HIEROTHALAMIUM. OR, THE HEAVENLY Nuptials of our Blessed Saviour, with a pious Soul.  
WRITTEN By Richard Flecknoe.  Omne tulit punctum, qui miscuit utile dulci. — Horat. 
Anno M.DC.XXVI.   

TO THE GREAT EXAMPLE of Virtue and Nobility, the Lady Katherine Abergavenny.  
MADAM, THIS small POEM,( a late Birth of mine, and so meanly clad, as poor Art itself is even ashamed of it) I should scarce have ventured to present unto your Ladyship, had I not more than hoped, that the Excellency of the Subject, would( in your just Esteem) have kept at least in equal Balance, my wants in writing it.  
I am to profess ( Madam) so many extraordinary favours, by which your unwearyed Goodness hath ever pleased( above my deserts) to honour me, as I am forced to seek out some more than ordinary way, to show myself in Will, their grateful debtor, in Ability I cannot hope. Therefore Madam, remaining still your debtor in the Principal, all I am able, and intent to do, is to call as many others as I can, into the Interest of the Debt with me; by letting all know( who from the reading of this little Work, may receive either Profit or Delight, that they owe it wholly to your Ladyship.  
By this means perceauing, that I was like to draw your Name, as Party, into the Reputation of this Work, I thought it would best become my Care, as it did my Duty,( who otherwise as you will see, have affected nothing in the writing it) so to provide, as none might receive offence, or harm by reading it. Of which happiness( though somewhat rare in these Time's, and more in such Works) being secure in its Innocency, and my Well-Meaning it, it dares with the more Confidence, and cheerfulness approach unto your Ladyship, to leave in your fair Hands, a perpetual testimony of his Respect, and Duty, whom your Great Virtues, & many Deserts have won to be  
Their ever Servant, & Faithful Honourer. Rich. Flecknoe.   

The First Canto.  
ARGUMENT.  
The Bridegroom's State,  
And grace, in setting forth,  
His Courtier's order,  
And his Mother's worth.  

1.  
Midnight silence, all be dumb,  
Rise, & see the Bridegroom come.  
But beware that none come near,  
Only those, whose breasts are clear  
From all crime, or sin, so foul,  
That may wound, or kill the soul.  
These are Mysteries, and Rites  
To be seen by chaster Sights,  
To be marked, and understood  
Only by the pure, and good,  
Virtue,( as 'tis most agreeing)  
Only's fit for virtue's seeing.   

2.  
Look, the Heaven's transparent gate  
Open's wide, and out there at  
First a flight of Angels come,  
Some do play, and other some  
With the flickr'ing of their wings  
Keep the time, whilst others sings.  
Others strew the way with flowrs  
Gathered fresh from Eden's bowrs  
Such for sight, & curious smell,  
As they knew would most excel,  
All in general, joy do share,  
To themselves, peculiar care.   

3.  
Those the Ancient Prophet's were,  
who that wondrous Banner bear,  
Whose true Colour none can know:  
They appear the less in show,  
'Cause about their heads there flies,  
Such a cloud of Mysteries,  
As unto our Sense they leave  
Scarcely ought we may perceive.  
But those soul's to whom ti's given  
For to know them all in Heaven,  
There are few, or none, do say,  
Make a fairer show than they.   

4.  
Those more open to our sight,  
Next in rank, with Garments bright,  
Whose dear Poverty doth wave,  
In that Ensign which they have,  
( Gloze of which will never fade  
Though in water-colours laid,)  
Were Apostles. Those are they  
Who from fishing in the Sea,  
Came to take more soul's on Land  
Then the shores have grains of sand,  
With no other Nets, or Hooks  
Then their Tongues, and holy Books.   

5.  
Those who fair Vermilion bear  
With green Laurel, Martyrs were,  
Mark how through their shining red,  
Be't in body, heart, or head,  
All the Wounds were given them here,  
Brighter than the Sun appear.  
Soars, are changed to precious Gems,  
Grievous stripes, to glorious beams,  
Drops of blood, to Rubies red,  
Scars, to Crowns upon their head,  
Tears, to Pearls, and every pain  
Hath its proper joy, and gain.   

