and thy God,
Well be, go there, and settle thy abode,
The truth to shew of this my promise made,
I'le make thy seed as sand on Sea-shore laid.
This mighty Nation shall victorious be,
After four hundred years, when my decree
Shall be fulfill'd: then fear not down to go,
I'le guide thee there, and bring thee up also.
No comfort will I from thee keep, thou sees
Thy son who was not, he shall close thine eyes.
Good 
Jacob ravish'd with those hea'vnly news
Rose up in haste, and to his sons all shews,
And then commands, with speed that they prepare
All things which needful for ther journy were.
The Coaches ready, some their father heave,
Some stand within him ready to receive;
Their wifes and children have their proper place
Into the same: and Coachmen drive apace.
Their cattel also, which were numerous,
Gold, Silver, Jewels, Treasures ponderous
Purchas'd in 
Canaan, these they did transport
To 
Egypt, whither then they did resort.
Thus 
Jacob leaves 
Canaan, and his seed
Do follow him, because they wanted bread:
His Sons, his Daughters, and his Nephews all,
Are now descended at the Dreamers call:


[Page 41]Whose exact number then was but three score
And ten, of which three had been there before,

Joseph the father, and his children two,

Manass. and 
Ephra'm, then he had no mo.
When they th'
Egyptian borders did descry,

Jacob to's fourth son 
Judah loud did cry,
Go down to 
Joseph, bid him tell me where
He will me place, I am a stranger there:
Tell him at 
Goshen I will tarry while
He come or send, and shew me what's his will:
And howsoever he dispose of me,
His word or work to me a law shall be.
As soon as 
Judah did his brother greet
With these glad tidings, he prepares to meet
His aged father, and before him stands,
Bows, begs his blessing with uplifted hands.
And he again (for joy his son to see)
Falls on his neck, kissing it ardently,
Weeps and embraces; so that all admire
The strong affections of his aged Sire,
Who cry'd aloud, O 
Joseph, Jeseph, now,
My darling 
Joseph, I am sure that thou
Dost live; then this I of my God will crave,
That he my spirit may in haste receive,
Since I am wholly eased of the wo
Hath me perplex'd these twenty years and two.
Then 
Joseph, who had all this time been stop
By tears, which from his Princely eyes had dropt,


[Page 42]Said, Father, welcom. Now I must go home
And tell the King that all of you are come,
Who (I am sure) at this will much rejoyce,
And give command that I of you dispose
Where best convenience may for you be had;
For this to me he hath already said.
And I will tell (if he to know desire)
That you are Shepherds, and you aim no higher.
When therefore he shall ask of you this thing,
You shall confirm my words by answering,
We and our Father Keepers are of Sheep;
Which he'll no sooner hear then's promise keep,
And give you 
Goshen, where you safely shall
Your tender Flocks grase, and your Cattel all;
Your dwellings also he will set apart:
For Shepherds grieve 
Egyptians at the heart.
Now 
Joseph leaves his Father in that place,
Returns and speaks with 
Pharaoh Face to Face,
Saying, my Father and his Family
Are (with their Substance) come to visit thee.

Joseph, said 
Pharaoh, of this take my hand,
I'm glad to see thy Father in my Land.
Call some of them, and let them see my Face,
Assure thy self they shall with me find grace.
I will, said 
Joseph, then he quickly takes
Five of his Brethren, and a Present makes
To 
Pharaoh, who did instantly enquire
What is your Trade, or what will you desire?


[Page 43]We're Shepherds and Sojourners in this Land,
Whose greatest errand is to kiss thy hand;
The next to see our Brother, and have place
Our Flocks to feed; in 
Canaan there's no grass:
The piercing Drought so scorched hath the land,
That there is nothing to be seen but Sand:
If therefore we shall of thee favour find,
Grant's 
Goshen Pastures, and for this we'll bind
Our selves to be thy Subjects, and our Seed
Of thee and thine shall stand in Kingly dread.
Then 
Pharaoh unto 
Joseph did reply;
Since they'r come down, what will I them deny?
My Crown but spare, and ask what e'r they please;
I'le give all things conducing to their ease.
My Land's before them: as for their request,
In 
Goshen for them Dwellings make in haste.
And for a greater proof of love to thee,
Choose out among them some will active be,
And put my Cattel all into their hands;
Their hire from me let it be Gold and Lands.
But pray thee 
Joseph, where's thy aged Sire,
His face to see I have a great desire.
Greatest of Kings you shall, lo, here he is.
This said, old 
Israel doth great 
Pharaoh bless,
Saying, my Lord the King of Kings protect
Your Sacred Person; and since you respect
Me and my Sons, I'le never cease to pray
For you with hands to Heav'n lift night and day.


