Seven Sobs of a Sorrowful Soul for sin.. Comprehending those seven Psalms of the Princely Prophet DAVID, commonly called Penitential: framed into a form of familiar prayers, and reduced into meeter by WILLIAM HUNNIS, one of the Gentlemen of her majesties honourable Chapel, and master to the children of the same. Whereunto are also annexed his Handful of Honisuckles; the Poor widows Mite; a Dialog between Christ and a sinner; divers godly and pithy ditties, with a Christian confession of and to the Trinity; newly printed and augmented. 1583.   

To the right Honourable and virtuous Lady, Francis, Countess of Sussex, and one of the Ladies of her majesties most Honourable privy chamber: W. Hunnis wisheth increase of virtue and honour, with long life, prosperous health, godly fear, firm faith, and assured hope in the Almighty.  
THe proof of your ladyships virtue hath emboldened me to set forth this little work under your honourable defence. And although a fault by me is committed in making you patroness of so slender a piece without your knowledge, yet hoping upon your honourable courtesy, which rather respecteth the mind of the giver, than the worthiness of the gift; & poizing the givers desire to please and zeal to profit, more than the quality of the offence, I do assure myself to be remitted of the trespass; which maketh me think my travel not only sweet, but also verierichlie recompensed.  
Your Ladyships to command, William Hunnis.   

The Author to his Book.  
Pass forth my Book into the hands  
and view of sundry men:  
Humble thyself, declare thy name  
who thee thus clad, and when.  
And blush not at the frumps of some,  
ne fear at others frown:  
More rich thou art in threadbare cote,  
than some in silken gown.  
And give them all to understand,  
from whence thou first didst spring,  
How thou wast fostered in the breast  
and bosom of a king.  
And so (perhaps) some worthy wight  
will shape thee rich array,  
And set thee forth as thou deservest  
with costly jewels gay.  
Behave thyself in such good fort,  
if possibly may be,  
That every one may thee embrace,  
and wish well unto me.  
Vale.   

The book to his Readers.  
GOod friends with favour me peruse,  
half naked though I be,  
Or not attired so gallantly,  
as you desire to see.  
Yet this from me yourselves assure,  
such substance here to find,  
As shall bring hope unto the heart,  
and comfort to the mind.  
Oft under short and simple weed,  
such virtue may be found,  
As under pall of purple hue  
that traileth on the ground.  
I being good, am not the worse,  
though clothing mine be bad,  
He that bestowed the same on me,  
aid give the best he had.  
In whose behalf I humbly pray,  
and for myself also,  
You would vouch safe to mend those faults,  
that in my cote ye know.  
Vale.   


AWAY FROM ME, YE WICKED; FOR I WILL KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF MY God. Psal, 119, verse ii●   Psalm 150, verse 3, and 6. ¶ Praise him in the sound of the trumpet: praise him upon the lute and harp. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.  
Seven Sobs of a Sorrowful Soul for sin..  

Domine ne in furore. Psal. 6.  

The first part.  

1.  
O Lord when I myself behold, how wicked  
I have been; And view the paths and  
ways I went, wandering from sin to fin;   

2.  
Again, to think upon thy power, thy  
judgement, and thy might; And how that  
nothing can be hid, or close kept from  
thy sight;   

3  
Even then (alas) I shake and quake,  
and tremble where I stand,  
For fear thou shouldst revenged be,  
by power of wrathful hand.   

4  
The weight of sin is very great,  
for this to mind I call,  
That one proud thought made Angels thine  
from heaven to slide and fall.   

5  
ADAM likewise, and EVE his wife,  
for breaking thy precept,  
From Paradise expelled were;  
and death thereby hath crept   

6  
Upon them both; and on their seed,  
for ever to remain;  
But that by faith in Christ thy son,  
we hope to live again.   

7  
The earth not able was to bear,  
but quick did swallow in,  
Corah, Dathan, and Abiron,  
by reason of their sin.   

8  
Also because king DAVID did  
his people number all,  
Thou Lord therefore, in three days space,  
such grievous plague lettest fall;   

9  
That seventy thousand men forthwith,  
thereof died presently,  
Such was thy work, such was thy wrath,  
thy mighty power to try.   

10  
(Alas) my sins surmounteth theirs,  
mine cannot numbered be,  
And from thy wrath, most mighty God,  
I known not where to flee.   

11  
If into heaven I might ascend,  
where Angels thine remain,  
O Lord, thy wrath would thrust me forth  
down to the earth again.   

12  
And in the earth here is no place  
of refuge to be found,  
Nor in the deep, and water course,  
that passeth under ground.   

13  
Vouchsafe therefore, I thee beseech,  
on me some mercy take,  
And turn thy wrath from me away,  
for jesus Christ's sake.   

14  
Lord in thy wrath reprove me not, 
Verse. 1. Domine ne in furore tuo arguas me, neque in ira tua corripias me.   
ne chaste me in thine ire;  
But with thy mercy shadow me,  
I humbly thee desire.   

15  
I know it is my grievous sins  
that do thy wrath provoke,  
But yet, o Lord, in rigour thine  
forbear thy heavy stroke;   

16  
And rather with thy mercy sweet,  
behold my heavy plight,  
How weak and feeble I appear  
before thy blessed sight.   

17  
For nature mine corrupted is,  
and wounded with the dart  
Of lust and soul concupiscence,  
throughout in every part.   

18  
I am in sin conceived, and borne  
the child of wrath and death,  
Having but here a little time  
to live and draw my breath.   

19  
I feel myself still apt and prone  
to wickedness and vice,  
And drowned thus in sin I lie,  
and have no power to rise.   

20  
It is thy mercy, o sweet Christ, 
Verse. 2. Miserere mei domine, quoniam infirmas sum: sana me domine quoniam co●urbata sunt omnia ossa mea.   
that must my health restore:  
For all my bones are troubled much,  
and vexed very sore.   

21  
I am not able to withstand  
temptations such as be,  
Wherefore good Lord, vouchsafe to heal  
my great infirmity.   

22  
Good Christ, as thou to Peter didst,  
reach forth thy hand to me,  
When he upon the water went,  
there drowned like to be.   

23  
And as the Leper cleansed was,  
bv touching with thy hand;  
And Peter's mother raised up  
from fever whole to stand:   

24  
So let that hand of mercy thine  
make clean the leprosy  
Of loathsome lust upon me grown,  
through mine iniquity.   

25  
Then shall there strength in me appear  
through grace my chief relief,  
Thy death, o Christ, the medicine is  
that helpeth all my grief.   

26  
My soul is troubled very sore, 
Verse. 3. Et anima mea conturbata est valdè, sed tu domine usquequo?   
by reason of my sin:  
But Lord how long shall I abide  
thus sorrowful therein?   

27  
I doubt not Lord, but thou which hast  
my stony heart made soft,  
With willing mind thy grace to crave,  
from time to time so oft;   

28  
will not now stay, but forth proceed,  
my perfect health to make,  
Although a while thou dost defer,  
yet is it for my sake.   

29  
For, Lord, thou know'st our nature such  
if we great things obtain,  
And in the getting of the same  
do feel no grief or pain;   

30  
We little do esteem thereof:  
but hardly brought to pass,  
A thousand times we do esteem  
much more than th'other was:   

31  
So Lord, if thou shouldst at the first  
grant my petition,  
The greatness of offences mine,  
I should not think upon.   

32  
Wherefore my hope still bids me cry  
with faithful heart in breast,  
As did the faithful Cananite,  
whose daughter was possessed.   

33  
At least if I still knock and call  
upon thy holy name,  
At length thou wilt hear my request  
and grant to me the same:   

34  
As did the man three loaves of bread  
unto his neighbour lend,  
whose knocking long forced him to rise,  
and show himself a friend.   

35  
Lord by the mouth of thy dear son,  
this promise didst thou make;  
That if we knock thou open wilt  
the door even for his sake.   

36  
Wherefore we cry, we knock, we call,  
and never cease will we,  
Till thou do turn to us, o Lord,  
that we may turn to thee.    

The second part.  

Turn from thy wrath, o Lord of hosts, 
Verse. 4. Converters domine, & ●●ipe animam meam, saluum me fac, propter misericordiam tuam.   
and set my heart at large:  
Oh save me for thy mercy's sake,  
and all my sins discharge.   

2  
Not for the merits I have done,  
ne for the works I wrought,  
But for thy endless mercy sake,  
and blood which hath us bought.   

3  
The debt is great that I am in,  
not able for to pay,  
And how to recompense the same,  
none other can I say;   

4  
But goodness thine must me acquit,  
or else (alas) must I  
To prison, where no ransom may  
set me at liberty.   

5  
For why in death, o God of life, 
Verse. 5. Quoniam non est in morte qui memor sit tui, in inferno autem quis confitebitur tibi?   
no man remembreth thee,  
And in the hell who gives thee thanks  
was none yet known to be.   

6  
The grievous plagues and torments there,  
so smarting be and strong,  
That no man can have mind on thee,  
or thee confess among.   

7  
No time is there or space, ne place  
repentance for to find;  
But burning pains, and torments sharp  
to all be there assigned.   

8  
Remembering this while I am here,  
and do this life possess,  
To thee, o Lord, in humble wise,  
I do my faults confess.   

9  
And with a spirit all sorrowful 
Verse. 6. Laboravi in gemitu meo, lavabo per singulas noctes lectum meum, lachrymis meis stratum meum rigabe.   
I do my sins lament,  
And sorry am even from my soul,  
I did such ways frequent:   

10  
And am with groaning weary made,  
through taste of many fears,  
The night I spend my bed to wash,  
my couch to wet with tears.   

11  
Not weeping to the sight of men,  
(as doth the hypocrite,)  
But in my chamber secretly,  
where I my sins recite:   

12  
Not only with the tears of eyes,  
but tears fet from allow,  
That is, from bottom of my heart,  
repentance great to show.   

13  
And as my body I have made  
a servant unto sin;  
So will I now, by power of grace,  
delight no more therein:   

14  
But will the same on thee bestow,  
o Lord, and freely give,  
To serve thee Lord in righteousness,  
the days I have to live.   

15  
For in this bed of flesh and blood,  
and couch of sensual life,  
The souls of all from Adam's fall,  
have lain in woe and strife.   

16  
And this doth make our countenance  
or mind to changed be,  
For inward grief of this our couch  
of sensuality.   

17  
For when we seek therein to rest,  
and think some ease to find,  
It after turneth to our grief,  
and anguish great of mind.   

18  
It is a serpent, fair in face  
appearing to the show;  
But in his tail a sting lies hid  
of endless pain and wo.   

19  
Mine eye, o Lord, is troubled sore, 
Verse. 7. Turbatus est à furore oculus meus, inveteravi inter omnes inimico● meos.   
with extreme rage and pain:  
And I among mine enemies  
do weak and old remain.   

20  
The wicked fiend, mine enemy,  
still seeketh to devise  
Some matter of occasion,  
to lay before mine eyes.   

21  
The world also doth draw me forth  
to follow her delight;  
My flesh to sensuality  
runs on with main and might;   

22  
The company of wicked sort  
entice me day by day:  
Thus I with them, and they with me,  
(alas) still run astray.   

23  
These enemies I never can  
be able to subdue,  
It must be thou, o JESV sweet,  
most mighty and most true:   

24  
Thou Lord which hast destroyed death,  
the devil likewise suppressed,  
Must give me power to overcome,  
whereby to live in rest.   

25  
Then underneath thy death & cross  
I shall my sins display,  
And strongly fight against my foes, 
Verse. 8. Disc●dite à me omnes, qui operamini iniquitatem, quoniam audivit dominus vocem fletus ●ei.   
and boldly to them say:   

26  
Away from me that workers be  
of wickedness and sin:  
For why the Lord hath hard my voice▪  
and seen my tears therein.   