6.  
Those whose Colours fairly spread  
Show pure white, bestreaked with red,  
Were Confessors, such as here  
Armed by Virtue against Fear,  
Durst confess their Faith, in time  
When 'twas thought the greatest crime,  
These are they, who did reduce  
Thousand souls, from sin's abuse:  
Who Hells gates( in manner) broke  
With the force of Truth they spoke:  
For the which their tongues now shine.  
( As you see) with light divine.   

7.  
Those that next do take your eye,  
Are the Glory's of the sky,  
Whose white Streamers do declare,  
That they ever Virgins were.  
In whose sight, is understood  
All that's perfect, rare, and good.  
Looks as simple, as the Doves,  
Fair, as twenty thousand Loves,  
Sweeter, than the breath of May,  
Fresher, than the new borne Day,  
With their Virtue yet, compare  
All these parts, they nothing are.   

8.  
But in midst of these doth come  
Graces, and Perfections sum.  
Queen of Heaven, & Mother dear  
To the Glorious Bridegroom there,  
As the Rose, the Three-leaued grass  
Both for sweet, & fair, doth pass,  
As the Day outshines the Nights,  
As the Moon the lesser lights:  
Blessed She, so far, and more,  
Passes all that went before.  
At whose praise no Angels tongue  
Offers, but it must do wrong.   

9  
But now mark, how all thing cheers,  
When the Bridegroom first appeers;  
How his Face doth glory's flame.  
Know you whence their brightness came?  
In cold mornings we perceive  
Words, behind a mist to leave:  
So each word, which He doth say,  
Turns into a sunshine ray:  
Which besid's we may presume,  
Vapours all this rare perfume,  
That doth make the gentle air  
Amber-sweet, as Ro-sy fair.   

10.  
Purple is his marriage weed,  
Which the star's, do thicker seed  
Then a frosty winter's night,  
When the Moon shines fair & bright.  
Phosphorus like a precious stone,  
●ast before, doth keep it on,  
And behind it loosely flows,  
Proud at every step he goes  
For to kiss his Blessed feet;  
Whence it doth return more sweet,  
●hen the flowers which May conceyu's  
●om the air that Zeph'rus breathes.   

11.  
That tongue were of Godlike worth  
Which could every grace set forth,  
And whoever pen them will,  
Doth deserve an Angel's quill,  
And for Ink, were only good,  
Virgin's tears, and Martyr's blood,  
Mixed with sinners contrite galls,  
For their much repent falls,  
Written on the Milky Way;  
All we write, and all we say,  
All we comprehend by sense,  
Reacheth not his Excellence.   

12.  
Virgin's hence, and close your eyes,  
Lest his Love your minds surprise:  
Th' are to tender, He to fair,  
Every Look will be a snare,  
For to take the waryest heart:  
Therefore go, in time depart.  
Y'ave enough already spied,  
To be envious of the Bride.  
Yet stay, wretch what have I done?  
'tis his will that all should come.  
Stay, hark, He himself doth call,  
He hath Love enough for all.   

13.  
Neither fear her jealousy,  
She doth love, as well as he,  
That you freely look upon him.  
Till y''re all enamoured on him,  
Feed your eyes, and take in flame,  
Keep your blushes, hide your shame,  
It becomes those Virgins most,  
Who the ardent'st love, can boast  
Unto him, who all love merits,  
And all Virgin's love inherits,  
Fear not, join you by his side,  
And with us, go see the Bride.   

The Allegory.  
IN the great Procession of the Celestial Court is understood, the General joy, of all the Saints in Heaven, when any one on Earth is found worthy to receive their maker in the most B. Sacrament. The Bridegroom's attire is purple, for to signify, that jointly with the joy of the receiving him, we are to call to mind the bitterness of his passion. That it is adorned with stars, is to show, that the reward of sufferance on Earth, is Glory in Heaven. Phosphorus, or the morning star, on his Garment before, declares, that his presence in coming, brings light unto our souls, and that we should take his Grace betimes when it first appears, since when it is once past, we may expect its return, but cannot call it back.    