[Page 44]My thanks, said 
Pharaoh, now I must be bold
To ask one question, I would know how old
Thou art? Good 
Jacob soon this answer made;
An hundred thirty summers I have had;
As many winters have I also been
In pilgrimage, unsettled I mean:
Yet few and evil, if you'l deign to look
Upon a Line in this my Table-book,
Where is inserted faithful 
Abrahams age,
An hundred and seventy five his stage
Completes, my father 
Isaac liv'd five more;
Though all this time their grievances were sore.
This said, the old man looking round about,
Blesseth the King, takes leave, and walketh out.
Now come (said he) Son, since you know I have
Your Kings good will, a fitting place I crave,
Where I and all my Children safe may be
From all Sedition and Conspiracy.
Then 
Joseph beckn'd to his Sire, and said,

Rameses is the best that can be had;
There take possession, this my Lord commands.
These are your Writings signed with our hands.
The famine's great, yet 
Joseph wills that he
Since come to 
Egypt have no scarcity
Of bread, tho'in 
Canaan'd 
Egypt there was want,
In so much that the most began to faint
For hunger, but that 
Egypts Nursing Father
Its currant money into stores did gather.


[Page 45]And such as from 
Canaan was brought to buy
Corn, he doth put into th' Treasury.
Now 
Egypts money doth begin to waste,
Which made the Natives run to him in haste,
And say, Sir, you must grant us fresh supply
Of bread and corn, or else for want we die.
There's none but you can grant us any aid.
Who answered, You've got as much as paid:
But this my counsel is, which if you take,
To bring your cattel you will not be slack,
And them for corn and bread exchange with me.
What profit they if you of famine die?
The hunger-starv'd 
Egyptians at this
Do much rejoyce, yea and with blessing bless
The Ruler, and with chearful hearts do bring
Their Horses, Cattel, Flocks, and every thing,
Except their Land, all's laid at 
Josephs feet,
Who willingly receiv'd, and gave them meat.
Poor creatures, they had good cause to fear,
For this provision ended with that year,
Was but the fixth since that great want began,
When it was ended they to 
Joseph ran
Again for more, lay'ng out their wretched case,
And saying to him, We must die alass!
Our Money gone, our Cattel you did crave,
We brought them, now our Land is all we have;
Come buy this also: let's not starved be,
And we our selves will serve our King and thee.


[Page 46]Let us have Seed that we again may try
Whether our Land as yet will fructifie.
At this his tender heart is fill'd with grief,
And eyes with tears, which way for their relief
Procures, for he to 
Pharaoh makes it o're,
Making him Landlord who was King before.
Their ancient Livings he bids them forsake,
And for the future other Dwellings take,
For which they should to 
Pharaoh Egypts King,
As to the owner yearly Rent in bring.
But to the Priests there was more kindness show'n,
Who parted with no Land that was their own;
For they on that which was to them allow'd,
Liv'd all that while as when the Land was plow'd.
Then 
Joseph said, Behold! I have you buught,
Your land and all; I'm sure there is not ought
Which is not 
Pharaohs, wherefore take you Seed
And sow in haste, I know you will not need
To fear the Famine, this is the last year
Of 
Egypt's drought, you know hath cost you dear;
Its former increase you again shall have,
Of which a Fifth Part I will yearly crave
For 
Pharaoh's use, the Four that is behind
Dispose of that according to your mind,
For Seed, for Food, for you and for your Store;
Fear not, it will be fruitful as before.
With bowed heads and chearful countenance
They thus reply, Since we our sustenance