27  
You damned spirits, and livers lewd,  
the members of the fiend;  
Away from me: for now your power  
is brought unto an end.   

28  
Your prince & master of this world,  
that hath me turned and tossed,  
Is now cast out; and all his power,  
his might, and strength is lost.   

29  
Although you have me long time held  
in prison and in thrall;  
Yet are ye now clean overcome,  
by Christ most strong of all.   

30  
I that in darkness erst was led,  
do now behold the light;  
The Lord my prayer sure hath heard, 
Verse. 9 Exaudivit deminus deprecationem meam, dominus orationem meam suscepit.   
my suie is in his sight.   

31  
To thee, o Lord, for grace I prayed,  
and thou heardst my request,  
And sent'st abundant dews thereof  
unto my quiet rest.   

32  
I prayed likewise, that all my sins  
might clean remitted be,  
And thou hast granted my desire,  
and safe delivered me.   

33  
Wherefore let all mine enemies 
Vers. 10. Erubescant & cōtur●entur vehemene●● omnes inimici mei: convertantur & erubescant valdè, velociter.   
confounded be with shame,  
And that right soon and suddenly,  
o Lord I crave the same.   

34  
I know that all mine enemies,  
shall vexed be right sore,  
And that thou wilt put them to flight,  
from henceforth evermore.   

35  
For what long time they have possessed  
they lost in little space,  
Through operation of thy power,  
and working of thy grace.   

36  
With wrong they kept, which the sweet Christ  
by blood hast dearly bought,  
And thou a mighty Champion  
hast turned their power to nought.   

37  
Lord, I therefore thy servant poor  
most earnestly do pray,  
To guide my feet and steps aright  
in thy most holy way.   

38  
And that the fiend mine enemy.  
who seeks me to devour,  
May never over my poor soul  
have any strength or power:   

39  
But as by grace I am restored  
to favour thine again;  
So with that grace descend me, Lord,  
from everlasting pain: Amen.     

Beati quorum. Psal. 32.  

The first part.  

O God, 
Sing this as before  I know by grace, through faith  
the sinner is made just;  
Though we offend, yet justified  
by grace through faith we trust.   

2  
Which grace & faith, are thy good gifts  
which thou hast given us free,  
And through them the works we do  
are made right good to be.   

3  
I therefore, Lord, my faults confess,  
by help of heavenly grace,  
And utterly my sins forsake,  
and do them all deface:   

4  
Beseeching thee me to admit  
with those that blessed be,  
And to forgive the trespasses  
which I have done to thee.   

5  
For blessed is the man in deed, 
Verse. 1. Beati quorum remissae sunt iniquit ates, & quorum tecta sunt peccata.   
whose wickedness and sin,  
Is clean forgiven, and covered;  
as they had never been.   

6  
I will not hide my sins from thee,  
nor seek them to excuse;  
But with my heart will them confess,  
and do myself accuse;   

7  
For, Lord, who goes about to hide  
his own iniquity,  
Thou shalt the same make manifest,  
that all the world may see;   

8  
Thou wilt him strip and naked make,  
to his perpetual blame,  
When he to judgement shall arise,  
and live in endless shame.   

9  
And therefore blessed is the man, 
Verse. 2. Beatus vir ●ui non imputavit dominus peccatum, nec est in spiritu eius dolus.   
to whom thou Lord shalt say,  
I not impute thy sins to thee,  
nor to thy charge them lay.   

10  
He, in whose spirit no fraud is found,  
shall blessed be also;  
And look what thing he takes in hand,  
shall prosper well and grow.   

11  
If I for sin should feign myself  
all sorrowful to be,  
And were not so; then should be found  
both fraud and guile in me.   

12  
Or if I should account myself  
a man that liveth just,  
Having my conscience stuffed with sin,  
so full as may be thrust:   

13  
There should appear great fraud in me  
for deep dissembling so;  
For why, in me no goodness dwells,  
as of myself I know.   

14  
If ever any good were there,  
it surely must be thine;  
But as for sins I many have,  
and they by right are mine.   

15  
For while, o Lord, I held my peace, 
Verse. 3. Quoniam ●acui, inue● eraverunt ●ssa 〈◊〉, clamando 〈◊〉 die.   
confessing not my crime,  
My bones did waste through daily plaints  
I made from time to time.   

16  
My soul doth feeble wax and faint,  
because I held my peace;  
But now I have my sins confessed,  
I feel her strength increase.   

17  
I kept that back I should have told,  
or else excuse the same;  
And that I should have closely kept,  
did publish to my blame;   

18  
I hide the sins that I had done,  
and they remained still;  
And boasted forth the good I did,  
contrary to thy will.   

19  
Thus were the works that I had wrought  
quite lost with their reward,  
And I among that sort remain,  
whom thou dost not regard.   

20  
For day and night thy heavy hand 
Verse. 4. Quoniam die ac 〈◊〉 gravata est super me manus iva conversus su●● in aerūna mea: dum con●igi●ur spina.   
upon me thou hast laid:  
And in my trouble was I turned,  
when I was sore afraid.   

21  
My tribulation scourged me,  
my moisture was made ●rie,  
My very backbone stricken was,  
that I began to cry.   

22  
My conscience likewise stricken was  
with prick of great remorse,   

●4  
Although amid this water-floud  
of surging waves of sin,  
We tossed be among the rocks,  
yet are not drowned therein.   

15  
For thou, o Lord, art my refuge 
Verse. 7. Tues refug●●m meum a tribulatione, qu● circ●ndedit me.   
from troubles all that be.  
And though temptations of the world  
about have compassed me;   

16  
I not regard enticements theirs,  
nor threats that they shall make:  
For why my faith assureth me  
that thou my part wilt take.   

17  
Thou, Lord, art only my defence,  
my joy is all in thee, 
Exaltatio mea, erue me à circundani tibus me.   
Thou shalt me compass round about,  
and safe deliver me.   

18  
The tabernacle of my soul  
is round about me set  
With enemies, such as do seek  
my hindrance and my let.   

19  
But yet, o Lord, thy providence  
shall me deliver still,  
And from all dangers me defend,  
after thy holy will.   

20  
Thou wilt inform and show to me 
Verse. 8. Intellectum tibi dabo, & instruamte in via hac, qua gradieris.   
the way that I should go.  
This life is but a pilgrimage  
I pass in to and fro.   

21  
Of this way Lord, thou art the end,  
and mark whereat I shoot;  
Grant that I may this voyage pass,  
and foes of mine confute;   

22  
And in the running of my course,  
my faith so strong may be;  
That I may have one of those games  
of immortality.   

23  
Thus shall thine eye of strong defence 
Firmabo super te oculos meos.   
on me be fixed sure,  
And I with joy shall able be  
this travel to endure.   

24  
For, Lord, if y● shouldst turn thy face  
or cast thine eye aside,  
I should not able be to run,  
nor labour this abide:   

25  
But should be as the horse and mule, 
Verse. 9 Nolite sieri sicut equu● & 〈◊〉, quibus non est intellectus. In chamo & fraeno maxillas eorum constringes, qui non approximabunt ad te.   
that understanding want:  
Such, of thy grace, faith, and good works,  
both barren be and scant.   

26  
They are too proud and scornful eke,  
thy laws to hold and keep,  
The lusts and pleasures of the flesh,  
so lulleth them asleep.   

27  
But yet the mouths of such wild beasts.  
thou Lord with bit and brake  
Shalt snaffle them, with chain and curb,  
that do thee so forsake.   

28  
For great and many are the plagues 
Verse 10. M●lta flagella pe●●atoris.   
of those that sinners be,  
By means whereof a number, Lord,  
are turned unto thee.   

29  
And thou, o Lord, that didst them plague  
for their correction,  
Wilt also give them comfort great,  
and consolation.   

30  
And he that trusteth in the Lord, 
Sperantem autem in domino misericordia circundabit.   
he shallbe compassed in  
With mercy and remission  
of all his former sin.   

31  
Be glad therefore ye righteous, 
Vers. 11. Laetamini in domino, & exultate justi.   
and in the Lord rejoice:  
For he by grace hath made you just,  
through his most loving choice:   

32  
Which were before, stiff-necked, proud,  
now gentle meek and mild;  
Not by your merits, but by grace,  
as father to his child.   

33  
All you that be upright of heart, 
Et gloriaemini omnes recti cord.   
in God rejoice also:  
And to his will submit your will,  
in anguish, pain, and wo.   

34  
And as S. Paul th'apostle was  
made glad in his distress,  
So Lord in all extremity  
grant me the like success: Amen.     

Domine ne in furore. Psal. 38.  

The first part.  

1.  
Within my soul, o Lord, do main  
troubles spring, Sometime by fear of  
punishment, that temprall things may  
bring:   

2.  
Which happen may to me, while.  
I this life abide, For mine offences done  
to thee, which cannot pass unspied:   

3  
Sometime, o Lord, by fear  
of sickness and disease,  
Which here we suffer for his guilt,  
that first did thee displease:   

4  
Sometime again by fear  
of death that follow must,  
Which in a time unlooked for,  
shall all consume to dust:   

5  
And last by fear, o Lord,  
of everlasting pain,  
Which I by sin have well deserved  
therein for to remain.   

6  
But yet, o blessed Lord,  
when thou shalt angry be; 
Verse. 1. Dominene in furore tuo argua● me, neque in it a tu● corripias 〈◊〉.   
In fury thine correct me not,  
nor power thy wrath on me.   

7  
And though thy bow be bend,  
with arrow set therein,  
And ready thou my soul to wound,  
for my committed sin:   

8  
Yet let thy mercy move  
with ruth on me I crave;  
Because thou knowest I can not give  
the thing that I not have.   

9  
For thou must first me give,  
ere I can give to thee:  
For of myself, and from myself, 
Verse. 2. Quoniam sagittae tuae infixae sunt mihi.   
comes but iniquity.   

10  
Thine arrows, I confess,  
so deep have pierced my heart▪  
That medicine none, ne other craft  
can sever them apart.   

11  
For if by craft I might  
these wounds make whole again,  
And so escape eternal death,  
and everlasting pain;   

12  
My fear should be the less,  
my joy a great deal more:  
But thou, o Lord, the Leech must be,  
for sickness mine and sore.   

13  
Thy hands thou hast enforced, 
●t confirmasti super me manum tuam.   
so heavy upon me,  
As death with dart, I know right well,  
cannot avoided be.   

14  
O death! Unto the man  
that substance hath at will,  
How sharp and bitter is thy dart,  
when thou comest him to kill?   

15  
Lord in my flesh I feel 
Verse. 3. Non est sa●●tas in carne mea.   
no health there is at all  
For when I think most sure to stand  
I readiest am to fall.   

16  
But blessed are those men,  
which never did offend  
In sinful lusts; but have themselves  
kept clean unto the end.   

17  
For in their souls they find  
great quietness and rest,  
And every thing they take in hand,  
doth turn unto the best:   

18  
But contrary to those,  
that spend the day and night  
In exercise of wickedness,  
and take therein delight.   

19  
For they in conscience feel  
such business, broil, and strife,  
That for to think upon their sin,  
a hell is to their life.   

20  
O Lord, among those sort  
myself have gone astray, 
A faci● irae tuae.   
And from the face of anger thine,  
could never flee away:   

21  
Yet thou hast suffered me,  
and given me grace at last,  
For to acknowledge all my faults,  
and wicked life now past.   

