[ { "title": "To my Dear and Loving Husband", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "If ever two were one, then surely we.", "If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.", "If ever wife was happy in a man,", "Compare with me, ye women, if you can.", "I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold", "Or all the riches that the East doth hold.", "My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,", "Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence.", "Thy love is such I can no way repay.", "The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.", "Then while we live, in love let's so persever", "That when we live no more, we may live ever." ], "linecount": "12" }, { "title": "To My Dear And Loving Husband", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "If ever two were one, then surely we.", "If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee.", "If ever wife was happy in a man,", "Compare with me, ye women, if you can.", "I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold", "Or all the riches that the East doth hold.", "My love is such that Rivers cannot quench,", "Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence.", "Thy love is such I can no way repay.", "The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.", "Then while we live, in love let's so persever", "That when we live no more, we may live ever." ], "linecount": "12" }, { "title": "A Letter to Her Husband", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "Absent upon Public Employment", "", "My head, my heart, mine eyes, my life, nay more,", "My joy, my magazine, of earthly store,", "If two be one, as surely thou and I,", "How stayest thou there, whilst I at Ipswich lie?", "So many steps, head from the heart to sever,", "If but a neck, soon should we be together.", "I, like the Earth this season, mourn in black,", "My Sun is gone so far in's zodiac,", "Whom whilst I 'joyed, nor storms, nor frost I felt,", "His warmth such fridged colds did cause to melt.", "My chilled limbs now numbed lie forlorn;", "Return; return, sweet Sol, from Capricorn;", "In this dead time, alas, what can I more", "Than view those fruits which through thy heart I bore?", "Which sweet contentment yield me for a space,", "True living pictures of their father's face.", "O strange effect! now thou art southward gone,", "I weary grow the tedious day so long;", "But when thou northward to me shalt return,", "I wish my Sun may never set, but burn", "Within the Cancer of my glowing breast,", "The welcome house of him my dearest guest.", "Where ever, ever stay, and go not thence,", "Till nature's sad decree shall call thee hence;", "Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone,", "I here, thou there, yet both but one." ], "linecount": "27" }, { "title": "The Four Ages of Man", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "1.1 Lo now! four other acts upon the stage,", "1.2 Childhood, and Youth, the Manly, and Old-age.", "1.3 The first: son unto Phlegm, grand-child to water,", "1.4 Unstable, supple, moist, and cold's his Nature.", "1.5 The second: frolic claims his pedigree;", "1.6 From blood and air, for hot and moist is he.", "1.7 The third of fire and choler is compos'd,", "1.8 Vindicative, and quarrelsome dispos'd.", "1.9 The last, of earth and heavy melancholy,", "1.10 Solid, hating all lightness, and all folly.", "1.11 Childhood was cloth'd in white, and given to show,", "1.12 His spring was intermixed with some snow.", "1.13 Upon his head a Garland Nature set:", "1.14 Of Daisy, Primrose, and the Violet.", "1.15 Such cold mean flowers (as these) blossom betime,", "1.16 Before the Sun hath throughly warm'd the clime.", "1.17 His hobby striding, did not ride, but run,", "1.18 And in his hand an hour-glass new begun,", "1.19 In dangers every moment of a fall,", "1.20 And when 'tis broke, then ends his life and all.", "1.21 But if he held till it have run its last,", "1.22 Then may he live till threescore years or past.", "1.23 Next, youth came up in gorgeous attire", "1.24 (As that fond age, doth most of all desire),", "1.25 His Suit of Crimson, and his Scarf of Green.", "1.26 In's countenance, his pride quickly was seen.", "1.27 Garland of Roses, Pinks, and Gillyflowers", "1.28 Seemed to grow on's head (bedew'd with showers).", "1.29 His face as fresh, as is Aurora fair,", "1.30 When blushing first, she 'gins to red the Air.", "1.31 No wooden horse, but one of metal try'd:", "1.32 He seems to fly, or swim, and not to ride.", "1.33 Then prancing on the Stage, about he wheels;", "1.34 But as he went, death waited at his heels.", "1.35 The next came up, in a more graver sort,", "1.36 As one that cared for a good report.", "1.37 His Sword by's side, and choler in his eyes,", "1.38 But neither us'd (as yet) for he was wise,", "1.39 Of Autumn fruits a basket on his arm,", "1.40 His golden rod in's purse, which was his charm.", "1.41 And last of all, to act upon this Stage,", "1.42 Leaning upon his staff, comes up old age.", "1.43 Under his arm a Sheaf of wheat he bore,", "1.44 A Harvest of the best: what needs he more?", "1.45 In's other hand a glass, ev'n almost run,", "1.46 This writ about: This out, then I am done.", "1.47 His hoary hairs and grave aspect made way,", "1.48 And all