The Second Canto.  
ARGUMENT.  
The Bride's Attire,  
Her meeting with her Lover,  
The gifts he gives,  
The joy she doth discover.  

1.  
THAT is she, who kneeling there,  
Seems to have no hope, nor fear  
Out of heaven, wherein her eyes  
Fixed( as if the clearer skies  
Were her mirror) seek to find  
Graces fitting to her mind.  
Her hands folded each in one,  
As if only they alone,  
( Earth not owing any such)  
Did deserve each others touch.  
Beg of Heaven by ardent prayer,  
Her dear lovers quick repair.   

2.  
She, no other jewel wears  
Then her own congealed tears,  
Which, on simple Goodness set,  
Make a precious Carcanet.  
Her attire is strange to gold,  
And as far from rich, as old,  
Which receives no other stains  
Than it's native, but remains  
White as is the Sheep that bears it,  
Pure as is the Soul that wears it.  
Sandals do conceal her feet,  
On her head, are Flowers sweet.   

3.  
Beauty there( whoever seeks)  
Sits enthroned upon her cheeks,  
In a colour, red as Roses,  
Or when first the morn discloses,  
White, as mountains when it snows,  
Or the yielding down, that grows  
On the breasts of Swans, and Doves,  
Spread with hair, that when it moves  
Casts amazement on our sight,  
'tis so excellently bright.  
One may seek the world, to find  
Such a form, with such a mind.   

4.  
Now the Bridal pomp draw's near,  
And the noise hath reached her Ear,  
Ears, her Heart inform of all,  
Heart leaps up, and Love doth call,  
Love, sends Curiosity  
Up in haste, unto the Eye,  
Eyes, look out, and joy appears:  
Poor joy, almost drowned in tears,  
Running to the heart in haste,  
Sowing rumours as he passed,  
Puts her in Alarm so,  
Where she is, she doth not know.   

5.  
Her swift eyes, that highly move,  
Mounted on the wings of Love,  
Or'looke all, but no where bide,  
Till their prey they have espied,  
When she envying of her eyes,  
Strait to his embraces flies,  
Where she now remains entwined,  
Hands in hands, as hearts are joined  
Sugared words, with sigh mixed,  
Eyes upon his beauty fixed,  
All, her love and joy declare,  
For to see her Bridegroom there.   

6.  
Unto some it strange may be,  
That so great a King as he,  
Would so far from State descend,  
To make choice of such a friend,  
Who, her birth can neither boast,  
Nor( what takes our liking most)  
Doth in richer clothing go,  
To affect the outward show.  
Beauty without wealth, some few,  
Yet can be content to view:  
But if Virtue want them either,  
She's preferred by none to neither.   

7.  
Let such know, her Innocence  
He esteems, full competence  
For to match the highest State,  
As was ever envied at.  
Others( though theyare poor respects  
Which her noble mind neglects,  
And disdains to Court,) yet He  
Of mere love, and care( that She  
May not suffer disesteem,  
In those wants, the world doth deem  
So essential,) for her Honour,  
Will bestow them all upon her.   

8.  
And with Riches, which is first  
After our account( though worst)  
He in such a sort indews her,  
As it takes, who ever views her  
With a just esteem, and wonder  
How much earthly wealth comes under.  
She herself is all a Mine,  
And in every act doth shine,  
So much true, and perfect wealth,  
As even Avarice it's self,  
Such a Treasure to behold  
Would despise its base gold.   

9  
This, the Privilege hath given  
To en-title her to Heaven,  
Co-heyre with those Blessed sprit's,  
Who are drowned with all delights  
In that Sea of joy, & bliss,  
Where no end, no measure is.  
This is True Nobility,  
This is that, with cannot die,  
This is it, which doth not claim,  
Others Worth, to gild its shame;  
But itself, it's self commends  
Unto Honour, Fame, and Friends.   