22  
My bones were void of rest, 
Non est pax ossibus meis a fancy peccatorum meorum.   
by reason of my sin,  
And all my body grieved was,  
without and eke within.   

23  
Sin may well be compared  
unto a serpent vile,  
Which with his body, head, and tail,  
doth many one beguile.   

24  
For where the serpent's head  
to enter doth begin,  
There all the body with the tail,  
apace comes sliding in.   

25  
The motion first to sin  
unto the head applic,  
And when the heart consents thereto,  
then is the body nigh.   

26  
The fact once being done,  
then is the serpent's tail,  
With head and body entered in,  
where he must needs prevail.   

27  
For why, this serpent sin 
Verse. 4. Quoniam iniquitates 〈◊〉 supergressae sunt cap●●e me●●: & sieut onus grave gravatae sunt super me.   
so high himself doth rear,  
Above my head, the weight of whom  
is more than I can bear.   

28  
And this by sufferance came,  
by licence that I gave,  
This serpent's head into my soul  
his entrance first to have.   

29  
For now hath he brought in,  
his body, tail, and all;  
And therewith doth surcharge my soul  
that she is like to fall.   

30  
The burden is so great,  
that many times (alas)  
She is compelled to do the thing  
she would not bring to pass.   

31  
Too hard it is for me  
this serpent to expel;  
It must be thou, o ● mighty King,  
the strength of Israë●l.   

32  
Thou that the devils drau'st forth,  
out of the men possessed,  
Vouchsafe this serpent to expel,  
and set my soul at rest,   

33  
Thy grace must work in me  
to be contrite in heart,  
And this from thee, to me must come,  
withouten my desert.   

34  
My bones corrupted are, 
Verse. 5. Putruer●t & corrupt●esunt cicatrices meae à facie insip●entiae meae.   
and putrefied so sore,  
By reason of my follies past,  
that woe is me therefore.   

35  
The marks of my oldsinnes  
do rotten wax again,  
And fresh and green they do appear,  
to further more my pain.   

36  
By reason of my sin, 
Miser factus sum.   
I am a wretch become,  
Setting my mind on earthly things,  
like beast both brute and dumb.   

37  
And crooked am I made, 
Verse. 6. Et curuatus sum vs●que in ●inem, totae die contriostatus ingrediebars.   
unto the very end:  
The day throughout continually  
with woe and grief I spend.   

38  
Because I am thrown down,  
and not compelled thereto;  
No violence did me enforce  
thus wickedly to do.   

39  
It was my will, which led  
intelligence awry;  
And that which reason willed me,  
the same did I deny.   

40  
Will is the middle part,  
Lord, of my soul, I know:  
And I my will for to exalt  
did reason overthrow.   

41  
Whereby my loins are full, 
Verse. 7. Quon am lumbi mei impleti sunt illusionibus.   
that is, my flesh, to say,  
Replete is with illusions,  
that me deceive always.   

42  
Ah wicked flesh of mine,  
that doth my soul entice!  
Thou hurt'st thyself, offendest my God,  
by thy lewd exercise.   

43  
And by this lust of mine,  
no health is in my flesh, 
Non est sanitas in carne ●iea.   
For sin my soul and body grieves  
still day by day afresh.   

44  
My soul tormented is, 
Verse. 8. Aff●ictus sum, & ●n●niliatus sum nimis. Rugreham a gemitu cordis mei.   
by sight of mind unclean;  
My body weak and feeble brought,  
through lust made bare and lean.   

45  
Thus I afflicted s●re  
and very low am brought;  
And am a bondman unto sin,  
in word, in deed, and thought.   

46  
This sin so settled is, 
Verse. 9 Domine coram te est omne desiiūer●● meum, & gemitus meus à te non est ab●conditus.   
that it will not departed,  
Which causeth me To roar and cry,  
with sorrow from my heart.   

47  
O Lord the great desire,  
that doth proceed from me,  
And mourning much that I do make,  
not hidden is from thee.   

48  
Thy sight is of great strength,  
for end thereof is none,  
And be the distance near so far,  
thy power and strength is one.   

49  
Thy sight, o God attains,  
to distance all that be,  
And makes no change of more or less,  
as is with us we see.   

50  
My heart is troubled sore, 
Verse. 10. Cor meum contur●atum est, dereliquit me virtus mea, & lumen oculorum meorum, & ipsum non est 〈◊〉.   
my strength is gone me fro;  
Likewise the sight of both mine eyes  
from me is gone also.   

51  
The tribulations great,  
wherewith my sinful heart  
Is vexed, and troubled night and day,  
about in every part;   

52  
Is, Lord, for fear of thee,  
and of thy punishment,  
which thou shalt render unto me,  
for this my life misspent.   

53  
O Lord, remove from me,  
this cloudy mist of mine,  
And with thy grace and mercy mixed  
anoint my dusked eine;   

54  
That I the way may see,  
wherein thou hast delight,  
And in the same my steps direct,  
to walk both day and night: Amen.    

The second part.  

MY wretchedness, o Lord,  
is more than may be said;  
It's not alonely grief of heart,  
that maketh me dismayed;   

2  
Ne feebleness of strength,  
depressed with vices all,  
Nor in the blindness of my soul,  
which ready is to fall:   

3  
But otherwise it comes,  
and still increaseth more, 
Verse. 11. Amici ●ei, & proximi mei adversum me ap appropinquab ●nt & stete●unt.   
That is, where I thought comfort find,  
is turned to my sore.   

4  
My friends and neighbours, Lord,  
in whom I put my trust,  
Against me altogether stood,  
and showed themselves unjust.   

5  
And they that stood me next,  
far off got them away;  
And such as waited for my life, 
Verse. 12. Et qui iux ta me erant, de longè steterunt; & vim faciebant, qui quaerebant animam meam.   
set on me as a pray.   

6  
The force of wicked fcends,  
o Lord, is very strong:  
No earthly power is like to theirs,  
if thou them suffer long   

7  
To exercise their force,  
on sinners all that be;  
Not one among ten thousand shall  
be left alive to thee.   

8  
They study to deceive,  
by worldly pleasures vain,  
And joys such as the flesh desires,  
to bring us endless pain.   

9  
These Lord, have sought for me, 
Et qui inquirebant mala mihi, loquut● sunt vanitates; & dolos toto die meditabantur.   
and wrought me ill the while,  
And with deceitful vanities  
did daily me beguile.   

10  
Lord many times I feel,  
when I thus tempted am,  
Such pleasure's spring, I joy thereat,  
not looking whence they came:   

11  
Or at the least, o Lord,  
I would not understand,  
Ne see the snares for me were laid,  
to bring me under hand, 
Verse. 13. Et ego t●quā surdus non audiebam, & sicut mutus non aper●ens os suum.    

12  
The pleasures of the flesh  
so sweet find in mine ear,  
That what is spoken there against,  
I lift not for to hear:   

13  
But as one being dease,  
with silence pass away,  
And as a man that dumb is borne, 
Verse. 14. Et factus sum sicut homo non audience, & non habens in ore suo redargutiones.   
have not a word to say.   

14  
In deed I must confess  
myself, I have not fought,  
Nor spoke against my wickedness,  
in sort such as I ought.   

15  
But as one deaf and dumb,  
that sin no time would blame,  
Ne open would mine ears to hear,  
how to avoid the same.   

16  
Yet true it is, o Lord,  
let man his faults confess,  
With sighs and sorrow from his heart,  
he did thy laws transgress:   

17  
Yea, let him do his best,  
and satisfaction make;  
And yet if he be void of hope,  
thou wilt him sure forsake.   

18  
For judas sorrow made,  
when he had thee betrayed,  
And did restore the silver back,  
and down again it laid:   

19  
He openly confessed,  
he sinned grievously,  
In that he had falsely betrayed,  
the innocent to die;   

20  
And wanting hope, we see,  
into despair he fell,  
And hanged himself upon a tree,  
among the ravens to dwell.   

21  
Hope is the gift, o Lord,  
that from thy grace proceeds; (love 
Verse. 15. Quoniam in te domine speravi, ivexaudses me domine deus meus.   
And grace brings faith, and faith brings  
from whom spring fruitful deeds.   

22  
And for because that I  
did always hope in thee,  
Thou wilt me hear, o Lord my God,  
and safe deliver me.   

23  
My hope is firmly fixed,  
and cannot be removed;  
Because thy grace assureth me,  
my faith is not disproved.   

24  
This have I said, o Lord, 
Verse. 16. Quia dixi ne quan●o super gaudeant mihi inimici mei● & dum comoventur pedes mei, super me magna locuti sunt.   
least arie time at all  
Mine enemies, should over me  
triumph to see me fall.   

25  
For whiles my feet did slide,  
against me much they spoke;  
That is to say, whiles my desires,  
the way to sin did take,   

26  
And were from thee removed  
to follow loathsome lust;  
Then did mine enemies rejoice,  
to see me in the dust.   

27  
But Lord, I me submit,  
unto thy discipline,  
And meekly take correction thine,  
for old offences mine.   

28  
And have myself prepared 
Verse. 17. Quoni●m ego in flagolla paratus sum, & dolour meus in conspectu meo semper.   
unto the whip of pain,  
Whereby my grief and dolour may  
still in my sight remain.   

29  
And, Lord, thou knowest of old,  
there is no good in me;  
Not one man good upon the earth,  
not one seeks after thee.   

30  
Among thy chosen sort,  
unfaithfulness was found,  
Likewise among thy Angels bright  
were thousands cast to ground:   

31  
Then how much more (alas)  
of wretches such as I,  
That dwell in houses made of clay,  
must sin continually?   

32  
I will confess to thee 
Verse. 18. Quoniam iniquitatem meam annunciabo, & cogitabo pro peccato meo.   
all mine ungodliness;  
And for my sins will take more thought  
than well I can express.   

33  
And yet, ● Lord, thy grace  
must work this good in me;  
By which I steadfastly believe  
I chosen am of thee.   

34  
For now by grace I mind  
my sinful life t'amend,  
And unto virtue will apply  
my life unto the end.   

35  
I see the follies past,  
wherein I took delight,  
To be both vile, wicked and nought, 
Verse. 19 Inimici autem mei viwnt, & confirmati sunt super me; & multiplicati sunt, qui ode●unt me iniquè.   
and odious in thy sight.   

36  
And though my foes do live,  
and over me made strong,  
And they which hated me are great  
and do me trouble wrong:   

37  
No marvel it's, o Lord,  
for why, they mighty be,  
And are, except thy grace assist,  
too strong always for me.   

38  
They have long time devised  
deceitful crafty gins,  
And by the same have overthrown  
the strongest in their sins.   

39  
If any time I flee  
repentance for to find,  
Then one of these malicious spirits  
assaileth straight my mind;   

40  
And with devices new,  
and frauds that be unknown  
He craftily doth me subdue,  
and so makes me his own.   

41  
Thus, Lord, when I am bend, 
Verse. 20. Qui retribuunt mala● pro bonis, detrahebant mihi, quoniam sequebar bonitatem.   
thy goodness to pursue,  
Mine enemies do me detract,  
and breed my bale anew.   

42  
The wicked fiend (alas)  
doth many times me grieve;  
The world also doth follow me,  
the days I have to live;   

43  
The flesh doth me provoke  
with lust both lewd and nought:  
Thus by these three mine enemies,  
I am in thraldom brought.   

44  
Yet, Lord, forsake me not, 
Verse. 21. Ne derelinquas me domine deus meus, ne discesseri● à me.   
ne let thy grace departed;  
Lest that mine enemies unawares  
do through pierce my heart.   