gave ear to what he had to say.", "1.49 These being met, each in his equipage", "1.50 Intend to speak, according to their age,", "1.51 But wise Old-age did with all gravity", "1.52 To childish childhood give precedency,", "1.53 And to the rest, his reason mildly told:", "1.54 That he was young, before he grew so old.", "1.55 To do as he, the rest full soon assents,", "1.56 Their method was that of the Elements,", "1.57 That each should tell what of himself he knew,", "1.58 Both good and bad, but yet no more then's true.", "1.59 With heed now stood, three ages of frail man,", "1.60 To hear the child, who crying, thus began.", "", "Childhood.", "", "2.1 Ah me! conceiv'd in sin, and born in sorrow,", "2.2 A nothing, here to day, but gone to morrow,", "2.3 Whose mean beginning, blushing can't reveal,", "2.4 But night and darkness must with shame conceal.", "2.5 My mother's breeding sickness, I will spare,", "2.6 Her nine months' weary burden not declare.", "2.7 To shew her bearing pangs, I should do wrong,", "2.8 To tell that pain, which can't be told by tongue.", "2.9 With tears into this world I did arrive;", "2.10 My mother still did waste, as I did thrive,", "2.11 Who yet with love and all alacity,", "2.12 Spending was willing to be spent for me.", "2.13 With wayward cries, I did disturb her rest,", "2.14 Who sought still to appease me with her breast;", "2.15 With weary arms, she danc'd, and By, By, sung,", "2.16 When wretched I (ungrate) had done the wrong.", "2.17 When Infancy was past, my Childishness", "2.18 Did act all folly that it could express.", "2.19 My silliness did only take delight,", "2.20 In that which riper age did scorn and slight,", "2.21 In Rattles, Bables, and such toyish stuff.", "2.22 My then ambitious thoughts were low enough.", "2.23 My high-born soul so straitly was confin'd", "2.24 That its own worth it did not know nor mind.", "2.25 This little house of flesh did spacious count,", "2.26 Through ignorance, all troubles did surmount,", "2.27 Yet this advantage had mine ignorance,", "2.28 Freedom from Envy and from Arrogance.", "2.29 How to be rich, or great, I did not cark,", "2.30 A Baron or a Duke ne'r made my mark,", "2.31 Nor studious was, Kings favours how to buy,", "2.32 With costly presents, or base flattery;", "2.33 No office coveted, wherein I might", "2.34 Make strong my self and turn aside weak right.", "2.35 No malice bare to this or that great Peer,", "2.36 Nor unto buzzing whisperers gave ear.", "2.37 I gave no hand, nor vote, for death, of life.", "2.38 I'd nought to do, 'twixt Prince, and peoples' strife.", "2.39 No Statist I: nor Marti'list i' th' field.", "2.40 Where e're I went, mine innocence was shield.", "2.41 My quarrels, not for Diadems, did rise,", "2.42 But for an Apple, Plumb, or some such prize.", "2.43 My strokes did cause no death, nor wounds, nor scars.", "2.44 My little wrath did cease soon as my wars.", "2.45 My duel was no challenge, nor did seek.", "2.46 My foe should weltering, with his bowels reek.", "2.47 I had no Suits at law, neighbours to vex,", "2.48 Nor evidence for land did me perplex.", "2.49 I fear'd no storms, nor all the winds that blows.", "2.50 I had no ships at Sea, no fraughts to loose.", "2.51 I fear'd no drought, nor wet; I had no crop,", "2.52 Nor yet on future things did place my hope.", "2.53 This was mine innocence, but oh the seeds", "2.54 Lay raked up of all the cursed weeds,", "2.55 Which sprouted forth in my insuing age,", "2.56 As he can tell, that next comes on the stage.", "2.57 But yet me let me relate, before I go,", "2.58 The sins and dangers I am subject to:", "2.59 From birth stained, with Adam's sinful fact,", "2.60 From thence I 'gan to sin, as soon as act;", "2.61 A perverse will, a love to what's forbid;", "2.62 A serpent's sting in pleasing face lay hid;", "2.63 A lying tongue as soon as it could speak", "2.64 And fifth Commandment do daily break;", "2.65 Oft stubborn, peevish, sullen, pout, and cry;", "2.66 Then nought can please, and yet I know not why.", "2.67 As many was my sins, so dangers too,", "2.68 For sin brings sorrow, sickness, death, and woe,", "2.69 And though I miss the tossings of the mind,", "2.70 Yet griefs in my frail flesh I still do find.", "2.71 What gripes of wind, mine infancy did pain?", "2.72 What tortures I, in breeding teeth sustain?", "2.73 What crudities my cold stomach hath bred?", "2.74 Whence vomits, worms, and flux have issued?", "2.75 What breaches, knocks, and falls I daily have?", "2.76 And some perhaps, I carry to my grave.", "2.77 Sometimes in fire, sometimes in water fall:", "2.78 Strangely preserv'd, yet mind it not at all.", "2.79 At home, abroad, my danger's manifold", "2.80 That wonder 'tis, my glass till now doth hold.", "2.81 I've done: unto my elders I give way,", "2.82 For 'tis but little that a child can say.", "", "Youth.", "", "", "3.1 My goodly clothing and beauteous skin", "3.2 Declare some greater riches are within,", "3.3 But what is best I'll first present to view,", "3.4 And then the worst, in a more ugly hue,", "3.5 For thus to do we on this Stage assemble,", "3.6 Then let not him, which hath most craft dissemble.", "3.7 Mine education, and my learning's such,", "3.8 As might my self, and others, profit much:", "3.9 With nurture trained up in virtue's