Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
VI. Human ExperienceI would I were an excellent divine
Nicholas Breton (15451626)I
That had the Bible at my fingers’ ends;
That men might hear out of this mouth of mine
How God doth make his enemies his friends;
Rather than with a thundering and long prayer
Be led into presumption, or despair.
But a religious servant of my God;
And know there is none other God but he,
And willingly to suffer mercy’s rod,—
Joy in his grace, and live but in his love,
And seek my bliss but in the world above.
For all estates within the state of grace,
That careful love might never know despair,
Nor servile fear might faithful love deface;
And this would I both day and night devise
To make my humble spirit’s exercise.
Persuade the troubled soul to patience;
The husband care, and comfort to the wife,
To child and servant due obedience;
Faith to the friend, and to the neighbor peace,
That love might live, and quarrels all might cease.
Confession unto all that are convicted,
And patience unto all that are displeased,
And comfort unto all that are afflicted,
And mercy unto all that have offended,
And grace to all, that all may be amended.