45  
And though sometime, o Lord,  
thy presence thou withdraw,  
Whereby the fiend may entrance make,  
and bring me more in awe:   

46  
Yet, Lord, thy grace restore  
to me poor wretch again;  
That I thereby may him resist,  
to make his travel vain.   

47  
Give heed therefore my God, 
Verse. 22. Intend in adiutorium meum domine deu● s●lut is 〈◊〉.   
which art my help and health.  
Whose mercy, and whose goodness showed  
is to my soul chief wealth.   

48  
Give temporal health, o Lord,  
as unto thee seems best;  
And to my soul thy saving health,  
in heaven with thee may rest: Amen.     

Miserere mei. Psal. 51.  

The first part.  

1.  
O thou that mad'st the world of nought,  
whom God thy creatures call, Which formedst  
man like to thyself, yet suffered'st  
him to fall:   

2.  
Thou God, which by  
thy heavenly word did●● flesh of virgin  
take, And so becamest both God & man,  
for sinful flesh's sake:   

3  
O thou that sawest when man by sin  
to hell was overthrown,  
Didst meekly suffer death on cross,  
to have thy mercy known:   

4  
Thou God, which didst the patriarchs  
and fathers old divine,  
From time to time preserve and keep▪  
by mercy great of thine:   

5  
O thou that Noah keptst from flood,  
and Abram day by day,  
As he along through Egypt passed,  
didst guide him in the way:   

6  
Thou God that Lot from Sodoms' plague  
didst safely keep also,  
And Daniel from the lions jaws,  
thy mercy great to show:   

7  
O thou good God, that didst divide  
the sea like hills to stand,  
That children thine might through pass  
from cruel Pharaoh's hand;   

8  
So that when Pharaoh and his host,  
thy children did subdue,  
Thou overthrewst them in the sea,  
to prove thy sayings true:   

9  
O thou that jonas in the fish  
three days didst keep from pain,  
Which was a figure of thy death,  
and rising up again:   

10  
I say, thou God, which didst preserve  
amidst the fiery flame,  
The three young men, which sang therein  
the glory of thy name:   

11  
Thou God have mercy on my soul, 
Verse. ●. Miserere mei deus secundum magnam misericordiam tuam: & secundum multitudinem miserationum tuarum de▪ le iniquitatem meam.   
thy goodness me restore,  
And for thy mercies infinite  
think on my sin no more.   

12  
O Lord the number of my sins  
is more than can be told,  
Wherefore I humbly do desire  
thy mercies manifold.   

13  
For small offence thy mercy small  
may soon small faults suffice,  
But I (alas) for many faults  
for greater mercy cries.   

14  
And though the number of my sins,  
surpass the salt sea sand,  
And that the filth of them deserve,  
the wrath of thy just hand:   

15  
Yet do thy mercies far surmount,  
the sins of all in all,  
Thou wilt with mercy us relieve,  
for mercy when we call.   

16  
Right well I know, man hath not power  
so much for to transgress,  
As thou with mercy mayst forgive  
through thine almightiness.   

17  
I do confess my faults be more  
than thousands else beside,  
More noisome, and more odious,  
more fouler to be tried,   

18  
Than ever was the loathsome swine,  
or menstrual cloth beeraid:  
To think thereon my woeful soul,  
(alas) is yet afraid.   

19  
Wherefore, good Lord, do notbehold  
how wicked I have been,  
But wash me from my wickedness, 
Verse. 2. Ampliùs lava me ab iniquitate mea, & à peccato meo munda me.   
and cleanse me from my sin.   

20  
The Israenlites being defiled  
durst not approach thee nigh,  
Till they their garments and themselves  
had washed decently.   

21  
The Priests also eke cleansed were  
ere they thy face would see,  
Else had they perished in their sin;  
such, Lord, was thy decree.   

22  
Alas how much more need I then  
to crave while I am here,  
To wash my foul and spotted soul  
that it may clean appear?   

23  
Polluted clothes with filth distained  
do manic washings crave,  
Ere that the Launder can obtain  
the thing that he would have.   

24  
My soul likewise (alas) doth need  
thy many dews of grace,  
Ere it be clean; for cankered sin  
so deep hath taken place.   

25  
The Leprosy that Naman had,  
could not be done away,  
Till he seven times in lordan flood  
had washed him day by day.   

26  
How many waters need I then  
for to be washed in,  
Ere I be purged fair and clean,  
and cleansed from my sin?   

27  
But, Lord, thy mercy is the Soap,  
and washing lee also,  
That shall both scour & cleanse the filth  
which in my soul do grow.   

28  
Why should I then (alas) despair  
of goodness thine to me,  
When that thy justice willeth me  
to put my trust in thee,   

29  
Thy promise, Lord, thy mouth hath past,  
which cannot be but true,  
That thou wilt mercy have on them,  
that turn to thee anew.   

30  
I know, when heaven and earth shall pass,  
this promise shall stand fast:  
Wherefore into thy Majesty,  
I offer now at last,   

31  
An heart contri●e and sorrowful, 
Verse. 3. Quoniam iniquitatem meam ego cognes●o, & peccatum meum contra me es● semper.   
with all humility;  
For heinous sins by it conceiu●d  
through mine iniquity.   

32  
I do acknowledge all my faults,  
my sins stand me before;  
I have them in remembrance, Lord,  
and will for evermore.   

33  
Because thou shouldst the same forget  
I still do think thereon,  
And set it up before my face,  
always to look upon.   

34  
Against thee only have I ●ind  
and done ill in thy sight; 
Verse. 4. Tibisoli peccavi, & malum coràte feci.   
In whom it lies to punish me,  
or to forgive me quite.   

35  
But sure my hope is firmly fixed,  
that thou wilt me forgive;  
For with thine honour shall it stand,  
to suffer me to live:   

36  
That all the world may witness thee, 
Vt iustisiceris in sermonibus ●uis, & vinca● cum iudi●aris.   
a judge most just to be,  
For that thou wilt thy promise keep,  
to all that trust in thee:   

37  
That is, our sins thou wilt remit,  
and clean forget them all,  
And bend thine ears unto our plaints,  
when we upon thee call.   

38  
O Lord consider with thyself,  
what metal I possess;  
Behold in sin I was conceived, 
Verse. 5. Ecce ●nim in iniquitatthus conceptus sum & in peccatis con●ep●t me 〈◊〉 mea.   
and borne in wickedness,   

39  
From Adam first this sin was drawn,  
whereby I am made prone  
To do the ill should thee offend,  
and let the good alone.   

40  
Yea, many a time I am so drawn  
to do I would not do,  
And that I would I leave undone,  
for want of might thereto;   

41  
Such is, o Lord, the strength and force  
of my concupiscence:  
But yet of greater force than this,  
is, Lord, thine indulgence.   

42  
For thou wilt mercy show to them,  
that mercy do require;  
And wilt not turn thy face from such  
as mercy do desire.   

43  
Surely of honour more is thine,  
through pity men to save;  
Than by thy justice to condemn  
such as deserved have.   

44  
Therefore, o Lord, receive me now,  
which do myself accuse;  
To th'nd thou shouldst my sins forgive,  
and all my faults excuse.   

45  
O Lord, I do not hide my sins,  
but show them unto thee;  
Because thou shouldst thy mercy grant,  
as thou hast promised me.   

46  
For never yet thou hast been found  
in any word unjust,  
Ne canst thou now begin at me,  
since that in thee I trust.   

47  
Thou, Lord, hast ever loved truth, 
Verse. 6. Eteni● veritatem dilexisti.   
and truth thou art most sure,  
Thou art the very verity  
for ever to endure.   

48  
Thou promisedst to Abraham,  
his seed to multiply,  
Even as the stars, and as the sand  
that in the sea doth lie.   

49  
To Ishac and to jacob eke,  
like promise didst thou make;  
And thou the same performed haste,  
for this thy promise sake.   

50  
Thou promisedst to joshua,  
to strength him with thine hand;  
And so he slew the Chananites,  
and did divide their land.   

51  
To Gedeon thou promise mad'st,  
that he should set at large  
The Israëlites, which were in thrall,  
and in their enemies' charge.   

52  
When Ezechias lay sore sick;  
and well nigh at death's door;  
Thou promis'dst him his health again,  
to live fifteen years more.   

53  
Thus hast thou kept thy promises,  
to thousands else beside;  
Who have reposed trust in thee,  
thou hast not help denied.   

54  
Even so, good Lord, thy promise keep  
with me that am unjust,  
A scabbed sheep, one of thy flock,  
and overcharged with lust.   

55  
Which of long time have run astray,  
the time since I was borne,  
Yet now returned with heavy heart,  
that's with repentance torn.   

56  
Thus hath thy grace now called me,  
with mercy of thine hand;  
And what thy will and pleasure is,  
by grace I understand.   

57  
Thou hast revealed unto me  
the things that be unknown,  
The secret points of wisdom thine  
thy grace to me hath shown. 
Incerta & occulta 〈…〉 manifestasti mihi.    

58  
The mysteries that hidden were  
within thy sacred word,  
Thou hast to us made manifest,  
by jesus Christ our Lord.   

59  
I am now fed with bread of life,  
that shall my hunger slake;  
And from dame wisdoms water-springs  
my drink I often take.   

60  
Now wisdom hath cast out her flood,  
the plants all watered be,  
And still she seeks to lighten those,  
that put their trust in thee.   

61  
Of this her flood S. Paul did drink,  
and he us taught thereby,  
Thy wisdom, Lord, which secret was,  
and hidden long did lie:   

62  
As thou to him didst manifest,  
by thy free spirit before,  
Which searcheth out the very depth  
of secrets thine and store.   

63  
Of this, Lord, part I tasted have,  
through mercy showed to me,  
And am now taught by them to know,  
mine own infirmity:   

64  
And by it am I taught likewise  
thy goodness for to know,  
Beseeching thee this work begun,  
may never part me fro.   

65  
So that the light which kindled is,  
in me by thy great grace,  
May so increase, as darkness, Lord,  
may never more take place.    

The third part.  

With Hyssop, Lord, besprinkle me, 
Verse. 7. Asperges me donune Hyssop & 〈◊〉: lavabis me, & supra niu●m d●alba●or.   
and cleanse me from my sin:  
Moore whiter than shall I be made,  
than ever snow hath been:   

2  
Thou didst command this herb with blood  
a sprinkle for to be,  
To sprinkle such as cleansed were  
from loathsome leprosy.   

3  
A bundle of this herb, o Lord,  
thou didst command also  
To dip in blood of simple sheep,  
and therewithal to show   

4  
Upon the doore-posts of the house,  
the slayer might it see,  
Whereby the plague might shun the place  
and from thy people flee.   

5  
These unto us do represent  
the blood of thy dear Son,  
Without the which no man is clean,  
what ever can be done.   

6  
And he that marks his soul therewith  
and puts his trust therein,  
The slayer hath no power to hurt,  
nor plague him for his sin.   

7  
If with this grace thou sprinkle me,  
I shall be white I know;  
And though as blood my sins appear,  
they shall be like the snow:   

8  
Yea, though my sins as purple were  
or as the scarlet dye,  
Thy grace shall make them as the wool,  
t'appear before thine eye.   

9  
Then shall I hear the words of joy, 
Verse, 8. Auditui meo dabis gaudium & laetitiam.   
of gladness so likewise,  
That Nathan to king David spoke,  
whom thou didst not despise.   

10  
That is, My sins are now put out,  
what ever I have done,  
And are forgiven me quite and clean,  
by jesus Christ thy son.   

11  
Then shall I hear the words Christ spoke,  
to him the palsy had;  
My son thy sins are thee forgiven,  
arise, go home, be glad.   