Schools;", "3.10 Of Science, Arts, and Tongues, I know the rules;", "3.11 The manners of the Court, I likewise know,", "3.12 Nor ignorant what they in Country do.", "3.13 The brave attempts of valiant Knights I prize", "3.14 That dare climb Battlements, rear'd to the skies.", "3.15 The snorting Horse, the Trumpet, Drum I like,", "3.16 The glist'ring Sword, and well advanced Pike.", "3.17 I cannot lie in trench before a Town,", "3.18 Nor wait til good advice our hopes do crown.", "3.19 I scorn the heavy Corslet, Musket-proof;", "3.20 I fly to catch the Bullet that's aloof.", "3.21 Though thus in field, at home, to all most kind,", "3.22 So affable that I do suit each mind,", "3.23 I can insinuate into the breast", "3.24 And by my mirth can raise the heart deprest.", "3.25 Sweet Music rapteth my harmonious Soul,", "3.26 And elevates my thoughts above the Pole.", "3.27 My wit, my bounty, and my courtesy", "3.28 Makes all to place their future hopes on me.", "3.29 This is my best, but youth (is known) alas,", "3.30 To be as wild as is the snuffing Ass,", "3.31 As vain as froth, as vanity can be,", "3.32 That who would see vain man may look on me:", "3.33 My gifts abus'd, my education lost,", "3.34 My woful Parents' longing hopes all crost;", "3.35 My wit evaporates in merriment;", "3.36 My valour in some beastly quarrel's spent;", "3.37 Martial deeds I love not, 'cause they're virtuous,", "3.38 But doing so, might seem magnanimous.", "3.39 My Lust doth hurry me to all that's ill,", "3.40 I know no Law, nor reason, but my will;", "3.41 Sometimes lay wait to take a wealthy purse", "3.42 Or stab the man in's own defence, that's worse.", "3.43 Sometimes I cheat (unkind) a female Heir", "3.44 Of all at once, who not so wise, as fair,", "3.45 Trusteth my loving looks and glozing tongue", "3.46 Until her friends, treasure, and honour's gone.", "3.47 Sometimes I sit carousing others' health", "3.48 Until mine own be gone, my wit, and wealth.", "3.49 From pipe to pot, from pot to words and blows,", "3.50 For he that loveth Wine wanteth no woes.", "3.51 Days, nights, with Ruffins, Roarers, Fiddlers spend,", "3.52 To all obscenity my ears I bend,", "3.53 All counsel hate which tends to make me wise,", "3.54 And dearest friends count for mine enemies.", "3.55 If any care I take, 'tis to be fine,", "3.56 For sure my suit more than my virtues shine.", "3.57 If any time from company I spare,", "3.58 'Tis spent in curling, frisling up my hair,", "3.59 Some young Adonais I do strive to be.", "3.60 Sardana Pallas now survives in me.", "3.61 Cards, Dice, and Oaths, concomitant, I love;", "3.62 To Masques, to Plays, to Taverns still I move;", "3.63 And in a word, if what I am you'd hear,", "3.64 Seek out a British, bruitish Cavalier.", "3.65 Such wretch, such monster am I; but yet more", "3.66 I want a heart all this for to deplore.", "3.67 Thus, thus alas! I have mispent my time,", "3.68 My youth, my best, my strength, my bud, and prime,", "3.69 Remembring not the dreadful day of Doom,", "3.70 Nor yet the heavy reckoning for to come,", "3.71 Though dangers do attend me every hour", "3.72 And ghastly death oft threats me with her power:", "3.73 Sometimes by wounds in idle combats taken,", "3.74 Sometimes by Agues all my body shaken;", "3.75 Sometimes by Fevers, all my moisture drinking,", "3.76 My heart lies frying, and my eyes are sinking.", "3.77 Sometimes the Cough, Stitch, painful Pleurisy,", "3.78 With sad affrights of death, do menace me.", "3.79 Sometimes the loathsome Pox my face be-mars", "3.80 With ugly marks of his eternal scars.", "3.81 Sometimes the Frenzy strangely mads my Brain", "3.82 That oft for it in Bedlam I remain.", "3.83 Too many's my Diseases to recite,", "3.84 That wonder 'tis I yet behold the light,", "3.85 That yet my bed in darkness is not made,", "3.86 And I in black oblivion's den long laid.", "3.87 Of Marrow full my bones, of Milk my breasts,", "3.88 Ceas'd by the gripes of Serjeant Death's Arrests:", "3.89 Thus I have said, and what I've said you see,", "3.90 Childhood and youth is vain, yea vanity.", "", "Middle Age.", "", "", "4.1 Childhood and youth forgot, sometimes I've seen,", "4.2 And now am grown more staid that have been green,", "4.3 What they have done, the same was done by me:", "4.4 As was their praise, or shame, so mine must be.", "4.5 Now age is more, more good ye do expect;", "4.6 But more my age, the more is my defect.", "4.7 But what's of worth, your eyes shall first behold,", "4.8 And then a world of dross among my gold.", "4.9 When my Wild Oats were sown, and ripe, and mown,", "4.10 I then receiv'd a harvest of mine own.", "4.11 My reason, then bad judge, how little hope", "4.12 Such empty seed should yield a better crop.", "4.13 I then with both hands graspt the world together,", "4.14 Thus out of one extreme into another,", "4.15 But yet laid hold on virtue seemingly:", "4.16 Who climbs without hold, climbs dangerously.", "4.17 Be my condition mean, I then take pains", "4.18 My family to keep, but not for gains.", "4.19 If rich, I'm urged then to gather more", "4.20 To bear me out i' th' world and feed the poor;", "4.21 If a father, then for children must provide,", "4.22 But if none, then for kindred near ally'd;", "4.23 If Noble, then mine honour to maintain;", "4.24 If not, yet