[Page 47]These barren years had from our Lord and thee
Be gracious to us, we your Servants be.
It is enough we live to serve our King,
What he commands, that will we to him bring.
Only the Priests did this great Tax escape,
For all they sow'd, all to themselves they reap.
Behold, the kindness of an Heathen King,
To those who did but hellish Sophismes sing.
Yet all this while 
Joseph hath not forgot
To settle on 
Jacob the most happy Lot
In all the Land of 
Goshen, where he might
Dwell happily, and have thereof full right.
Now that Gods Promise might fulfilled be,
He multiplies and grows exceedingly.
When he in 
Egypt 17 years had been
Most prosperous, and his Sons glory seen
Of Age a 147, then he
Prepares himself Deaths Captive for to be;
For calling 
Joseph's Father and his Child,
And looking with a countenance most mild,
Dear Son, said he, Age makes me now believe
That I must 
Egypt and my Children leave.
This heard, the Ruler's heart is fill'd with grief,
And Eyes with tears. No Son there's no relief,
Said 
Jacob, Seventeen years I've liv'd in thee,
Now 'tis enough, my God I must go see.
Yet while I live one thing I must implore,
Grant it my Child, as thou hast done much more;


[Page 48]Which is, when dead, that then in 
Canaan I
May buried be, and with my Fathers lie.
This granted, he commands him for to swear
That he his Corps to 
Macpelah will bear;
And then in token of his thankfulness
He leans on's Bed, and doth his Maker bless.
Sad tidings soon sounds in the Rulers ear
After's departure, that his Father dear
Was ill at ease, and willed him in haste
To pay'm a Visit e'r his life was past:
Who willed quickly that his Children two
Should ready be, for they must with him go
To see their Grandsire, it is his command;
Obeying, they in travelling posture stand:
Scarce had they entered into the Town
When one to 
Jacob hastily runs down,
And tells him that his Sons and his two O'es
Were come to see his end, and to dispose
Of him: this heard, he once again revives,
And to set up upon his bed he strives;
Saying to 
Joseph, God appear'd to me,
When I from 
Esau's fury down did flee
To 
Padan Aram, and at 
Luz me gave
The Promise that I should 
Canaan have,
And blessed me, saying, that of my Bloud
Should there be born ev'n a huge multitude,
It to possess until Times fulness shall
Come, when they for their Sins shall from it fall.


[Page 65]Then since I'm sure that all the Land is mine,
I'le give a share unto these two of thine,
Were born in 
Egypt e'r I hither came,
As 
Reuben, Simeon, these shall bear my name;
But all the rest are since by thee begot,
They shall be thine, and have of thee their Lot
Among their Brethren, yet they must not be
Call'd 
Heads or 
Tribes of their posterity.
But whose are these two Youths that stand me by?
If they be thine, then let them both draw nigh
That I may bless them, being glad to see
Thy self once more, and thy posterity.
Now having kiss'd them, he said, Once I thought
Ne're to have seen thee, nor be hither brought;
But blessed be that God who spared me

Joseph, Manass. and 
Ephra'm for to see.
This done, he takes them from between his Feet,
Making them stand before him as was meet:

Manass. on's left, and 
Ephra'm on's right stand,
That on them both at once he might lay hand;
But he inspir'd of God looks not to years,
Nor yet for Doteage the first-born forbears:
For on the younger he layes on his right,
In him it seems God had the most delight,
Minding to make him Head of all the Tribe,
Without respect of person, age, or bribe.
Then to his Son he said, now I will crave
That you all Blessings of that God may have,


[Page 66]With whom my Sire and Grandsire both did walk,
And with him often face to face did talk,
Who from 
Canaan led me out this way,
And hath me fed at all times as this day.
The Angel Great, which doth my Soul redeem,
Bless both the Lads, and have them in esteem:
And let them have mine and my fathers name;
Make thou them great, do thou enlarge their fame,
Encrease their seed for number as the sand
On the Sea-shore in their Grandfathers Land.
But 
Joseph wroth to see the form invert,
Says to his father grieved at the heart,
Not so (dear Sir,) this is the eldest boy;
Put here your right, he is the onely joy
Of me his father. No, saith 
Jacob, no;
Though what you say be true I rightwell know;
Yet fear not, for he shall be very great,
But this much more, neither by strength nor fate,
But by that power that laid the Earths foundations
He shall become a multitude of Nations.
Such blessings that day he to 
Joseph gave,
As greater after 
Israel should not crave.
If any can but 
Ephra'ms bliss obtain,
It will be ever counted greatest gain.
Then 
Jacob said, Behold, I die; but God
Shall visit you, and while you have abode
In 
Egypt, he will ever be a Watch,
Lest by these Heathens any harm ye catch,