12  
Then shall I hear thee also speak  
by inspiration,  
Whereby I shall be comforted  
in tribulation.   

13  
Yea, Lord, The bones thou broken haste, 
E● exultabunt o●●a quae conf●egisti.   
shall then again rejoice▪  
Through working of thy heavenly grace  
and sweetness of thy voice:   

14  
That is, The powers of my poor soul  
whom sin so weak hath brought,  
Whereby it wanted power to work  
the good it long time sought,   

15  
Shall then recover that was lost,  
and be reviv'd again,  
And through the quick'ning of the spirit  
sin shall no more remain.   

16  
Wherefore, Thy face turn from my sins, 
Verse. 9 Auertc faciem tu●m à peccatis meis, & omnes iniquitates meas deal.   
and wipe my faults away,  
And eke all mine iniquities;  
most humbly I thee pray:   

17  
I mean the face of justice thine,  
where with thou dost behold  
The sins we daily do commit,  
to punish manifold:   

18  
This face, good Lord, turn thou from me  
and from the faults I make,  
And them forget, and me forgive,  
for thy great mercy sake.   

19  
But, Lord, the face of mercy thine,  
from me turn not away,  
But therewithal behold me still,  
and help me day by day.   

20  
For what am I, if that thy grace  
thou take away from me?  
A bondman under sin and death,  
and cast away of the●.   

21  
And every man thy grace that wants  
shall have an heart of stone,  
As Pharaoh had, after thy grace  
departed was and gone.   

22  
He shall both see and hear indeed,  
yet shall be deaf and blind;  
His ears and eyes shall stopped be,  
the truth he shall not find.   

23  
His heart likewise shall frozen be,  
or as the stony wall;  
He shall thy creatures like and love,  
and love not thee at all:   

24  
Yea, such a heart, o Lord, in me  
long time hath taken place,  
Which no way can be mollifide,  
but by thy special grace.   

25  
Wherefore I pray thee hart●lie,  
remove this heart from me;  
And, Lord, in me a new heart make, 
Verse. 10. Cor mundum cre● in me deus.   
that flexible may be:   

26  
A fleshy heart, both soft and meek,  
an heart that I may know  
Thou art the Lord, without whose grace  
no goodness I can show.   

27  
This grace it is that must revive  
a right spirit, Lord, in me. 
E●t spiritum rectum.   
My spirit through sin is crooked made,  
and loathsome for to see.   

28  
Make it upright therefore to be, 
Innou● in visceribus mei●.   
and that decline it may  
From worldly pleasures light & vain,  
that vanish soon away.   

29  
Vouchsafe, o Lord, to heavenly things  
my spirit may still aspire,  
And with thy grace replenished be,  
most humbly I desire.   

30  
Let neither yet adversity,  
nor worldly wealth also  
Pluck down my spirit, nor hinder it,  
where it desires to go.   

31  
Nor cast me off at any time, 
Vers. 11. Ne proi●cias me à facie tua; & spiritum sanct●n tuum ne auferas à me.   
from presence of thy face;  
Ne take from me thy holy spirit,  
o Lord, in any case.   

32  
My sins, good Lord, behind thee cast,  
there ever to remain:  
But cast not me from thy sweet face,  
as thou didst wicked Caine.   

33  
Nor from thy favour cast me so,  
as thou didst cast king Saul,  
For if that I thy presence lose,  
I cannot choose but fall.   

34  
O Lord how sweet and gracious  
is this thy spirit most pure!  
It leadeth those that loveth thee,  
where righteous folk endure.   

35  
Grant, Lord, that this thy holy spirit  
may dwell within me still,  
And me confirm in righteousness,  
according to thy will.    

The fourth part.  

O Lord my God, restore to me  
thy saving health again, 
Vers. 12. Red mihi Laetitiam salutaris tui, & spiritu principal● confirma m●.   
And establish me with thy chee●e spirit,  
that it may still remain,   

2  
My sins, o Lord, have been the cause  
that I thy grace did want,  
And when thy grace departed was,  
I found thy spirit but scant:   

3  
The loss whereof did grieve me much,  
and by the same I found  
All goodness gone, all wickedness  
within me to abound.   

4  
For light and darkness may not be▪  
at one time in one place;  
No more may sin and wickedness  
associate be with gra●e.   

5  
Wherefore, the greatness of my loss  
hath made my grief the more;  
And where in sin I had delight,  
I now repent it sore.   

6  
Behold therefore, most mighty God,  
mine inward grief of mind;  
And of thy goodness me restore,  
to that I cannot find:   

7  
I mean thy holy sacred spirit,  
which I through weakness lost,  
Mine enemies were strong and fierce,  
and cruelly me tossed:   

8  
So that my soul too feeble was,  
their power for to withstand;  
Good Lord in grace yet once again  
confirm me with thy hand:   

9  
And let thy spirit no more departed,  
no Lord, not when I die,  
But that it may still with my soul  
remain continually.   

10  
Then shall I steadfastly instruct  
the wicked in thy way, 
Verse. 13. Docebo iniquos vias ●uas; & ●npij ad ●e convertentur   
Whereby they may to thee return,  
that long have gone astray.   

11  
I will myself put forth, o Lord,  
to sinners all that be,  
As an example them to cause  
for to return to thee.   

12  
I will not cease for to declare  
thy justice every where,  
And of thy judgement bring them all  
in terror and in fear.   

13  
And then will I again extol  
thy mercies over all,  
To pluck them from despairing, Lord,  
lest any therein fall.   

14  
Thus shall I able to do,  
being confirmed in thee,  
By working of thy holy spirit,  
which thou shalt put in me.   

15  
Thy servant Moses was afraid  
to go on message sent,  
Till thou promis'dst to be with him,  
when he to Pharaoh went:   

16  
After which time he doubted not,  
but forth went on his way,  
Accomplishing thy holy hest,  
as thou didst bid him say.   

17  
the seventy elders of the host,  
to thee whom Moses brought,  
Till part of Moses spirit they had,  
were able to do nought:   

18  
But after that, they prophesied,  
and did the people guide,  
And ruled them with righteousness  
and truth on every side.   

19  
Lord, Peter at a woman's voice,  
thy sweet son Christ denayed,  
And ready was him to forsake;  
he was so sore afraid:   

20  
Until that thou reviuedst him  
with this thy spirit of grace:  
Yea, Lord, thy sons Apostles all  
were bidden for a space   

21  
To bide within jerusalem,  
in prayer and in love;  
Till they were with thy holy spirit  
fulfilled from above.   

22  
Wherefore send down thy noble spirit  
in me the same to be,  
And from the guiltiness of blood, 
Vers. 4. Libera me de sanguinibus deus deus salutis meae.   
good God deliver me.    

The fift part.  

THou God, that God art of my health,  
deliver me, I pray,  
From sin that I committed have  
against thee day by day.   

2  
A multitude of sins there be  
from flesh and blood that grow,  
Which I through my concupiscence  
have daily done I know.   

3  
And this corruption is in me  
by nature, as I find;  
For what is he can make that clean,  
that is unclean by kind?   

4  
How can a man of woman borne  
be clean? I feign would know;  
The child that is but one day old,  
is yet unclean also.   

5  
Thus flesh & blood such works bring forth,  
as aye corrupted be,  
And therefore cannot heaven enjoy,  
ne dwell and reign with thee.   

6  
Upon corrupted nature mine,  
o Lord, power forth thy grace;  
And from these bloods deliver me,  
and all my sins deface.   

7  
Then, Lord, shall I be purged clean  
from all my wickedness,  
Which grant, good God, So shall my tongue  
exalt thy righteousness: 
Et exalt●bit lingu● mea justitiam tu●n●,    

8  
In that thou mercy showst to me,  
being a wicked man,  
Giving me grace pensive to be,  
my grievous sins to scan.   

9  
Making me just that am unjust,  
wherein thou God art found,  
In mercy, truth, and righteousness  
most perfect, sure and sound.   

10  
But yet, o Lord, before my tongue  
thy righteousness can raise,  
My lips and mouth thou open must, 
Vers. 15. Domine labia mea aperies, & os meum annunciab●● laudem 〈◊〉   
whereby to show thy praise.   

11  
For else, unseemly praise will be,  
where lips be licked with sin;  
And where the mouth with wickedness  
is stuffed full within.   

12  
Good Lord, the Prophet isaiah,  
when he thy glory saw,  
Confessed his lips to be unclean,  
and therefore stood in awe;   

13  
Until such time a Seraphin  
thou sentest, with burning coal  
His lips to touch, and therewithal  
he by and by was whole:   

14  
I mean that his unrighteousness  
was then forgiven him quite,  
And all his sins and wickedness  
was clean put out of sight.   

15  
O Lord my God, in such a sort  
vouchsafe my mouth to touch▪  
That I thy glory may set forth  
to little and to much.   

16  
To offer sacrifice to thee, 
Verse. 16. Quoniam si voluisses sacrificium, dedissem vti●●▪ holocaustis non delectaberis.   
or offerings burnt were vain;  
No pleasure, Lord, hast thou in them,  
nor ought in them remain.   

17  
They were but figures of that thing,  
which now to pass is come,  
That is, the lively sacrifice  
of jesus Christ thy son.   

18  
To offer gold to thee, o Lord,  
or treasure of the land,  
It needeth not; sith all the world  
is thine, and at thy hand.   

19  
And yet I will not empty come,  
but offer unto thee  
An humble spirit, with heart contrite, 
Verse. 17. Sacrificium deo spiritus contribul●tus; cor contritum & humiliat●m deus non despicies.   
for mine iniquity.   

20  
This sacrifice, o Lord, I know  
thou wilt no time despise;  
But it behold, and look thereon  
with thy most gracious eyes:   

21  
And, Lord, for that there nothing should  
be left behind in me,  
Both body, soul, and all her powers  
I offer unto thee:   

22  
And as a lively sacrifice,  
as Ezechias did,  
Such time as he thy favour got,  
and health rcoverid.   

23  
The same did Marie Magdalen  
offer in humble sort:  
The thief also upon the cross  
to his endless comfort.   

24  
Great numbers more unspeakable  
by this thy favour wan;  
And I, through grace, now penitent,  
although a sinful man,   

25  
Do claim no less of mercy thine,  
for to be showed to me:  
Because thou art, as than thou wast,  
and evermore shalt be.   

●6  
To Zion, Lord, likewise show forth  
thy favour and thy grace; 
Verse. 18. Benign● fac domin● in bona voluntate tu● Sio●.   
That is, unto thy faithful flock  
dispersed from place to place.   

27  
Such as depend on thee alone,  
and do themselves forsake,  
Upon the walls of this thy fort  
thou, Lord, must undertake   

28  
Watchmen to set, continually  
the same for to defend,  
Lest that the enemies unawares  
bring all to woeful end.   

29  
Thou know'st, o Lord, of what small force  
mankind hath ever been,  
Since first our father Adam fell,  
when he committed sin.   

30  
Help us therefore, most mighty God,  
so with thy heavenly grace.  
As we in building Zion here,  
by faith may see thy face:   

31  
So shall we then, through mercy thine  
be squared stones meet found  
To building of jerusalem, 
Vt aedificē●ur muri ●erusalem.   
whose walls do still abound   

32  
With lively stones of thy true church  
here militant in earth;  
Where thine elect still offer shall,  
while thou shalt spare them breath,   

33  
Such offerings burnt, as thou best lov'st  
which is of thanks & prai●e,  
We shall not spare the same to do,  
while life shall length our days.   

34  
This sacrifice of justice is, 
Sacrifici●s̄ just it●ae.   
which all thy creatures crave  
To give the same only to thee,  
most worthy so to have. 
Vers. 19 Tunc acceptabis ●blationes & holoca● sta, tun● imponent super altare tuu● vitulos.    