wealth, Nobility can gain.", "4.25 For time, for place, likewise for each relation,", "4.26 I wanted not my ready allegation.", "4.27 Yet all my powers for self-ends are not spent,", "4.28 For hundreds bless me for my bounty sent,", "4.29 Whose loins I've cloth'd, and bellies I have fed,", "4.30 With mine own fleece, and with my household bread.", "4.31 Yea, justice I have done, was I in place,", "4.32 To cheer the good and wicked to deface.", "4.33 The proud I crush'd, th'oppressed I set free,", "4.34 The liars curb'd but nourisht verity.", "4.35 Was I a pastor, I my flock did feed", "4.36 And gently lead the lambs, as they had need.", "4.37 A Captain I, with skill I train'd my band", "4.38 And shew'd them how in face of foes to stand.", "4.39 If a Soldier, with speed I did obey", "4.40 As readily as could my Leader say.", "4.41 Was I a laborer, I wrought all day", "4.42 As cheerfully as ere I took my pay.", "4.43 Thus hath mine age (in all) sometimes done well;", "4.44 Sometimes mine age (in all) been worse than hell.", "4.45 In meanness, greatness, riches, poverty", "4.46 Did toil, did broil; oppress'd, did steal and lie.", "4.47 Was I as poor as poverty could be,", "4.48 Then baseness was companion unto me.", "4.49 Such scum as Hedges and High-ways do yield,", "4.50 As neither sow, nor reap, nor plant, nor build.", "4.51 If to Agriculture I was ordain'd,", "4.52 Great labours, sorrows, crosses I sustain'd.", "4.53 The early Cock did summon, but in vain,", "4.54 My wakeful thoughts up to my painful gain.", "4.55 For restless day and night, I'm robb'd of sleep", "4.56 By cankered care, who sentinel doth keep.", "4.57 My weary breast rest from his toil can find,", "4.58 But if I rest, the more distrest my mind.", "4.59 If happiness my sordidness hath found,", "4.60 'Twas in the crop of my manured ground:", "4.61 My fatted Ox, and my exuberous Cow,", "4.62 My fleeced Ewe, and ever farrowing Sow.", "4.63 To greater things I never did aspire,", "4.64 My dunghill thoughts or hopes could reach no higher.", "4.65 If to be rich, or great, it was my fate.", "4.66 How was I broil'd with envy, and with hate?", "4.67 Greater than was the great'st was my desire,", "4.68 And greater still, did set my heart on fire.", "4.69 If honour was the point to which I steer'd,", "4.70 To run my hull upon disgrace I fear'd,", "4.71 But by ambitious sails I was so carried", "4.72 That over flats, and sands, and rocks I hurried,", "4.73 Opprest, and sunk, and sack'd, all in my way", "4.74 That did oppose me to my longed bay.", "4.75 My thirst was higher than Nobility", "4.76 And oft long'd sore to taste on Royalty,", "4.77 Whence poison, Pistols, and dread instruments", "4.78 Have been curst furtherers of mine intents.", "4.79 Nor Brothers, Nephews, Sons, nor Sires I've spar'd.", "4.80 When to a Monarchy my way they barr'd,", "4.81 There set, I rid my self straight out of hand", "4.82 Of such as might my son, or his withstand,", "4.83 Then heapt up gold and riches as the clay,", "4.84 Which others scatter like the dew in May.", "4.85 Sometimes vain-glory is the only bait", "4.86 Whereby my empty school is lur'd and caught.", "4.87 Be I of worth, of learning, or of parts,", "4.88 I judge I should have room in all men's hearts;", "4.89 And envy gnaws if any do surmount.", "4.90 I hate for to be had in small account.", "4.91 If Bias like, I'm stript unto my skin;", "4.92 I glory in my wealth I have within.", "4.93 Thus good, and bad, and what I am, you see,", "4.94 Now in a word, what my diseases be:", "4.95 The vexing Stone, in bladder and in reins,", "4.96 Torments me with intolerable pains;", "4.97 The windy cholic oft my bowels rend,", "4.98 To break the darksome prison, where it's penn'd;", "4.99 The knotty Gout doth sadly torture me,", "4.100 And the restraining lame Sciatica;", "4.101 The Quinsy and the Fevers often distaste me,", "4.102 And the Consumption to the bones doth waste me,", "4.103 Subject to all Diseases, that's the truth,", "4.104 Though some more incident to age, or youth;", "4.105 And to conclude, I may not tedious be,", "4.106 Man at his best estate is vanity.", "", "Old Age.", "", "5.1 What you have been, ev'n such have I before,", "5.2 And all you say, say I, and something more.", "5.3 Babe's innocence, Youth's wildness I have seen,", "5.4 And in perplexed Middle-age have been,", "5.5 Sickness, dangers, and anxieties have past,", "5.6 And on this Stage am come to act my last.", "5.7 I have been young, and strong, and wise as you", "5.8 But now, Bis pueri senes is too true.", "5.9 In every Age I've found much vanity.", "5.10 An end of all perfection now I see.", "5.11 It's not my valour, honour, nor my gold,", "5.12 My ruin'd house, now falling can uphold;", "5.13 It's not my Learning, Rhetoric, wit so large,", "5.14 Now hath the power, Death's Warfare, to discharge.", "5.15 It's not my goodly house, nor bed of down,", "5.16 That can refresh, or ease, if Conscience frown;", "5.17 Nor from alliance now can I have hope,", "5.18 But what I have done well, that is my prop.", "5.19 He that in youth is godly, wise, and sage", "5.20 Provides a staff for to support his age.", "5.21 Great mutations, some joyful, and some sad,", "5.22 In this short Pilgrimage I oft have had.", "5.23 Sometimes the Heavens with plenty smil'd on me,", "5.24 