[Page 67]And bring you up into your fathers land;
He, he will do it by's Almighty hand.
Moreover thou from me hast got a portion,
Which I ne'r purchas'd by craft or extortion
From th' 
Amorites, but by my sword and bow;
This on thy self and thine I do bestow.
Now 
Jacob finding 's last glass almost out,
Calls for his sons, who compass him about,
Listning for what he thither did them call;
Who said, Sons, hear what will to you befall
In the last days, when your old father's gone,
Strengthen your selves, your trouble comes anon.

Reuben my eldest, pray do thou draw near
To me thy Parent, and thy verdict hear:
In dignity thou didst excell and power
Thy brethren all, untill that fatal hour
When to thy fathers bed thou didst advance;
This made me rob thee of th' Inheritance.
Because as water thou unstable wast,
Thy Eminence and Dignity is past.
This said, from him he turns his face about
To 
Sim. and 
Levi, whose sentence goeth out:
You brethren are by consanguinity,
And no less ally'd in your cruelty.
Your habitations they are full of bloud,
And might you grieve if rightly understood;
For in your anger you the 
Sech'mites slew,
Robbing the Town of riches not a few;


[Page 68]The City also raz'd unto the ground;
Such horrid Facts, I think, hath not been found.
Curs'd be your anger, I will you divide
'Mong other Tribes as strangers to abide.
As for thee, 
Judah, thou shalt praised be
By all thy Brethren and Posteritie;
Thy Foes thou shalt subdue, and they adore
Shall thee with princely Homage, nay, and more,
As Lion fierce is terrible, so thou
Shalt be to all, and all thou shalt subdue.
Yea, for a greater Blessing thou shalt hold
Thy kingly Scepter till Predictions old
Shall come to pass, and the 
Messias shall
Come from thy Loyns, and rid men out of thrall;
And all thy Land be fill'd with best of Wine,
Thy Grapes shall yeild great store of Liquor fine;
So that thou may, as in a mighty flood
Thy Garments wash into the grapie blood.

Zebulun, thou shalt still a dweller be
In pleasant places situate by the Sea,
So that by Shipping thou mayst have commerce
With other Nations who of Ware are scarce:
Thy Borders also I will so extend,
That they in length shall come to 
Zidon's end.
Son 
Issachar, I know thine inclination
Is such, that thou desir'st a quiet station,
Free from command, and still will bowing be
Thy back to all the burthens laid on thee.


[Page 69] 
Dan, as an Adder or a Serpent slie
Thou to thine En'mies evermore shalt be,
And subt'ly shall all of them overthrow,
If not their Head, I'm sure thou'lt sting below,
And now, O Lord, since well I know this Boy
Shall en'mies have that will him much annoy,
Do thou assist him in's extremity,
That at the last he may victo'rous be.

Gad, much affliction doth on thee attend,
Yet all those Troops thou'lt conquer in the end.

Asher, Earths fulness shall be thy Lot,
Affording Royal Dainties and what not.

Naphthali, on both parts thou dextrous are,
Lover of Peace, and yet can follow War.

Joseph, thou as a fruitful Bough shalt be,
Set by a Wall, thy Grapes shall multiply,
And Branches by the Suns reflections shall
Grow to such height as shall surmount a Wall.
Though Brethren, 
Jempsar, Potiphar, all three
Thy life did seek, and Arrows shot at thee,
Yet God, thy God thy Bow kept in such strength,
That spight of all, thou did'st o'rcome at length,
And made the Shepherd to his 
Isra'l-flock
So that thou was to them both Staff and Rock.
From God, thy Fathers God thou shalt receive
All things soever thou desir'st to have.
Is't pleasant Seasons? this the mighty hand
Will grant to thee, do but the same demand.