35  
This is the bullocks of our lips,  
whereof the Prophet says,  
We shall with lips unto thy name  
confess most condign praise:   

36  
Which shall to thee accepted be,  
ten thousand times much more,  
Then were the bullocks great and fat.  
offered in time before.   

37  
Lord grant we may in number be  
of thine elected sort,  
which shall this sacrifice present  
unto our soul's comfort:   

38  
And that as burning incense sweet  
thou wilt receive the same,  
Upon thine altar, which is Christ,  
our mean for sin and blame: Amen.     

Domine exaudi. Psal. 102.  

The first part.  

OBlessed and most mighty God, 
Sing this t● the tune of 51. Psalm.   
of grace the fountain, spring  
Of mercy, great and plentiful,  
most rich in every thing:   

2  
Thy blessed son in power with thee,  
is even the same thou art,  
In wisdom, knowledge, and mercy  
alike in every part:   

3  
Thou didst not spare him down to send  
from heavenly throne above,  
To suffer death, mankind to save;  
so ardent was thy love.   

4  
Thou mad'st him poor was rich before  
to make us rich thereby;  
For now is he made one with us,  
through power of Deity.   

5  
Good Lord my prayer hearken t●, 
Verse. 1. Domine exaudi●rationem meam, & clamour 〈◊〉 ad ●e ven●at.   
and let my doleful cry  
Come unto thee, and pierce the ears  
of thine high Majesty.   

6  
Show forth, o Lord, thy countenance  
of delectable show,  
And with the eyes of pity thine,  
some favour on me throw. 
Verse. 2. Non avertas faciem tuam à me in quacunque die tri●ulor incl●na ad me a●rem tu●m.    

7  
And in the day of trouble mine  
thine ere bow down to me,  
And turn not thou thy face away,  
when I shall call on thee:   

8  
But chiefly at the point of death,  
give ear and me defend;  
And let thy grace procure and work  
in me a joyful end.   

9  
In whatsoever day I call, 
In quacunque die ●●uocauero te, velociter exaudi me.   
o Lord, with speed give ear:  
And me deliver from the griefs  
of troubles and of fear.   

10  
In speedy calling on thy name,  
o Lord, thou tak'st delight,  
And answer thine more ready is,  
than any may recite.   

11  
Wherefore in hast make speed, o Lord,  
in hearing, when I pray;  
As I by need am driven to crave  
thi●e aiding help and stay.   

12  
For why, the time of life is short  
that I have here to bide,  
And am uncertain of the time  
when time from me shall slide.   

13  
At first thou Adam didst in due,  
when he created was,  
With life of immortality;  
but sin brought death (alas)   

14  
Which death from him is due to us,  
that beareth life this day, 
Verse. 3. Quia de●ecerunt sicut ●umus dies 〈◊〉 .  
So that my days like to the smoke  
consume and waste away.   

15  
Age overtaketh youth, I see,  
and youth by stealth doth fly,  
As doth the smoke vanish away  
aloft under the sky.   

16  
Yea many times it chanceth so,  
ere age come us upon,  
That death by stroke such wound doth make  
that life with speed is gone.   

17  
Thus passeth forth my time of life,  
more swifter I may sa●e,  
Than is the ship good under sail,  
or eagle after pray.   

18  
My bones are waxen very dry, 
Et ossa me● sicu● cremium ●ruerunt.   
as is the firebrand,  
Or as the pot of clay, which doth  
in flaming furnace stand.   

19  
As bones of mine do well sustain  
the flesh the body keeps;  
So doth the powers of soul sustain  
the soul that never sleeps:   

20  
Which being moistened with thy grace  
shall quick and lively be,  
And able for to work those works  
most pleasing unto thee.   

21  
But if thy grace be still withdrawn,  
than all shall dry remain;  
Both body, soul, and all their powers  
in everlasting pain. 
Vers. 4. Percussu●●um ut fae●um, & aruit cor meum.    

22  
Full well may man be likened i●  
the grass or withered ha●,  
My heart is stricken with remorse,  
because I went astray.   

23  
So long as man by gift of grace  
doth live, and work aright:  
So long is he green flourishing,  
and lively in thy sight.   

24  
But when that sin makes entry in,  
which causeth man to fall,  
Then by and by he withereth,  
and barren is withal.   

25  
I have forgot my bread to eat, 
Quia oblitus sum cōed●re panem meum.   
that thou to me didst give;  
Which is thy holy sacred word,  
by which my soul doth live.   

26  
And I have eaten of the fruit  
of the forbidden tree,  
And tasted have of sin and death,  
and brought thy wrath on me.   

27  
Wherefore my leaves wither away,  
my fruit falls on the ground,  
And as a barren tree am left  
unperfect and unsound.   

28  
The fearful voice of sentence thine,  
for mine offences done,  
Doth cause me mourn, lament & groan  
my time yet for to run. 
vers. 5. A voce gemitus mei, adhaesit os meum carni meae.    

29  
And with the voice of mourning mine,  
my bones have cleaved hard  
unto my flesh, and stick so fast,  
that nothing I regard.   

30  
Thus like unto a pelican  
I draw myself alone, 
Vers. 6. S●milis factus sum pellicano solitudinis.   
And call to mind my grievous crimes,  
and do the same bemoan.   

31  
The pelican as some report,  
her harmless birds doth kill,  
And three days after mourneth she,  
and is unquiet still;   

32  
Then with her break her breast she plucks  
till blood guish out amain,  
Which she lets drop upon her young,  
till they revive again.   

33  
Thus, Lord, do I with my sweet birds,  
which are my works through grace,  
By sin committed I them kill,  
and do them all deface:   

34  
But yet by prayer for thy grace,  
which springs of grace indeed,  
The said dead works are quick again,  
my sickly soul to feed.   

35  
And Adam was a pelican,  
touching some property;  
For through his ●inne he slew the birds  
came of his progeny:   

36  
And dead he had remained still,  
had not sweet Christ thy son  
Shed forth his blood, us to revive,  
by mercy great was done.   

37  
He kills, and can raise up to life;  
he strikes, and heals again;  
As in the persecution  
of Paul appeared plain.   

38  
Shame causeth me for to withdraw  
myself to be alone, 
Factus sum sicut ●yctico●ax in do●icili●.   
As doth the crow that flies by night,  
which would be seen of none.   

39  
And if I could, I would me hide  
from thee, as Adam did,  
Such time he tasted of the fruit,  
that thou didst him forbidden,   

40  
The works of darkness loved I,  
and therefore did I flee  
From the most bright and shining sun  
of justice due to me. 
Verse. 7. Vigilavi & factus ●um sicu● passer so●●tarius in tecto.    

41  
O Lord, for this cause do I sigh,  
still sorrow, weep, and wail,  
As one that overwatched is,  
whose rest and sleep doth fail.   

42  
And as the sparrow do I watch,  
that draws herself alone▪  
Under the eving of the house,  
her fellows want to moon.   

43  
And to augment my grief withal,  
mine enemies all day  
Do rail on me, and me revile; 
Verse. 8. Tota di● exprobr●bant m●hi inimici mei.   
so spiteful as they may.   

44  
Alas, again, My feigned friends,  
that praised me before,  
Against me now conspire themselves, 
Et quilaud ●bant me, adversum me tur●bant.   
and vex me very sore.   

45  
Such false and feigned flattering friends,  
much worse and harmful be,  
Than those that openly profess  
and show their en●mitie.   

46  
But both those sorts are sent to me,  
for plague unto my sin,  
And for the great iniquity  
that I have wallowed in.    

The second part.  

My bread with ashes do I eat; 
Verse. 9 Quia cinerem tanqua ● p●nem manducabam.   
that is, I right well know,  
As I of earth and slime was made,  
to earth again shall go.   

2  
Thus, in such bitter thoughts as these,  
I eat my bread withal,  
And ming my drink with weeping tears, 
Et potum meum cu● fletu misceba●.   
that from mine eyes do fall:   

3  
Because thou angry art with me  
for mine offences past;  
O Lord, I know when time shall come,  
of judgement day at last: 
Vers. 10. A fancy i●ae & indignationis tuae.    

4  
Thy wrath and Indignation,  
shall then proceed from thee,  
And fall upon the heads of those  
that work iniquity.   

5  
O Lord theu hast me lifted up, 
Quia ele●asti me, & allisisti me.   
and thrown me to the ground,  
In that thou mad'st me like thyself,  
ere I was to be found.   

6  
No higher couldst thou lift me up  
than to beatitude;  
But then (alas) thou lettest me fall,  
whereby I this conclude.   

7  
My noble soul thou joined haste  
with massy earth and clay,  
And body frail, the weight whereof  
drives down my mind alway,   

8  
and Lord, in my creation  
thou hast set me so high,  
Above all other creatures  
that are under the sky.   

9  
And almost equal am I made  
with blessed Angels thine;  
But in this state when I transgress,  
damnation then is mine.   

10  
So that without thy mercies help  
I am in far worse plight  
Than any beast, whose life or soul  
with body dies outright.   

11  
My days (alas) away d●o pass, 
Vers. 11. Dies mei sicut umbra de●linauerunt, & ego sicu● faenum aru●.   
as shadow new begun;  
And I am withered like the grass,  
changed by heat of sun.   

12  
Lord grant in shadow of this life,  
I may have grace to see  
The light and knowledge of thy word,  
and ways prepared for me:   

13  
Which word gives light unto the babe  
yet sucking at the breast;  
For after that this life is past,  
repentance none doth rest.   

14  
And since the time, o Lord, is short  
of mine abiding here,  
Thy grace continue towards me,  
my guiltiness to clear.   

15  
For truly thine abiding is  
for ever to endure, 
Vers. 12. Tu autem domine in aeternum permanes, & memoriale tuum in generationem & generationem.   
And thy remembrance throughout  
all generations sure.   

16  
But what is thy remembrance,  
through generations all?  
It is the divine property,  
that unto thee doth fall.   

17  
For to be meek and merciful,  
which thou hast ever done,  
From time to time, and age to age,  
since first the world begun;   

18  
And art more mindful of our state,  
and readier to forgive,  
Than is the mother of her child  
late borne with her to live.   

19  
Arise therefore, and mercy show, 
Vers. 13. Tu exsu●●ens musereberis Zion.   
good Lord, upon Zion,  
Which is thy faithful people all,  
or congregation.   

20  
For time it is on her to look, 
Quia tempu● miserendi e●●s, quia vemt tempu●.   
and mercy thine extend;  
She hath long time great pain sustained,  
whereof the craves an end.   

21  
What is this time, whereof we speak?  
was ever any time,  
In which thou didst not mercy show  
to loving servants thine?   

22  
No verily. For from the time  
the angels down did fall,  
Until the time the world shall end,  
thy mercy ever shall,   

23  
As it hath been, from time to time,  
upon all that repent;  
But chiefly was thy mercy show'd  
when Christ was hither sent   

24  
To suffer death, to win us life:  
thereby he enter might  
The glory of thy Majesty,  
above the angels bright.   

25  
This time was called the time of grace,  
and was appointed, when  
The fullness of the time was come,  
which was unseen to men.   

26  
And yet before, this time to him  
was seen by Deity,  
Whereby, o Lord, all things thou dost  
in order with mercy.   

27  
This time of heavenly grace we trust  
shall still continue hear,  
To those in time that serveth thee  
with penance, love and fear.   

28  
The stone of Zion pleased well  
thy servants for thy truth, 
Vers. 14. Quoniam placuerunt servis tuis lapides eius, & terrae eius miserebuntur.   
and they upon the ground thereof  
shall pity have and ruth.   