10.  
Now the heavenly Quires do press  
To bestow their Kiss of Peace  
On this happy Soul, they see  
In such height of Dignity.  
Now the Bridegroom doth conduct her,  
Whilst his Mother doth instruct her,  
To the Temple, as behou's,  
To confirm their Blessed loves,  
By the wishes waited on  
Of all present joined in one;  
That no cause be given ever  
This their Heavenly match to sever.   

The Allegory.  
IN the Prayer of the Bride, is to be noted that we should be as careful, in regard of God's greatness, to receive him worthily, as desirous in respect of our own wants, to receive him often. By the plainness and simplicity of the Bride's attire, is signified that innocency & purity, which is required in those souls, whom he doth please to visit with his gracious presence. The jewel of her Tears, doth show that Sorrow for our offences, by which we should duly prepare ourselves, unto the receiving of him. Her Sandals the Humility, and Flowers, the grateful odour of our works, and merits.  
What is said of Beauty, both here, or in any other place, is meant and to be understood only of the Soul, whose invisible Fairness can no ways be rendered perceptible to sense, but by Examples of visible Excellency. That she hath not any riches of her own, but what are bestowed upon her by the Bridegroom, doth show, that God gives not Virtue to any, in respect of wealth, but wealth oftentimes, in regard of their Virtue; and that we are not further to care for them, than it is his pleasure we should enjoy them.    

The third Canto.  
ARGUMENT.  
The Marriage in the Church,  
The Rites expressed,  
Her Reverence, and  
Inviting him her guest.  

1.  
NOW with due becoming state  
They have entered all, the Gate  
Of the Temple, arched with gold,  
Rich and shining to behold,  
Rued with jaspar pillars, set  
On fair bases all of jet,  
Marble which the sight doth vary  
On the pavement( as in Quarry)  
All one piece doth seem to be,  
It was joined so curiously.  
With clear lights, the Isles are tapered  
With perfumes the Vaults are vapoured.   

2.  
They, not far had led the Bride,  
When before her she espied  
A fair Picture, did of right  
Challenge every Virgin-sight.  
'tTwas the Kingdom of the Blessed,  
By so lively skill expressed,  
As it made her nigher draw,  
Thinking all was true, she saw;  
And deceived, with listening ear,  
To assay, if she could hear  
Music, which the Angels made,  
Whilst they sung, and whilst they played.   

3.  
'tTwas an Omen liked her well,  
Wherefore she did longer dwell  
On the sight thereof, and took  
More delight from every look.  
There she saw the Virgin Quires,  
Shining bright with Holy-fyers,  
Following of the Lamb along,  
Seeming for to sing a song,  
Which( a Schedule there did say)  
None in Heaven could sing but they.  
Much she had conceived before,  
But, this sight did add much more,   

4.  
Longer she would fain have stayed,  
But her stay, she was afraid  
Might to some seem to discover  
A neglecting of her Lover.  
And( who knows) perhaps, withal  
Some her indiscreet might call,  
Who in fay'nd things could delight,  
Whilst the true on's were in sight.  
Therefore wisely she went on,  
Though resolved, when she was gone,  
Deep in heart away to bear  
All impressed, she had seen there.   

5.  
Now they nigh the Altar come,  
And in order fill the room,  
All prepare to be employed;  
Virgins to attend the Bride,  
Priests to Celebrate the Rites,  
Angels to assist with Lights,  
Music, and Perfume: there's none  
Whose employment is not known;  
Every one doth take some care,  
And if any Idle were,  
They with wishes do assist  
The Bride, the Bridegroom, and the Priest.   

6.  
'tTwas to all the Saints a sight,  
Did beget them much delight,  
To observe the trembling Bride,  
Kneeling by her Lover's side,  
How her well composed eye  
Never cast a look awry,  
For to catch at Thoughts, which might  
Bring distraction with the sight:  
But did reu'rently regard  
All she saw, and all she heard,  
Whilst the Priest set all things forth,  
With state, equal to their worth.   