Sometimes, again, rain'd all adversity;", "5.25 Sometimes in honour, sometimes in disgrace,", "5.26 Sometime an abject, then again in place:", "5.27 Such private changes oft mine eyes have seen.", "5.28 In various times of state I've also been.", "5.29 I've seen a Kingdom flourish like a tree", "5.30 When it was rul'd by that Celestial she,", "5.31 And like a Cedar others so surmount", "5.32 That but for shrubs they did themselves account.", "5.33 Then saw I France, and Holland sav'd, Calais won,", "5.34 And Philip and Albertus half undone.", "5.35 I saw all peace at home, terror to foes,", "5.36 But ah, I saw at last those eyes to close,", "5.37 And then, me thought, the world at noon grew dark", "5.38 When it had lost that radiant Sun-like spark.", "5.39 In midst of griefs, I saw some hopes revive", "5.40 (For 'twas our hopes then kept our hearts alive);", "5.41 I saw hopes dash't, our forwardness was shent,", "5.42 And silenc'd we, by Act of Parliament.", "5.43 I've seen from Rome, an execrable thing,", "5.44 A plot to blow up Nobles and their King.", "5.45 I've seen designs at Ree and Cades cross't,", "5.46 And poor Palatinate for every lost.", "5.47 I've seen a Prince to live on others' lands,", "5.48 A Royal one, by alms from Subjects' hands.", "5.49 I've seen base men, advanc'd to great degree,", "5.50 And worthy ones, put to extremity,", "5.51 But not their Prince's love, nor state so high,", "5.52 Could once reverse, their shameful destiny.", "5.53 I've seen one stabb'd, another lose his head,", "5.54 And others fly their Country through their dread.", "5.55 I've seen, and so have ye, for 'tis but late,", "5.56 The desolation of a goodly State.", "5.57 Plotted and acted so that none can tell", "5.58 Who gave the counsell, but the Prince of hell.", "5.59 I've seen a land unmoulded with great pain,", "5.60 But yet may live to see't made up again.", "5.61 I've seen it shaken, rent, and soak'd in blood,", "5.62 But out of troubles ye may see much good.", "5.63 These are no old wives' tales, but this is truth.", "5.64 We old men love to tell, what's done in youth.", "5.65 But I return from whence I stept awry;", "5.66 My memory is short and brain is dry.", "5.67 My Almond-tree (gray hairs) doth flourish now,", "5.68 And back, once straight, begins apace to bow.", "5.69 My grinders now are few, my sight doth fail,", "5.70 My skin is wrinkled, and my cheeks are pale.", "5.71 No more rejoice, at music's pleasant noise,", "5.72 But do awake at the cock's clanging voice.", "5.73 I cannot scent savours of pleasant meat,", "5.74 Nor sapors find in what I drink or eat.", "5.75 My hands and arms, once strong, have lost their might.", "5.76 I cannot labour, nor I cannot fight:", "5.77 My comely legs, as nimble as the Roe,", "5.78 Now stiff and numb, can hardly creep or go.", "5.79 My heart sometimes as fierce, as Lion bold,", "5.80 Now trembling, and fearful, sad, and cold.", "5.81 My golden Bowl and silver Cord, e're long,", "5.82 Shall both be broke, by wracking death so strong.", "5.83 I then shall go whence I shall come no more.", "5.84 Sons, Nephews, leave, my death for to deplore.", "5.85 In pleasures, and in labours, I have found", "5.86 That earth can give no consolation sound", "5.87 To great, to rich, to poor, to young, or old,", "5.88 To mean, to noble, fearful, or to bold.", "5.89 From King to beggar, all degrees shall find", "5.90 But vanity, vexation of the mind.", "5.91 Yea, knowing much, the pleasant'st life of all", "5.92 Hath yet amongst that sweet, some bitter gall.", "5.93 Though reading others' Works doth much refresh,", "5.94 Yet studying much brings weariness to th' flesh.", "5.95 My studies, labours, readings all are done,", "5.96 And my last period can e'en elmost run.", "5.97 Corruption, my Father, I do call,", "5.98 Mother, and sisters both; the worms that crawl", "5.99 In my dark house, such kindred I have store.", "5.100 There I shall rest till heavens shall be no more;", "5.101 And when this flesh shall rot and be consum'd,", "5.102 This body, by this soul, shall be assum'd;", "5.103 And I shall see with these same very eyes", "5.104 My strong Redeemer coming in the skies.", "5.105 Triumph I shall, o're Sin, o're Death, o're Hell,", "5.106 And in that hope, I bid you all farewell." ], "linecount": "448" }, { "title": "In My Solitary Hours in My Dear Husband his Absence", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "O Lord, Thou hear'st my daily moan", "And see'st my dropping tears.", "My troubles all are Thee before,", "My longings and my fears.", "", "Thou hitherto hast been my God;", "Thy help my soul hath found.", "Though loss and sickness me assailed,", "Through Thee I've kept my ground.", "", "And Thy abode Thou'st made with me;", "With Thee my soul can talk;", "In secret places Thee I find", "Where I do kneel or walk.", "", "Though husband dear be from me gone,", "Whom I do love so well,", "I have a more beloved one", "Whose comforts far excel.", "", "O stay my heart on Thee. my God,", "Uphold my fainting soul.", "And when I know not what to do,", "I'll on Thy mercies roll.", "", "My weakness. Thou dost know full well", "Of body and of mind;", "I in this world no comfort have,", "But what from Thee I find.", "", "Though children Thou has given me,", "And friends I have