29  
Apostles thine thy servants were,  
the stones good Christians be;  
And thou the sure foundation  
of this fair work to see.   

30  
Not upon man, nor angels bright  
did they this building lay; 
Vers. 15. Et timebunt gentes nomen tuum domine, & omnes reges terrae gloriam tuam.   
But upon thee the corner stone,  
of all their work the stay.   

31  
And as the heathen, Lord, shall fear  
and tremble at thy name;  
So Zion shall thy faithful Church,  
give glory to the same.   

32  
Because thou, Lord, hast Zion built,  
thou wilt be seen therein, 
Vers. 16. Quia aedisicavit dominus Zion▪ & videbitur in gloria ●●a.   
In glory and great majesty,  
with mercy for our sin.   

33  
Wherefore, most loving father dear,  
regard our humble suit,  
And not despise the plaints we make,  
nor do our sins impute. 
Vers. 17. Respexit in orationem humilium, & non spre●it precem eorum.    

34  
As thou beheldst the sacrifice  
that Abel gave to thee,  
And as the prayer ludith made;  
so cast thine eye on me.   

35  
With those same eyes vouchsafe to look  
upon us, when we pray,  
Whereby the fame of mercy thine  
may wirtten before aye   

36  
For those that after us shall come, 
Vers. 18. Scribantur baec ● generatione alterà, & pop●lus qui creabitur lau●abit domim●n.   
by faith that borne shall be,  
To render thanks, due laud, and praise  
unto thy Majesty.   

37  
This mercy sure annexed is  
to nature thine divine;  
When all was lost through deadly sin,  
yet didst thou make us thine.   

38  
Thou Lord aloft, 
Vers. 19 Quia prospexit de excelso sancto suo dominus de caelo in terram aspexit.  from heavenly throne,  
didst view all things allow;  
And wouldst vouchsafe upon the earth  
thy gracious eyen to throw;   

39  
To see and hear the plaints we make,  
that ●ettered be in thrall,  
And sentest thy dear beloved son  
from sin to lose us all: 
Vers. 20. Vt audiret gemitus compcditorum, ut soluerec silios interemptorum.    

40  
And he thereby put down the devil,  
of death that victor was,  
And death in victory was consumed,  
this hath he brought to pass.   

41  
For why his sting of deadly sin,  
thou Lord hast plucked away,  
To make us think of goodness thine  
wherein rejoice we may:   

42  
And th●t in Zion we may show  
the glory of thy name, 
Vers. 21. Vt. annuncient in Zion nomen domini, & laudem eius in jerusalem.   
And likewise in jerusalem  
with praise to do the same:   

43  
That is, when we together meet  
in faith, with one accord,  
As well the kings, as subjects poor,  
to serve and praise the Lord. 
Vers. 22. Quum colligentur populi simul, & reges, ve seruiant deo,    

44  
Thou art, o Lord, in substance one,  
and yet in persons three;  
To whom all powers in heaven & earth,  
obeisance give to thee.   

45  
Thou sendest down thy dews of grace  
upon us for to light,  
That we therewith good works may show  
to every body's sight.   

46  
I answer may, 
Vers. 23. Respondiei in via virtutis suae.  by no means else,  
good works be wrought by me,  
But by the virtue and the grace,  
that doth proceed from thee.   

47  
Through thy might thy laws we keep  
not of ourselves we know,  
But by the measure of thy grace,  
thou didst on us bestow. 
Paucitatem di●rum me●rum nuncia mihi.    

48  
And yet o Lord, I feign would know  
how short my days shall be;  
And eke how long mine enemies  
shall triumph over me:   

49  
Which is, thy Church desires to know  
how long she shall abide,  
Beset with cruel enemies  
about on every side.   

50  
To whom thou hast an answer made,  
by Christ thy blessed son,  
That still thy power with her shall be,  
until the world be done.   

51  
And we her children thee desire,  
to bring us to the end  
Of this short time, that we with thee  
may to the heavens ascend.   

52  
And till that time, good Lord vouchsafe  
thou wilt continue still  
Thy grace and favour towards us,  
according to thy will:   

53  
And not to leave me any time  
in middle of my days; 
Vers. 24. Nereuo●es me in dimidio dierum meorum.   
But by thine aid bring all my time  
to end, unto thy praise:   

54  
That after these my temporal days,  
I may behold and see  
Thine everlasting days and years, 
In generationem & generationem a●m tui.   
which cannot numbered be,   

55  
For all times here do swiftly pass,  
as time that is unsure;  
But yet time of Eternity  
for ever shall endure.   

56  
For why, o Lord, Eternity  
is very substance thine;  
Which substance who so seeks to know,  
no reason can define.    

The third part.  

WIthout beginning, Lord, thou wast, 
Verse. 25. In initio tu domine terram fundâsti, & opera manuum tuarum sun● coeli.   
and yet beginning gave  
To heaven and earth, and all therein,  
which that creation have.   

2  
Thy hands them wrought, which is thy power  
thy word them made also,  
And at the last, They perish shall,  
and motion theirs forego. 
Verse. 26. Ipsi peribunt.    

3  
Their substance still they all shall keep,  
yet all shall changed be;  
For heaven and earth shall new be made,  
of glory great to thee.   

4  
Likewise the bodies of all men  
shall perish with the rest,  
And in another sort shall rise,  
to thee as seemeth best.   

5  
But thou, Lord, truly shalt endure  
in thy high glory great, 
Tu●utem permanes.   
In majesty omnipotent,  
sitting on mercy seat;   

6  
When all shall wax and wear away, 
Et omnes sicut vestimentum veterassen●: & sicut●pertorium mutabis eos, & mutabuntur.   
as garments old to see,  
And as a vesture new put on,  
we all shall changed be.   

7  
As garments to the body are  
to cover them withal;  
So be the bodies of the soul,  
their vestures and their pall:   

8  
But thou art even the self same one▪ 
Vers. 27. Tu autem idemipse es.   
which ever dost abide,  
That is to say, omnipotent,  
and so is none beside.   

9  
Invisible thou art likewise,  
immortal eke withal;  
And as thy years shall never fail, 
Et anni tui non de●ici●ut.   
so ever bide they shall:   

10  
So shall the souls of thine elect  
immortally remain,  
In joy and great felicity,  
not knowing any pain.   

11  
The souls of those that wicked are  
immortal be also,  
But they contrair shall endure  
continual pain and wo.   

12  
And Lord, The sons of servants thine  
together they shall dwell: 
Verse. 28. filii servorum tuorū●●●itabunt: & semen eorum in seculum di●igetur.   
Likewise their seed shall in thy sight  
still prosper and do well,   

13  
Thy servants, Lord, the prophets were  
Apostles thine also,  
From whom by faith we have received,  
as we believe and know.   

14  
And now vouchsafe, most mighty God,  
to send us of thy grace;  
That in this life our faith by works  
may shine in every place:   

15  
That they to all may signify  
how we thy servants be,  
And that both soul and body may  
remain and rest with thee.     

De profundis. Psal. 130.  

O God thou art the guide  
of those th●t blinded be, 
Sing this to the tu●e of the 38. Psal●.   
and unto 〈◊〉 that are oppressed  
a succour sweet we see.   

2  
A comfort to the weak,  
as ease to those in pain,  
A life unto the dead in grave,  
that sleeping yet remain.   

3  
O Lord this makes me bold,  
though wicked I be found,  
And overwhelmed deep in sin,  
and therein being drowned,   

4  
To call and cry to thee,  
from depth of misery,  
Where none but thou can raise me up▪  
and safe deliver me.   

5  
I can but mourn and weep,  
fetch sighs, lament and cry;  
As doth the woman great with child,  
whose hour draweth nigh:   

6  
She no time can take rest,  
till she delivered be;  
Nor I, till that my conscience feel  
to be forgiven of thee.   

7  
It is not distance long,  
that keeps my prayers back;  
Thou, Lord, dost hear before we call,  
and givest what we lack.   

8  
jonas was in the sea,  
and in the fish three days,  
And from the deep he called on thee,  
and straight thou didst him raise.   

9  
Out from the deep likewise, 
Verse. 1. De pro●undis clamavi ad te domine.   
of sin and wickedness,  
To thee I call; Lord hear my voice,  
and free me from distress.   

10  
And let thine ears, 
Verse. 2. Domine exaudi votem meam. Fiant aures tuae intendentes ad vocem deprecati●●●● meae.  sweet Lord,  
to hear attentive be;  
The voice and prayer of my plaint,  
that now I make to thee.   

11  
And since that Christ, thy son,  
hath suffered for us all,  
From endless death, to which by sin  
we bounden were and thrall;   

12  
Let not my sins then, Lord,  
to me be stop or stay,  
Whereby by plaint should not be heard,  
nor voice when I shall pray:   

13  
But rather wipe away  
my sins for evermore.  
The burden of the which I feel  
too grievous be and sore.   

14  
If thou, Lord, be extreme, 
Verse. 3. S● iniquitates obseruaveris domine, domine quis sustinebit?   
to mark what sins be done,  
Alas, no flesh shall saved be,  
that is under the son.   

15  
O Lord, if that the just  
shall no time able be,  
To enter into judgement thine,  
to plead his case with thee;   

16  
What shall become of me,  
that daily do offend,  
And of my sin and wickedness,  
(alas) do know none end?   

17  
Most vile and wretched man,  
and caitiff woe forlorn,  
What shall I do? but flee to thee  
with heart beerent and torn.   

18  
For mercy is with thee, 
Verse. 4. Quia apud te propitiat●o est.   
increasing more and more,  
Wherewith thou didst vouchsafe to come  
mankind for to restore.   

19  
Wherein was satisfied  
thy justice, and also  
Thy mercy found that which it sought;  
as we by grace do know.   

20  
How fervent was this love,  
to which thou didst us bind?  
First by the law of nature writ 
Verse. 5. Et propte● legem tua● susti●●● te domine.   
in every heart or mind,   

21  
And then by law, which was  
in Tables written deep,  
That every one according lie,  
the same should hold and keep:   

22  
Which was, that one of us  
should with the other bear,  
And thereby to fulfil thy will,  
with pity, love, and fear.   

23  
I knowing this, am glad,  
contented eke withal,  
For to remit such injuries,  
as unto me may fall.   

24  
For why, good Lord, I know  
thou dost forgive to me,  
Much more offences every day  
committed unto thee.   

25  
And when it shall thee please,  
to scourge me for my sin;  
I gladly shall the same receive,  
knowing what I have been:   

26  
And that thy chastisement  
proceeds of very love;  
Which all shall turn to me such wealth,  
as no man can remove: 
Sustinuit 〈◊〉 mea in 〈…〉.    

27  
Hoping, after this life,  
my soul shall then obtain,  
Which hope abides still in thy word,  
an everlasting gain.   

28  
Such hope my soul hath had, 
Verse. 6. Speravit anima mea in do●●●.   
by grace thou gav'st to me,  
And by the same I firmly trust  
my soul shall saved be.   

29  
The husbandman, through hope,  
his ground doth plough, and sow;  
The same in hope doth reap & thrash,  
that gain thereby might grow:   

30  
Even so will I abide  
in hope of glory thine,  
Not only in my yough, o Lord,  
or any pointed time:   

31  
But still from morning watch, 
A custodi● matutine usq▪ ad noct●m.   
until the night of death,  
Which is, from youth, unto mine age,  
when life shall pass with breath.   

32  
Who so shall cast away  
this hope, ere death proceed,  
Shall lose the time he watched before,  
and want thy help at need.   