7.  
Though she wished the time were come.  
That might join them both in one,  
And( to think too long) had cause  
Every little stay, or pause:  
Yet as every Rite did pass,  
So attended, and glad she was,  
As if each, the reason were  
Only of her coming there.  
When to Heaven for 
* Kyrie eleison.  help they call,  
She her voice doth join with all.  
To the like her mind they move  
When they glorify 
* Gloria in excelsis  her Love..   

8.  
When they 
a Sanctus▪  Holy do proclaim him  
She with much delight 
b Dominus Deus.  doth name him.  
When they 
c Elevation.  show him unto all,  
There is none doth lower fall,  
With more humbleness before him,  
For to reverence, and adore him.  
When they call to mind 
d Agnus dei.  his Cross  
Who can more resent his loss?  
When they do profess, 
e Domine on sum dinus.  there's none  
Worthy of him, She alone  
Thinks there's none, her eyes can see  
But is worthier far than she.   

9  
But at last when she's invited  
By due prayers, and Tapers lighted,  
To draw near, and take 
f Communion.  her Lover,  
O what joy doth she discover?  
Tears her eyes had overflowed  
Sighs burst forth, and plainly showed,  
Though joy, would not let her speak▪  
They must vent, or she must break.  
He as much Love did express,  
As she joy, and tenderness,  
When thus solemnly they both,  
Each to other plight their troth.   

10.  
The Bride's declaration of her Love..  

1.  
The World shall sooner want the suns fair light.  
The Moon extinguished be, and put out quite,  
The stars in darkness leave the heavens above.   

2.  
The spring shall sooner cause the days grow short,  
And fading Autumn, make them longer for't,  
Ships, on the land shall sail about, & move.   

3.  
Cartes shall be drawn the liquid waters o'er,  
Fishes i'th' woods shall live, i'th' sea the boar  
Shall sooner find his food, and where to tread.   

4.  
Then I shall cease to love thee, ever dear,  
Whether I breathe the life which I have here,  
Or el's am numbered with the ghastly dead.    

11.  
The Bridgroomes to her.  

1.  
Nature may prove a Stepdame to the Earth,  
Spring may refuse to give her Flowers birth,  
And tender Mothers hate their first borne child.   

2.  
Fair Virtue from her Goodness may depart,  
And Vice may reign without the conscience smart,  
All love from gentle Breasts may be exiled.   

3.  
The Sun may leave the day, the Moon the night,  
Prosperity her joy, and Envy spite,  
The avaricious may despise his Gold.   

4.  
But I, dear soul, can never change from thee,  
Whilst Love and Virtue which have taken me,  
Keep in thy heart that place which now they hold.    

12.  
Then whilst Angels sweetly sing,  
On her hand he puts a Ring;  
Ring, which had such virtuous might,  
To expel with only sight,  
All Temptations Sin doth breed  
In the thought, the word, or deed;  
In the mind a lustre setting  
By pure thoughts of its begetting.  
Thus the Ceremonies done,  
All preparing to be gone,  
She her Spouse, that day her guest,  
Leads unto the Marriage feast   

The Allegory.  
BY the picture, upon which the Bride so liberally bestowed her eyes, at her Entrance into the Temple, is signified, those good Thoughts and Cogitations, which the holiness of such places doth often suggest unto us. By her withdrawing her sight from it, as soon as she remembered she had other more necessary things to do; is showed that we should never so dwell on the delectation of any one good work, as thereby to neglect a greater.  
In her Devotion and Attention during the Celebration of the holy mysteries, we are taught, how we are to concur with the Action and Intention of him who Celebrates.  
By her Ring, may be understood the memory of our B. Saviour, on which if we but often & seriously reflect, it is impossible we should be so ungrateful to him, and traitorous to ourselves, as to betray the Fort of our Innocency( by the Intelligence either of thought, word, or act) unto any Vice, or Imperfection.    

The fourth Canto.  
ARGUMENT.  
The Nuptial Feast, wherein  
Is much commended,  
Her Drink, & Fare; but  
In excess she ended.  