also,", "Yet if I see Thee not through them", "They are no joy, but woe.", "", "O shine upon me, blessed Lord,", "Ev'n for my Saviour's sake;", "In Thee alone is more than all,", "And there content I'll take.", "", "O hear me, Lord, in this request", "As Thou before hast done,", "Bring back my husband, I beseech,", "As Thou didst once my son.", "", "So shall I celebrate Thy praise", "Ev'n while my days shall last", "And talk to my beloved one", "Of all Thy goodness past.", "", "So both of us Thy kindness, Lord,", "With praises shall recount", "And serve Thee better than before", "Whose blessings thus surmount.", "", "But give me, Lord, a better heart,", "Then better shall I be,", "To pay the vows which I do owe", "Forever unto Thee.", "", "Unless Thou help, what can I do", "But still my frailty show?", "If Thou assist me, Lord,", "I shall Return Thee what I owe." ], "linecount": "52" }, { "title": "To Her Father with Some Verses", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "Most truly honoured, and as truly dear,", "If worth in me or ought I do appear,", "Who can of right better demand the same", "Than may your worthy self from whom it came?", "The principal might yield a greater sum,", "Yet handled ill, amounts but to this crumb;", "My stock's so small I know not how to pay,", "My bond remains in force unto this day;", "Yet for part payment take this simple mite,", "Where nothing's to be had, kings loose their right.", "Such is my debt I may not say forgive,", "But as I can, I'll pay it while I live;", "Such is my bond, none can discharge but I,", "Yet paying is not paid until I die." ], "linecount": "14" }, { "title": "In Thankful Remembrance for My Dear Husband's Safe Arrival", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "What shall I render to Thy name", "Or how Thy praises speak?", "My thanks how shall I testify?", "O Lord, Thou know'st I'm weak.", "", "I owe so much, so little can", "Return unto Thy name,", "Confusion seizes on my soul,", "And I am filled with shame.", "", "O Thou that hearest prayers, Lord,", "To Thee shall come all flesh", "Thou hast me heard and answered,", "My plaints have had access.", "", "What did I ask for but Thou gav'st?", "What could I more desire?", "But thankfulness even all my days", "I humbly this require.", "", "Thy mercies, Lord, have been so great", "In number numberless,", "Impossible for to recount", "Or any way express.", "", "O help Thy saints that sought Thy face", "T' return unto Thee praise", "And walk before Thee as they ought,", "In strict and upright ways." ], "linecount": "24" }, { "title": "Upon My Dear and Loving Husband his Going into England Jan. 16", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "O thou Most High who rulest all", "And hear'st the prayers of thine,", "O hearken, Lord, unto my suit", "And my petition sign.", "", "Into Thy everlasting arms Of mercy", "I commend Thy servant, Lord.", "Keep and preserve My husband,", "my dear friend.", "", "At Thy command, O Lord, he went,", "Nor nought could keep him back.", "Then let Thy promise joy his heart,", "O help and be not slack.", "", "Uphold my heart in Thee, O God.", "Thou art my strength and stay,", "Thou see'st how weak and frail I am,", "Hide not Thy face away.", "", "I in obedience to Thy will", "Thou knowest did submit.", "It was my duty so to do;", "O Lord, accept of it.", "", "Unthankfulness for mercies past", "Impute Thou not to me.", "O Lord, Thou know'st my weak desire", "Was to sing praise to Thee.", "", "Lord, be Thou pilot to the ship", "And send them prosperous gales.", "In storms and sickness, Lord, preserve.", "Thy goodness never fails.", "", "Unto Thy work he hath in hand", "Lord, grant Thou good success", "And favour in their eyes to whom", "He shall make his address.", "", "Remember, Lord, Thy folk whom Thou", "To wilderness hast brought;", "Let not Thine own inheritance", "Be sold away for nought.", "", "But tokens of Thy favour give,", "With joy send back my dear", "That I and all Thy servants may", "Rejoice with heavenly cheer.", "", "Lord, let my eyes see once again", "Him whom Thou gavest me", "That we together may sing praise", "Forever unto Thee.", "", "And the remainder of our days", "Shall consecrated be", "With an engaged heart to sing", "All praises unto Thee." ], "linecount": "48" }, { "title": "Before the Birth of One of Her Children", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "All things within this fading world hath end,", "Adversity doth still our joys attend;", "No ties so strong, no friends so dear and sweet,", "But with death's parting blow are sure to meet.", "The sentence past is most irrevocable,", "A common thing, yet oh, inevitable.", "How soon, my Dear, death may my steps attend,", "How soon't may be thy lot to lose thy friend,", "We both are ignorant, yet love bids me", "These farewell lines to recommend to thee,", "That when the knot's untied that made us one,", "I may seem thine, who in effect am none.", "And if I see not half my days that's due,", "What nature would, God grant to yours and you;", "The many faults that well you know I have", "Let be interred in my oblivious grave;", "If any worth or virtue were in me,", "Let that live freshly in thy memory", "And when thou feel'st no grief, as I no harmes,", "Yet love thy