Where in delightful raptures we descry As in a map, Sion's chorography Laid out in so direct and smooth a line, Men need not go about through Palestine: Who seek Christ here will the straight road prefer, As nearer much than by the Sepulchre. For not a limb grows here, but is a path; Which in God's City the blest centre hath: 50 And doth so sweetly on each passion strike, The most fantastic taste will somewhat like. To the unquiet soul Job still from hence Pleads in th' example of his patience. The mortified may hear the wise King preach, When his repentance made him fit to teach. Nor shall the singing Sisters be content To chant at home the Act of Parliament, Turn'd out of reason into rhyme by one Free of his trade, though not of Helicon, 60 Who did in his poetic zeal contend Others' edition by a worse to mend. Here are choice Hymns and Carols for the glad, With melancholy Dirges for the sad: And David (as he could his skill transfer) Speaks like himself by an interpreter. Your Muse rekindled hath the Prophet's fire, And tun'd the strings of his neglected lyre; Making the note and ditty so agree, They now become a perfect harmony. 70
I must confess, I have long wish'd to see The Psalms reduc'd to this conformity: Grieving the songs of Sion should be sung In phrase not diff'ring from a barbarous tongue. As if, by custom warranted, we may Sing that to God we would be loath to say. Far be it from my purpose to upbraid Their honest meaning, who first offer made That book in metre to compile, which you Have mended in the form, and built anew: 80 And it was well, considering the time, Which hardly could distinguish verse and rhyme. But now the language, like the Church, hath won More lustre since the Reformation; None can condemn the wish or labour spent Good matter in good words to represent.
Yet in this jealous age some such there be, So without cause afraid of novelty, They would not (were it in their pow'r to choose) An old ill practice for a better lose. 90 Men who a rustic plainness so affect, They think God served best by their neglect. Holding the cause would be profan'd by it, Were they at charge of learning or of wit. And therefore bluntly (what comes next) they bring Coarse and unstudied stuffs for offering; Which like th' old Tabernacle's cov'ring are, Made up of badgers' skins, and of goat's hair. But these are paradoxes they must use Their sloth and bolder ignorance t'excuse. 100 Who would not laugh at one will naked go, 'Cause in old hangings truth is pictur'd so? Though plainness be reputed honour's note, They mantles use to beautify the coat; So that a curious (unaffected) dress Adds much unto the body's comeliness: And wheresoe'er the subject's best, the sense Is better'd by the speaker's eloquence.