1.  
HENCE exulting joy, begun,  
Else thou'lt kill the Bride anon.  
She doth feed with soul's delight,  
And, as if her Bridgroomes' sight  
Her, like him, did heavenly make,  
Hath forgot all food to take.  
How her eyes are fixed on his,  
Scarce believing her own bliss,  
That so poor a Soul, as she  
Should be Love, to such as he,  
And when most assured 'tis true,  
Then, she most doth wonder new.   

2.  
Melting snow, that hills doth crown,  
Touched with sunshine, runs not down  
Swifter, nor more currents seeks  
Then the tears upon her cheeks.  
Much I fear they'll ne'er have done!  
Now to see his face, they run  
Trickling down, and now as fast  
When she finds, that they have cast  
Such a mist her eyes before,  
She can scarcely see him more:  
So betwixt her joys and Fears,  
Tears, are only cause of Tears.   

3.  
In the midst of all our noise  
Singing loud their Nuptial joys,  
She her silence breaks no more,  
Then the fish when seas do roar,  
Lest perhaps to gain discourse,  
She, herself doth wisely force  
For to lend a word to lone  
Of a thousand words for one:  
But the whilst, as they are paid,  
Blessed Heaven, how she's afraid  
Lest each one should be the last,  
So too soon her gain be past.   

4.  
Why is all this Music here?  
See, it never takes her ear.  
Angels, though you play, and sing  
Till the Air with Echo ring,  
Though 'tis sweet, and rare, yet she  
Is so far from thanking ye,  
As she admirs how you can do  
Any thing, but harken to  
Those his hony-flowing Words  
Which into her Ear affords  
Sounds more sweet, more pleasing far,  
Then your Quires, or Consorts are.   

5.  
Why d'ye lavish, and consume  
So much rich, and choice perfume?  
She alone might well suffice,  
For to sweeten all the skies,  
With those sighs, which she doth spend  
Without measure, without end.  
Grief, before I ever knew  
joy, could weep as well as you,  
Swoon, and suffer, all speech barred,  
But such sighs I never heard  
Soft, I see therein doth lie  
Yet some deeper mystery.   

6.  
Mark her, she doth use to frame  
Of her breath, her Lover's Name,  
Tasting which, her mouth receives  
All the gust, that honey leaves.  
Oh Repast divine, and rare!  
By that Food we nourished ' are  
Which we take, and in receive;  
She, by that, which she doth leave:  
Yet th' effect is far more strange,  
Food in us to Earth doth change,  
Hers, in Him, to Heaven; so breath  
Wisely hath beguiled death.   

7.  
But some Epicure will say,  
She consumes herself this way,  
Not supplying Natures needs,  
But doth languish as she feeds.  
Peace, thou Earthly mind, thy food  
Changeth first to flesh and blood,  
Sickness doth thereon awayt,  
That brings death, her diet strait  
Turns to life, and better spirit,  
Fills her full with glorious Merit,  
Doth her soul at last commend  
Unto Life, can never end.   

8.  
Now, when she doth list to drink,  
Oh what humane thought can think  
On the sweetness, which she tastes,  
Whilst her draught delicious lasts!  
Yet, dear soul, how ere you fain,  
I do see, it brings you pain,  
Whilst you drink out of a wound,  
Not alone, for Love you sound,  
Be't in feet, in hands, or side,  
In conceit it opens wide,  
Even as deep a wound in you,  
As those precious ones you view.   

9  
Drink not, thirsty soul, so deep,  
Temperance bids a measure keep.  
Scandal doth arise from such,  
Who unwary, drink too much.  
She all counsel doth despise,  
Stops her Ears, and firmes her Eyes,  
Every daught begets a thirst,  
Hot and fiercer than the first.  
O how great the danger is,  
Lest some harm. do follow this!  
And now see, She leans her head  
In her Lover's arms, as dead.   

10.  
Angels bear her forth, I fear  
Much the cause; she's stifled here:  
there's no doubt her health's impair  
May be helped with better air.  
But himself alone sustains  
All the burden, all the pains,  
Thinking nothing throughly done,  
‛ Less his Blessed self be one,  
Rub her Temples, bow her head  
Bear her to the Marriage Bed:  
Fear not, she'll revive anon,  
When her Ecstasy is gone.   