[Page 70]Is't liquid Fountains? Fowls that flying be,
Or Fishes? Call, 'tis he commands the Sea.
Is't food or clothing? Beasts on every hill
Are his; I know thou'lt have them at thy will.
Or is it Children? Do but them desire,
He'll grant so many shall make thee admire:
Thy Grandsires blessing, 
Isaac's, mine, all three
While hills endure shall ever bide with thee;
And on his head they ever shall remain,
Whom cruel brethren thought once to have slain.

Benjamin, thou shalt still a Warriour be,
And ever have thy sword upon thy thigh,
To kill and rob, and to divide the spoil,
Thou shalt be bent, and think of it no toil.
Here have you 
Jacobs sons all numbered;
Here have ye all that he unto them said.
Here all the blessings he before his death
In his last Legacy did to them bequeath;
Here is the charge that he unto them gave
Concerning's burial in the 
Hittite's Cave,
Which 
Abra'm bought in 
Ephrons field to be
A burial-place for his posterity.
Here was he buried and his 
Sarah dear:

Rebecea 'nd 
Isaac were interred here.
Here 
Leah also laid into this field,
For which 
Abra'm did five score pieces yield
Unto the sons of 
Heth, who were right loath
It to receive, till he had sworn an Oath,


[Page 71]That of them he would not take it for nought,
They do agree, the Cave is sold and bought.
Ah! I have spoke too long, my Spirits fail,
Said 
Jacob, see my Face and Hands grow pale.
This scarce was utter'd when his Heart had lost
Its faculties, and he gives up the Ghost.
When 
Joseph saw the death of's aged Sire,
His filial love the Brethren all admire,
Who said, thou'rt gone, and I am left alone,
Oh! thou art gone, I cannot chuse but moan.
Oh! thou art gone, my only Father dear.
Oh! thou being gone, what comfort have I here?
At this the tears so rushed from his Eyes,
That no by-stander could withhold their cryes;
For he his pale Face kiss'd and cry'd aloud
To the Physitians who about him stood,
Come take this Body, take it out from me,
Embalme it well, let nothing wanting be.
This his command they willingly embrace,
Taking his Father from before his Face,
And sweetest smelling Spices do prepare,
For this last Rite, he had enough to spare.
They never rested for six Weeks a day
His Corps to dress e'r he was ta'ne away.
Is this all? No, a Winder greater far,
The Outlaw Heathen for him Mourners are
Nine Weeks of Dayes; which ended, 
Joseph takes
His Fellow-Rulers by, and to them speaks,


[Page 72]You know in 
Egypt 'tis a strict Decree
That none in Mourning may with 
Phara
 [...] be,
Nor any conference in this posture have
With him, for which I earnestly do crave
That you would go and make the King acquaint
That my old Father, while his pulse was faint,
Commanded me to swear a solemn Oath
(Should I it break, I think he will be loath.)
That I should bury 'm in his Fathers Grave,
Pray bid him grant it, this is all I crave.
And if he fear that I will not come back,
He may my Sons of me for Pledges take.
Thus leaving 
Joseph, all of them depart,
Who waiteth their return with grieved heart.
No sooner had they told the King his case,
Than he with sighing answered, Alass!
Is 
Jacob dead, my Father-Rulers Father?
And shall I hinder? Nay, I'le further rather.
Make all the haste he can, then come to me,
Till his return I shall not quiet be.
When 
Joseph heard the Kings benevolence,
He thank'd the Rulers and departed thence.
Then called all his Servants and his Kindred,
Who come unto him, none of them is hindred:
The Kings own Servants and the Rulers be
In readiness the Corps to companie.
Then 
Joseph doth this Funeral Journey take
With more than Thousands armed at his back.


[Page 73]E'r 
Titan rose from out his watry Bed,
Or with his spangled Traces overspread
The spacious Azure, Chariots make a noise,
At which the prancing Horses all rejoyce;
Coach-men drive hard, so that e'r it was nigh
Sun-setting next, 
Canaan they espy.
To't yet, said 
Joseph, here we will not rest,
But will to 
Atad, where we shall have best
Accommodation for our numerous Train;
I know the place, it is a spacious Plain
Well hedg'd in; there we may safely lie
Until the rest we for the Funeral buy.
This was concluded, and o'r 
Jordan they
Came, to the place of their appointed stay;
Where 'lighting down, their Mourners so cry'd out
For full seven days, that all were round about
Came running for to see what it might be
Made all these strangers weep so bitterly,
Whose sympathy admir'd the place they call

Abel-mizraim unto Ages all.
This Ceremony ended, they the Vow
Perform, made to their Father while below,
And buri'd him in his Grand-sires Cave;
This was the last thing he did of them crave.
Now 
Joseph to his 
Pharaoh doth return,
Who for his absence never ceas'd to mourn.
Thou'rt welcome 
Joseph, said the Egyptian King,
What news dost thou to me from 
Canaan bring?


[Page 74]All good my Lord, with which he made a bow;
But, Ah! I fear I've stayd too long from you.
No, no, I'm glad again to see thy face,
Said he, for still thou shalt with me find grace.
By this time's Brethrens hearts began to burn,
Thinking that he soon after his return
Would them afflict for their long cover'd crime,
Which to prevent, a Messenger in time
They send to 
Joseph, who this message bore;
Our, and thy Father who is now in glore,
Commanded us thy Pardon for to crave,
Though we deserved other things to have
For our outragious spite and crueltie,
Which we contriv'd against thee, guiltless thee,
By seeking of thy spotless blood to spill,
Whilest thou our good foretold, and not our ill.
The hearing this his tender soul did smart,
Whose watry Eyes it witnessed in part:
What? What? said he, and do they me mistrust
As soon as I my Father in the dust
Have laid? No, no, Dear Hearts, they need not fea
 [...]
I will to them a great affection bear;
Were I vindictive, yet that would not do,
That God is strong who still preferveth you.
You will'd indeed revenge upon my blood,
Yet all your malice turned to my good.
'Twas not your aim when you poor 
Joseph sold,
That he 'mong 
Egypts Worthies should be roll'd


[Page 75]No, no, 'mong Slaves; in this ye all combin'd,
But my good God had better things design'd,
Your preservation, though ye made a prey
Of me to Merchants, as you see this day,
Wherefore take courage, I will you preserve,
Your guilt I'le pardon, and with food I'le serve
You and your Flocks according to your mind,
Am I not 
Joseph, can I be but kind?
Haste, haste my 
Muse, now thou must make an end,
That Pearl of price whom God did hither send,
Hath now ten Winters and 100 seen,
As many Summers, of which he hath been
Fourscore and sev'n in the Egyptian Land,
Alway's upholden by th' Almighties hand.
And now he sees of his own procreation
In his last days a treble generation.
Then finding's vital Sp'rits begin to fail,
And Death ensuing, who would take no Bail,
He calls his Brethren as his Father did,
And then unfolds a Mystery lay hid
Concerning their departure to the place
Promis'd to 
Abram and his following race,
And doth desire that all of them might swear
That they to 
Canaan shall his Body bear
When dead, and lay him in his Fathers Grave,
Which they might find into the 
Hittits cave.
Here 
Joseph dies, being of a good old Age.
Here 
Joseph dies a chaste and holy Sage.


[Page 76]Here 
Joseph leaves his 
Pharaoh and departs,
Here 
Joseph leaves his Friends with grieved hearts
Here with him dies all 
Jacobs Off-springs glory,
In 
Egypt, and the Period of his Story.

FINIS.

[Page]

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Divine dialogues, viz. Dive's doom, Sodom's flames and Abraham's faith containing the histories of Dives and Lazarus, the destruction of Sodom, and Abraham's sacrificing his son : to which is added Joseph reviv'd, or, The history of his life and death / by George Lesly ...

Author: Lesly, George, d. 1701.1678

1

2

3

4

The Persons.

The Prologue.

[...] DIVES'S DOOM, OR, The Rich Man's Misery.

The Rich Man's EPITAPH, FOR The EPILOGUE.

The Persons.

Prologus.

FIRE and BRIMSTONE; OR, The Destruction of Sodom.

The Persons.

Prologus.

Abrahams Faith,

EPILOGUE.

To the Right Worshipful WILL. WYMONDESOLD, ESQUIRE, Mr. EDMUND, Mr. RICHARD, Mr. MATTHEW, and Mr. THOMAS his Brethren; with their truly Vertuous Mother and Sisters.

TO THE READER.

To my Worthy Friend Mr. GEORGE LESLY, upon his Poem called JOSEPH Reviv'd.

JOSEPH REVIV'D.