The life and death of Mr. Tho. Wilson, minister of Maidstone, in the county…

I could my soul in sadness sleep. I could whole Floods of Waters weep. I could as Niobe bemoan My self, till turned into a stone. I could become an Heraclite, And spend in tears each day and night. Or Hermit like to some close Cell Retire, and say, Vain mirth Farewell, Alas t'th World what can I view? But what bid me, bid joy Adien. I see Monsters of vice abound, Even Hell appearing above ground; ⟨p. 93⟩And Devils of the humane race, Daring the Almighty to his Fate. Such as can teach Nero to sin, To whom no past Age hath equal bin.

I could my soul in sadness sleep. I could whole Floods of Waters weep. I could as Niobe bomoan My self, till turn'd into a stone. I could become an Heraclite, And spend in tears each day and night. Or Hermit like to some close Cell Retire, and say, Vain mirth Farewell, Alas t'th World what can I view? But what bid me, bid joy Adien. I see Monsters of vice abound, Ev'n Hell appearing above ground; ⟨p. 93⟩And Devils of the humane race, Daring the Almighty to his Fate. Such as can teach Nero to sin, To whom no past Age hath equal bin.

I see the Shepherds laid to sleep, Who tender were of the harmless Sheep; Whilst ravenous Wolfs and Bears survive, Who only to devour them strive. I see to set the greatest lights, And hastening on us dark-some nights. All this I see and can't prevent. And is't unlawful to lament? What Marble is not wet with Tears, When such a doleful change appears?

I see the Shephards laid to sleep, Who tender were of th'harmless Sheep; Whilst ravenous Wolfs and Bears survive, Who onely to devour them strive. I see to set the greatest lights, And hastening on us dark-some nights. All this I see and can't prevent. And is't unlawful to lament? What Marble is not wet with Tears, When such a doleful change appears?