Classic Poem

Of Man to W[illiam] Ar[mine]

Noe wonder 'tis that man loves fights
Since He's composd of Opposites
His fleshy parts at once comprise
Fowr Elemental contraries
On which Affections excess
Beget an Issue numberless
Which nurced up by Humors brest
In Fancies school clayme interest
Wher for a leson They let in
The Common-place or Head of sin
Whilst Appetite noe Rhet'rick spares
To scatter 'mongst the wheat some tares
Soe choak the Harvest, and with rain
Let loose, sowes Cockle for true Grain
Now over these to rule and sway
He that created Night and Day
Endowes the Mind over the sence
With Knowledg for Preheminence
Exalting Reason 'bove the rest
As He did Man ore every Beest
And thus installd why is't the mind
Strives from its Limits unconfind
But that in search of a new berth
Man would create his Heavn on Earth
Fix on the Creatures all content
When God who is Omnipotent
Is evermore at hand to be
Protector 'gainst all injury
Be Patient then, nor care at all
For what in Temprall Things befall
Make him acqainted with thy state
And fear not to be fortunate
Whither by Prayer thou sendst request
Or guivst Him thankes for all the rest
Thou dost enjoy; stil let it be
Soe seasond with sincerety
That that which all thinges goes beyond
His Peace in Christ may be thy frend.