dead, who long lay in thine arms,", "And when thy loss shall be repaid with gains", "Look to my little babes, my dear remains.", "And if thou love thyself, or loved'st me,", "These O protect from stepdame's injury.", "And if chance to thine eyes shall bring this verse,", "With some sad sighs honor my absent hearse;", "And kiss this paper for thy dear love's sake,", "Who with salt tears this last farewell did take." ], "linecount": "28" }, { "title": "In Reference to Her Children", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "I had eight birds hatched in one nest,", "Four cocks there were, and hens the rest.", "I nursed them up with pain and care,", "Nor cost, nor labour did I spare,", "Till at the last they felt their wing,", "Mounted the trees, and learned to sing;", "Chief of the brood then took his flight", "To regions far and left me quite.", "My mournful chirps I after send,", "Till he return, or I do end:", "Leave not thy nest, thy dam and sire,", "Fly back and sing amidst this choir.", "My second bird did take her flight,", "And with her mate flew out of sight;", "Southward they both their course did bend,", "And seasons twain they there did spend,", "Till after blown by southern gales,", "They norward steered with filled sails.", "A prettier bird was no where seen,", "Along the beach among the treen.", "I have a third of colour white,", "On whom I placed no small delight;", "Coupled with mate loving and true,", "Hath also bid her dam adieu;", "And where Aurora first appears,", "She now hath perched to spend her years.", "One to the academy flew", "To chat among that learned crew;", "Ambition moves still in his breast", "That he might chant above the rest", "Striving for more than to do well,", "That nightingales he might excel.", "My fifth, whose down is yet scarce gone,", "Is 'mongst the shrubs and bushes flown,", "And as his wings increase in strength,", "On higher boughs he'll perch at length.", "My other three still with me nest,", "Until they're grown, then as the rest,", "Or here or there they'll take their flight,", "As is ordained, so shall they light.", "If birds could weep, then would my tears", "Let others know what are my fears", "Lest this my brood some harm should catch,", "And be surprised for want of watch,", "Whilst pecking corn and void of care,", "They fall un'wares in fowler's snare,", "Or whilst on trees they sit and sing,", "Some untoward boy at them do fling,", "Or whilst allured with bell and glass,", "The net be spread, and caught, alas.", "Or lest by lime-twigs they be foiled,", "Or by some greedy hawks be spoiled.", "O would my young, ye saw my breast,", "And knew what thoughts there sadly rest,", "Great was my pain when I you fed,", "Long did I keep you soft and warm,", "And with my wings kept off all harm,", "My cares are more and fears than ever,", "My throbs such now as 'fore were never.", "Alas, my birds, you wisdom want,", "Of perils you are ignorant;", "Oft times in grass, on trees, in flight,", "Sore accidents on you may light.", "O to your safety have an eye,", "So happy may you live and die.", "Meanwhile my days in tunes I'll spend,", "Till my weak lays with me shall end.", "In shady woods I'll sit and sing,", "And things that past to mind I'll bring.", "Once young and pleasant, as are you,", "But former toys (no joys) adieu.", "My age I will not once lament,", "But sing, my time so near is spent.", "And from the top bough take my flight", "Into a country beyond sight,", "Where old ones instantly grow young,", "And there with seraphims set song;", "No seasons cold, nor storms they see;", "But spring lasts to eternity.", "When each of you shall in your nest", "Among your young ones take your rest,", "In chirping language, oft them tell,", "You had a dam that loved you well,", "That did what could be done for young,", "And nursed you up till you were strong,", "And 'fore she once would let you fly,", "She showed you joy and misery;", "Taught what was good, and what was ill,", "What would save life, and what would kill.", "Thus gone, amongst you I may live,", "And dead, yet speak, and counsel give:", "Farewell, my birds, farewell adieu,", "I happy am, if well with you." ], "linecount": "93" }, { "title": "In Honour of that High and Mighty Princess, Queen ELIZABETH", "author": "Anne Bradstreet", "lines": [ "Proem.", "", "1.1 Although great Queen, thou now in silence lie,", "1.2 Yet thy loud Herald Fame, doth to the sky", "1.3 Thy wondrous worth proclaim, in every clime,", "1.4 And so has vow'd, whilst there is world or time.", "1.5 So great's thy glory, and thine excellence,", "1.6 The sound thereof raps every human sense", "1.7 That men account it no impiety", "1.8 To say thou wert a fleshly Deity.", "1.9 Thousands bring off'rings (though out of date)", "1.10 Thy world of honours to accumulate.", "1.11 'Mongst hundred Hecatombs of roaring Verse,", "1.12 'Mine bleating stands before thy royal Hearse.", "1.13 Thou never didst, nor canst thou now disdain,", "1.14 T' accept the tribute of a loyal Brain.", "1.15 Thy clemency did yerst esteem as much", "1.16 The acclamations of the poor, as rich,", "1.17 Which makes me deem, my rudeness is no wrong,", "1.18 Though I resound thy greatness 'mongst the throng.", "", "The Poem.", "", "2.1 No Ph{oe}nix Pen, nor Spenser's Poetry,", "2.2 No Speed's, nor Camden's learned History;", "2.3 Eliza's works, wars, praise, can e're compact,", "2.4 The World's the Theater where she did act.", "2.5 No memories, nor volumes can contain,", "2.6 The nine Olymp'ades of her happy reign,", "2.7 Who was so good, so just, so learn'd, so wise,", "2.8 From all the Kings on earth she won the prize.", "2.9 Nor say I more than truly is her due.", "2.10 Millions will testify that this is true.", "2.11 She hath wip'd off th' aspersion of her Sex,", "2.12 That women wisdom lack to play the Rex.", "2.13 Spain's Monarch sa's not so, not yet his Host:", "2.14 She taught them better manners to their cost.", "2.15 The Salic Law had not in force now been,", "2.16 If France had ever hop'd for such a Queen.", "2.17 But can you Doctors now this point dispute,", "2.18 She's argument enough to make you mute,", "2.19 Since first the Sun did run, his ne'er runn'd race,", "2.20 And earth had twice a year, a new old face;", "2.21 Since time was time, and man unmanly man,", "2.22 Come shew me such a Ph{oe}nix if you can.", "2.23 Was ever people better rul'd than hers?", "2.24 Was ever Land more happy, freed from stirs?", "2.25 Did ever wealth in England so abound?", "2.26 Her Victories in foreign Coasts resound?", "2.27 Ships more invincible than Spain's, her foe", "2.28 She rack't, she sack'd, she sunk his Armadoe.", "2.29 Her stately Troops advanc'd to Lisbon's wall,", "2.30 Don Anthony in's right for to install.", "2.31 She frankly help'd Franks' (brave) distressed King,", "2.32 The States united now her fame do sing.", "2.33 She their Protectrix was, they well do know,", "2.34 Unto our dread Virago, what they owe.", "2.35 Her Nobles sacrific'd their noble blood,", "2.36 Nor men, nor coin she shap'd, to do them good.", "2.37 The rude untamed Irish she did quell,", "2.38 And Tiron bound, before her picture fell.", "2.39 Had ever Prince such Counsellors as she?", "2.40 Her self Minerva caus'd them so to be.", "2.41 Such Soldiers, and such Captains never seen,", "2.42 As were the subjects of our (Pallas) Queen:", "2.43 Her Sea-men through all straits the world did round,", "2.44 Terra incognitæ might know her sound.", "2.45 Her Drake came laded home with Spanish gold,", "2.46 Her Essex took Cadiz, their Herculean hold.", "2.47 But time would fail me, so my wit would too,", "2.48 To tell of half she did, or she could do.", "2.49 Semiramis to her is but obscure;", "2.50 More infamy than fame she did procure.", "2.51 She plac'd her glory but on Babel's walls,", "2.52 World's wonder for a time, but yet it falls.", "2.53 Fierce Tomris (Cirus' Heads-man, Sythians' Queen)", "2.54 Had put her Harness off, had she but seen", "2.55 Our Amazon i' th' Camp at Tilbury,", "2.56 (Judging all valour, and all Majesty)", "2.57 Within that Princess to have residence,", "2.58 And prostrate yielded to her Excellence.", "2.59 Dido first Foundress of proud Carthage walls", "2.60 (Who living consummates her Funerals),", "2.61 A great Eliza, but compar'd with ours,", "2.62 How vanisheth her glory, wealth, and powers.", "2.63 Proud profuse Cleopatra, whose wrong name,", "2.64 Instead of glory, prov'd her Country's shame:", "2.65 Of her what worth in Story's to be seen,", "2.66 But that she was a rich Ægyptian Queen.", "2.67 Zenobia, potent Empress of the East,", "2.68 And of all these without compare the best", "2.69 (Whom none but great Aurelius could quell)", "2.70 Yet for our Queen is no fit parallel:", "2.71 She was a Ph{oe}nix Queen, so shall she be,", "2.72 Her ashes not reviv'd more Ph{oe}nix she.", "2.73 Her personal perfections, who would tell,", "2.74 Must dip his Pen i' th' Heliconian Well,", "2.75 Which I may not, my pride doth but aspire", "2.76 To read what others write and then admire.", "2.77 Now say, have women worth, or have they none?", "2.78 Or had they some, but with our Queen is't gone?", "2.79 Nay Masculines, you have thus tax'd us long,", "2.80 But she, though dead, will vindicate our wrong.", "2.81 Let such as say our sex is void of reason", "2.82 Know 'tis a slander now, but once was treason.", "2.83 But happy England, which had such a Queen,", "2.84 O happy, happy, had those days still been,", "2.85 But happiness lies in a higher sphere.", "2.86 Then wonder not, Eliza moves not here.", "2.87 Full fraught with honour, riches, and with days,", "2.88 She set, she set, like Titan in his rays.", "2.89 No more shall rise or set such glorious Sun,", "2.90 Until the heaven's great revolution:", "2.91 If then new things, their old form must retain,", "2.92 Eliza shall rule Albian once again.", "", "Her Epitaph.", "", "3.1 Here sleeps T H E Queen, this is the royal bed", "3.2 O' th' Damask Rose, sprung from the white and red,", "3.3 Whose sweet perfume fills the all-filling air,", "3.4 This Rose is withered, once so lovely fair:", "3.5 On neither tree did grow such Rose before,", "3.6 The greater was our gain, our loss the more.", "", "Another.", "", "4.1 Here lies the pride of Queens, pattern of Kings:", "4.2 So blaze it fame, here's feathers for thy wings.", "4.3 Here lies the envy'd, yet unparallel'd Prince,", "4.4 Whose living virtues speak (though dead long since).", "4.5 If many worlds, as that fantastic framed,", "4.6 In every one, be her great glory famed" ], "linecount": "126" } ]