The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations/Peace
For works with similar titles, see Peace.
¶ Peace.
SWeet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave,Let me once know.I sought thee in a secret cave,And ask’d, if Peace were there.A hollow winde did seem to answer, No:Go seek elsewhere.
I did; and going did a rainbow note:Surely, thought I,This is the lace of Peaces coat:I will search out the matter.But while I lookt, the clouds immediatelyDid break and scatter.
Then went I to a garden, and did spyA gallant flower,The Crown Imperiall: Sure, said I,Peace at the root must dwell.But when I digg’d, I saw a worm devoureWhat show’d so well.
At length I met a rev’rend good old man;Whom when for PeaceI did demand, he thus began:There was a Prince of oldAt Salem dwelt, who liv’d with good increaseOf flock and fold.
He sweetly liv'd; yet sweetnesse did not saveHis life from foes.But after death out of his grave There sprang twelve stalks of wheat:Which many wondring at, got some of thoseTo plant and set.
It prosper'd strangely, and did soon disperseThrough all the earth:For they that taste it do rehearse,That vertue lies therein;A secret vertue bringing peace and mirthBy flight of sinne.
Take of this grain, which in my garden grows,And grows for you;Make bread of it: and that reposeAnd peace, which ev'ry whereWith so much earnestnesse you do pursueIs onely there.