Classic Poem

Carroll — 1656

Like as the pregnant Morn distills its dew
And adds refreshment to the tender grass
Soe did Thy blessed comming Us renew
And that Great Work of Wonders bring to pass
Taking Our natures on Thee and to die
To Ransome Us out of Captivety:

Our Fathers Disobedience had Entayld
Soe Great a Curse on all Man kind, that 'twas
Noe little Paynes nor Labour heer prevaild
To cut it ofe, soe He who noe sin has
Contented was mongst Sinners to appeer
To Cancell bonds and our Accounts make cleer:

Happy that Contemplation can afford
Reflection on so Great a Benefitt
And pay due Vowes and Offrings to the Lord
That High Triumphant over all doth sit
Curbing Those Powres whose wily crafts had been
Our Parents first, and now our Bayts to sin:

All under Christian Light are full of this
And must acknowledg Mercy above all
Noe place on earth, noe time be thought amiss
To celebrate our Great Redeemers fall
To rayse us up again were lost and gon
Without the Power of such Redemption:

Wherfore if Parcht through Unbeleef we lie
And in Contempt seem to neglect and scorn
The Memory of This Nativery
Noe Dew Distilled from the fragrant Morn
Will add refreshment to that Grass and Hay
Tramples upon soe Great an Holy day: