5

Aire, and ye Elements the eldest 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 grey,

Till the Sun paint your fleecie skirts with Gold,

In honour to the Worlds great Author rise,

Whether to deck with Clouds th uncolourd 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 onely good; and if the night

Have gathered aught of evil or conceald,

Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark.

So prayd they innocent, and to thir thoughts

Firm peace recoverd 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 pamperd 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 deignd

To travel with Tobias, and securd

His marriage with the seaventimes-wedded Maid.