Chapter 6 5
Aire, and ye Elements the oldest birth [ 180 ]
Of Natures Womb, that in quaternion run
Perpetual Circle, multiform; and mix
And nourish all things, let your ceasless change
Varie to our great Maker still new praise.
Ye Mists and Exhalations that now rise [ 185 ]
From Hill or steaming Lake, duskie or gray,
Till the Sun paint your fleecie skirts with Gold,
In honor to the Worlds great Author rise,
Whether to deck with Clouds th uncoloured skie,
Or wet the thirstie Earth with falling showers, [ 190 ]
Rising or falling still advance his praise.
His praise ye Winds, that from four Quarters blow,
Breathe soft or loud; and wave your tops, ye Pines,
With every Plant, in sign of Worship wave.
Fountains and yee, that warble, as ye flow, [ 195 ]
Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise.
Joyn voices all ye living Souls; ye Birds,
That singing up to Heaven Gate ascend,
Bear on your wings and in your notes his praise;
Yee that in Waters glide, and yee that walk [ 200 ]
The Earth, and stately tread, or lowly creep;
Witness if I be silent, Morn or Eeven,
To Hill, or Valley, Fountain, or fresh shade
Made vocal by my Song, and taught his praise.
Hail universal Lord, be bounteous still [ 205 ]
To give us only good; and if the night
Have gathered aught of evil or concealed,
Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark.
So prayed they innocent, and to thir thoughts
Firm peace recovered soon and wonted calm. [ 210 ]
On to thir mornings rural work they haste
Among sweet dewes and flours; where any row
Of Fruit-trees overwoodie reachd too farr
Thir pampered boughes, and needed hands to check
Fruitless imbraces: or they led the Vine [ 215 ]
To wed her Elm; she spousd about him twines
Her marriageable arms, and with her brings
Her dowr th adopted Clusters, to adorn
His barren leaves. Them thus imploid beheld
With pittie Heavns high King, and to him calld [ 220 ]
Raphael, the sociable Spirit, that deigned
To travel with Tobias, and secure
His marriage with the seaventimes-wedded Maid.