The Allegory.  
IN all this Feast is nothing else to be understood, then only the tender and pious affections which are incited, and stired up, in high Contemplative Souls, by the receiving of the B. Sacrament, as namely their Devout Colloquies, seasoned in tears, & mixed with sighs, to give the more delicate taste & relish to their high-fed Souls, and also the strict watch they keep on their Attentions, to bar the entrance of any thoughts may bring distraction with them. By her swoning, is signified the sweet force of the Divine Love, which( as if it had changed darts with Death) doth oftentimes leave the Bodies unto the Grave, by enticing from them the Souls, unto the joys of Heaven. Lastly, by the Angel's Care, and Bridgroomes' diligence, in bearing of her forth out of that close Chamber where she was ( the world) into Heaven, her Bridal Chamber, is shown, that God is never wanting to assist them at their Deaths, whose Virtues whilst they live on Earth, do labour a sure and perfect Friendship, betwixt them and Heaven.    

The fifth Canto.  
ARGUMENT.  
The Chamber of the Bride,  
Her' maze, its stairs.  
Their joy, the rest, the  
Angel's song declares.  

1.  
NOW, they up a wondrous stair,  
far above all noisome air,  
Towards her chamber bear the Bride,  
When not able to abide  
Such a brightness, such a height,  
Leaden Death, with his own weight,  
Fell to ground, from of her eyes,  
In▪ a grave, where now he lies.  
Then they strait unclosed, and gazed  
At her being so amazed,  
As 'ttwas long ere she could give  
Herself credit, she did live.   

2.  
And who could refuse to wonder,  
For to see Earth lie under  
Such unmeasured way below  
As 'twas almost lost to show.  
For to see the waters stand  
Like a wall about the Land,  
And without so surely fenced  
With the moister air condensed,  
For to see the humble fire  
Neither burn, nor mount up higher!  
None of these but might amaze  
One who far more boldness has.   

3.  
Yet this wonder did not last,  
For her eye aside she cast  
And in it, lost all her fear,  
When she saw her Bridegroom there.  
That which made her wonder cease,  
May perhaps make ours increase.  
She of all strange things that were  
By one glance on him, more clear  
Did the hidden Causes see,  
Then within a Mirror, we  
Our own faces, when we look,  
Studying most that flattering book.   

4.  
So all Wonder turned to Love,  
Love in her, a Heaven did prove,  
Heaven, as they did go, was there,  
Heaven they came to every where.  
Heaven within her, and without,  
Heaven above, and round about:  
Heaven is in her Eyes, and Ears,  
Nothing now but Heaven appears,  
In each sense, in every part,  
In her mouth, her loving heart,  
And these Heavens are all, alone  
In her Bridegroom, joined in one.   

5.  
She without all pain doth go,  
( That vn'wares she left below  
On the under floor of clay,  
Whilst in deadly trance she lay,  
For some faint, and worldly mind  
Dares not higher go, to find.)  
And they now arrived are  
On the highest Crystal stair,  
joining to a porch of gold,  
( Eyes did ne'er the like behold)  
That directly in doth guide  
To the Chamber of the Bride.   

6.  
See▪ the doors do open stand,  
And the Bridegroom by the hand▪  
( Whilst the Saints his praises sing)  
His fair crowned Spouse leads in,  
All the Souls that heaven had ever,  
There stand ready to receive her,  
For her glory, every one  
Far more glad than for their own:  
Yet there's none hath more expressed,  
Of a glad, and joyful breast,  
Nor of Love more pledges given,  
Then the sacred Queen of Heaven.   

7.  
Those whose joys, are at the height,  
Think theyare happier in her sight,  
And who know theyare loved most,  
Such a Rival soon boast,  
They so hast her in to bear,  
As our Night begins, I fear,  
And those Glory's which we see  
Too to soon, will vanished be.  
Darkness wins upon the skies,  
Now they lessen in our eyes,  
To a Star, which was a Sun,  
Now a spark, and now theyare gone,   

8.  
What a dark, and ugly sight,  
After so much Glorious Light,  
This black Clod of Earth Appears.  
But, what Music strikes our Ears?  
Sure, 'tis that the Angels make,  
For the Bride, and Bridgroomes' sake:  
Which whilst Echo brings to ground,  
Travail doth enrich the sound.  
Let us hearken what they say,  
Somewhat may be learned this way▪  
Hearing that, we cannot see  
Is of joy the next degree.    

HIEROTHALAMIUM.  

I.  
SING Io Hymen, chastest Hymen all,  
And with loud voice the Bride's great joys repeat,  
So Echo tossed, as not a word let fall.  
May make them seem less sounding then theyare great.  
But in this height theyare at,  
May they for ever be▪  
That even the Saints, when as they see,  
And have her Blessings known,  
May think there's somewhat wanting of their own.  
Yet joy with her, and wish her more beside,  
And join with us, in honouring of the Bride.   

II.  
Now world farewell, she thinks on thee no more,  
Or if she doth, it is but to compare  
With much disdain, thy wants, with her great store.  
Thy course● feeding, with her dainty fare,  
Thy minds perpetual care,  
With her Souls lasting peace,  
Thy Barrenness, with her Increase;  
Thy want of sense to choose  
Such things, for wealth, which her doth them refuse  
Make only rich; Thy thousand woes beside,  
With the perpetual blessings of the Bride.   

III.  
You need not boast your Issue, nor be glad,  
'tis but a wretched shift, that Nature finds  
For to repair the Spoils, that Death hath made,  
The Sour of all Cares in Parent's minds,  
Which she who well declines,  
Doth soon find, what a blessed  
And happy change sh'as made, by rest  
She feels with in her soul,  
When no unquiet thought, doth there control,  
Or urge those Cares, which Ease doth not abide,  
Happy are such, thrice happy is the Bride.   

FOUR  
It is their joy, who grieve that they are old,  
To have some Issue they may leave behind,  
And in their sight, their passed youths behold,  
joy, is but Ease of Grief in humane kind.  
Who vows doth seek to find,  
Who hunger's, food doth love:  
But happy souls, who are above  
The need, and lack of these!  
here, are delights which never know decrease,  
here, youth is lasting, life doth ever bide,  
joy wayt's on it, They all, upon the Bride.   

V.  
No Ielou'sy her quiet heart molest's,  
No fear, of too untimely loss of life,  
No heavy care, that presseth married breasts,  
No cause of grudging, or contentious strife  
The woe of man, & wife.  
No Loathing, but the same  
Fire, which now burns with holy flame,  
To light their Loves to day,  
Will ever last, & never can decay;  
For he hath chose, who cannot change abide  
To have her ever for his Spouse and Bride.   

The Allegory. or Conclusion.  
TOUCHING the Allegory in this last Canto, little is to be said. The Stairs by which the Bride was borne up unto her Bridal Chamber, do allude unto the Elements and Planets, which( according to the Astrologers) do fill up by their orderly distances, the space betwixt Heaven and Earth, wherein I make the Caeum Cristallinum( following the General opinion) the highest step of this stair, and next adjoining to the Caelum Empyreum, or habitation of the Blessed.  
¶ It may to some perhaps, seem some want of good manners in Art▪ to bring the Bride only to the Entrance of her Bridal Chamber, and there abruptly to leave her & follow her no further: But if the Painter Timant, was thought worthy of praise, for painting Agamemnon( present when his daughter Iphigenia was to be sacrificed,) with his face covered, signifying that his Grief was greater, than could be seen in his countenance; I see no reason, why I should be blamed, for passing those joys in silence, which are greater than can be comprehended by human sense, or Imagination. Besides, that brevity which I have studied from the beginning, loathe now to lose its Palm at the later end, did hasten me away from more prolixity, by affoarding me this reason: That it was every way available unto this work, and me; that those who were delighted with it, should be sorry it is so short, and those who were not, should be glad it is no longer.  
FINIS.