33  
This hope in promise thine,  
my soul hath safely laid  
Within the bosom of her breast,  
for ever to be stayed.   

34  
And very meet it is,  
that Israëll also, 
Verse. 7. Speret Israēlin domino.   
Which is all faithful Christians,  
this hope should feel and know.   

35  
For blessed is the man,  
that in the Lord doth trust, 
Quia apud dominum misericord●●, & copiosa apud●●um.   
And who in man affiance puts,  
he surely is accursed.   

36  
For mercy is with God,  
and grace abundant store,  
With which Israel is redeemed 
redemptio. verse. 8. Et ipse redemit israel ex omnibus iniquitatibus eius. Sing this to the tune of the Creed Quic●●que●ul●.   
from sin for evermore: Amen.    

Domine exaudi. Psal. 143.  

The first part.  

O Lord, long time I wandered have,  
and gone from thee astray,  
And lost the portion that me gav'st,  
in wasteful sinners way:   

2  
With grace thou didst replenish me,  
therewith to follow thee;  
But Just and liking of the flesh  
hath driven the same from me,   

3  
So that unworthy far I am,  
for to be called thy son;  
My wickedness so soul appears,  
and faults that I have done:   

4  
Yet with the wasteful child, o ● Lord,  
I do myself accuse; 
verse. 1. Domine exaudi orationem meam, auribus percipe obsecrationem meam, & in ver●tate tua exaudi me.   
And am with shame surprised & caught  
I did myself abuse;   

5  
Wherefore Lord, ponder my desire,  
and hear me when I pray,  
And for thy truth and righteousness  
attend to that I say.   

6  
Thou hast with gifts endued me,  
of body and of mind,  
And I the same abused have,  
and show'd myself unkind.   

7  
Thy justice still doth threaten me  
with everlasting pain,  
Thy mercy yet doth promise me,  
to be restored again.   

8  
Enter not into judgement then, 
Verse. 2. Et non intres in judicium cum servo tuo: quia non iustificabitur in conspectu tu● omnis vivens.   
with me, I humbly pray:  
For in thy sight no man is just,  
as of himself to say.   

9  
We all by sin ourselves have made,  
more loathsome than the swine,  
And fouler to be looked on,  
were not for mercy thine;   

10  
Which shall us make like to the wool  
in colour fair and white,  
When all our sins thou shalt forget,  
and clean put from thy sight. 
Verse. 3. Quia per secutus est inimicus animam meam humiliavit in terra vitam meam: collocavit me in obscuris, sicut mortuos seculi.    

11  
But yet the devil, mine enemy  
my soul pursueth still,  
And hath brought low my life in earth,  
a servant to his will;   

12  
And with his net me compassed round,  
where vain delights do dwell,  
Where lust unclean and wickedness  
to bide doth me compel.   

13  
He hath me set in darkness such,  
as men that no life have,  
Or as those people being dead,  
or covered in the grave. 
Verse. 4. Et anxiatus est super me spiritus meus in me, turbatum est cor meum.    

14  
Now, Lord, My spirit so vexed is,  
my heart is grieved also,  
My conscience likewise witness bears  
of anguish mine and wo.   

15  
My wisdom, Lord, confused is  
by reason of my sin,  
Repentance great my heart doth rend,  
to think what I have been.   

16  
I call to mind the days of old, 
Verse. 5. Memor sum dierum antiquorum, meditatus sum in omnibus operibus tu●● in factis manuum ●ua●um medit abor.   
and works that thou hast wrought,  
The marvelous deeds thy hands have done,  
I muse on in my thought.   

17  
As in the time of Moses law,  
where mercy was not shown,  
And he that did the same transgress,  
by death was overthrown:   

18  
Yet in this hard and severe time,  
thy mercy forth was sent,  
By prophets thine, with promise made,  
to all that did repent.   

19  
If thou in time of cruelty  
couldst then such mercy show,  
Much more, o Lord, in time of grace  
on me thy mercy throw.   

20  
I have spread forth my hands to thee, 
Verse. 6. Expandi manus meas adce, anim● mea sicut terra sine ●qu●.   
my soul for help doth cry,  
As from the earth, that moisture wants,  
where water none doth lie:   

21  
That is, my life I changed have,  
from vain delights that be,  
And have my soul spread forth at large,  
that thou her filth mightst see.   

22  
For as the earth that moisture wants,  
must barren be by kind;  
So if my soul be void of grace,  
no good is there to find:   

23  
But yet through moisture of that grace  
from thee that doth proceed,  
Vouchsafe I may thy mercy have,  
and that, o Lord, with speed.   

24  
Hear me, o Lord, and that right soon, 
Verse. 7. Velociter exaudi me domine, defecit spiritus meus.   
for why my spirit is weak,  
And feeble made; much like a man  
that wanteth power to speak.   

25  
The fear is such that I possess,  
I ready am to fall,  
The strength wherewith my body lives  
is gone away with all.   

26  
This fear of endless punishment,  
which I deserved have,  
Had well nigh brought me in despair,  
or I possess the grave.    

The second part.  

GOod Lord turn not thy face away, 
Non avertas faciem tuam a me, ne similis ero descendentibus in la●ura.   
lest I be like to those  
That do descend into the pit,  
where nought but horror grows.   

2  
Thou wilt not, Lord, the death of him  
that hath offended thee;  
But rather that he should return,  
and saved so to be.   

3  
Thou art the true and only God,  
the Saviour of mankind;  
Without thee there is nothing else  
that we shall mercy find.   

4  
Then turn to me thy countenance,  
of amiable grace,  
And let thy mercy shadow me,  
while life I have and space:   

5  
And lay not to my charge, good Lord,  
the sins that I have done;  
But them forget, and me forgive,  
for Christ's sake thy son.   

6  
And cause thy mercy to be heard, 
Verse. 8. Auditam faec mihi manè misericordiam tuam, quia in te speravi.   
of me before the prime;  
For I in thee have put my trust,  
alone from time to time.   

7  
Most blessed Lord, grant that I may  
thy mercy sweet obtain,  
And that right soon thou me release  
from my deserved pain.   

8  
With great repentance do I call,  
my hope assureth me,  
Thou wilt forgive me all my sins,  
because I trust in thee.   

9  
I know that thou art nigh to all  
that call upon thy name,  
And wilt direct their steps aright,  
that crave of thee the same. 
Notā●●c mihi viam in qua ambulem; quiae ad te levaui animam meam.    

10  
Wherefore, good Lord, show me the way  
I ought for to walk in,  
For I my soul have lifted up  
to thee with all my sin.   

11  
Lord, many times indeed thou hast  
directed me the way,  
And I have purposed in myself  
no more to go astray:   

12  
Yea, when I have repentant been,  
and vowed in my heart  
Thy law for to observe and keep,  
and never to departed;   

13  
The devil my deadly enemy  
contrived the matter so,  
But his deceit, ere I was ware,  
gave me the overthrow:   

14  
And, Lord, without assistance thine,  
he vanquish will ere long,  
All the kingdoms upon the earth, 
Verse. 9 Eripe me de inimicis meis, domine ad te confugi.   
he is become so strong.   

15  
Deliver me from all my foes;  
for unto thee I fly,  
And give me strength, my God, to do  
thy will effectually.   

16  
For of myself no power I have 
Verse. 10. Doce me facere voluntatem tuam, quia deus meus es 'tis.   
to do the good I should,  
Ne for to wish or think the good  
that very feign I would.   

17  
Thy mercy only, Lord, it is  
by which I must prevail;  
For man without thy help and aid,  
of purpose needs must fail.   

18  
Thou hast with reason and with will  
endued me, I know;  
But will (of force) without thy grace  
must reason overthrow.   

19  
Wherefore, 
Spiritus bonus deducet me in terram rectam.  Lord, let thy holy spirit  
conduct me in the way,  
Unto the land of righteousness,  
I thee beseech and pray:   

20  
Where thine elect and chosen sort  
thy brightness shall behold,  
With such heavenly felicity  
as cannot here be told;   

21  
Not that I have deserved, Lord,  
for to possess the same;  
But for thine endless mercy's sake,  
and for thy holiename. 
Vers. 11. Propter nomen tu●m domine.    

22  
Thou wilt not Lord, the death of him  
that daily doth offend:  
But that he rather do convert,  
and so his life amend:   

23  
This is thy will, this is thy mind,  
though I a sinner be;  
If by repentance I do turn,  
then wilt thou turn to me:   

24  
And then shall I received be,  
and be reviv'd again; 
Viui●icabis me in aequitate tua.   
And through thy equity be freed  
of everlasting pain.   

25  
For whereas I by sin am dead  
spiritually to say,  
I shall be think me of the same,  
and for thy mercy pray.   

26  
My body now by nature weak,  
shall then in strength arise,  
And shall in glory shine more bright,  
than doth the sun in skies.   

27  
Where now, the same, â Lord, is given  
to lust and lewd delight,  
Shall then arise all spiritual,  
and yield to reasons might.   

28  
No grossness then, but that it may  
pierce through the thickest stone;  
And as for things corruptible,  
it shall have mind of none.   

29  
Immortal it shall ever be, 
Et duces de tribulatione animam meam.   
impassable withal,  
Between the body and the soul  
shall then no strife befall.   

30  
Thus, 
Vers. 12. Et in musericordia tua disperdes inimicos meos.  Lord, Thou shalt bring forth my soul  
from troubles all that be,  
And shalt mine enemies destroy,  
through mercy showed to me.   

31  
Thou shalt them utterly confound,  
that do my soul molest; 
Et perdes omnes qui tribulant animam meam, quon●am ego servus tuus sum.   
For I by grace thy servant am,  
and in thy mercy rest.   

32  
Good Christ, which gav'st thy life for me  
and suffered'st on the tree:  
Preserve my body and my soul,  
and mercy have on me, Amen.   
FINIS.    

A Handful of Honisuckles: Gathered by William Hunnis, one of the Gentlemen of her highness Chapel, and Master to the Children of the same.  
Prepared with faith, confirmed with hope, and furnished with love,  
Approach and pray; so thou beelowe shalt please the Lord above.  
Newly printed by Henry Denham. 1583.   

Prou. 15, verse. 29.  
The Lord is absent very far,  
from such as be unjust;  
But succoth hear the righteous pray,  
[Because in him they trust.]   

Certain short and pithy Prayers unto jesus Christ our Saviour.  

The day shall come (saith Christ)  
and that shall many see;  
Who calls upon my name,  
shall surely saved be.   

O JESV meek, o JESV sweet,  
o JESV saviour mine, most gracious  
JESV to my call thy gracious ears  
incline.   

I know, good JESV, ere I speak,  
thou knowst what I would have:  
jesus, thy grace I know it is,  
that bids me mercy crave.   

O jesus dear, whose precious blood,  
was shed on cross of tree,  
Sweet jesus, for thy passion sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus sweet, grant that thy grace  
always so work in me,  
I may desire the thing to do,  
most pleasing unto thee.   

O jesus meek, thy will be mine,  
my will be thine also:  
And that my will may follow thine,  
in pleasure pain and wo.   

O jesus, what is good for me,  
is ay best known to thee:  
Therefore according to thy will,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus dear, do thou with me,  
even as thy will shall please,  
Sweet jesus, put me where thou wilt  
to suffer pain or ease.   

jesus behold, I am but thine,  
where I be good or ill:  
Ye● by thy grace I ready am,  
thy pleasure to fulfil.   

jesus, I am thy workmanship,  
most blessed mayst thou be:  
Sweet jesus, for thy mercy sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus meek, grant that I may  
repose my trust in thee:  
For thou, sweet jesus, art the peace,  
and true tranquillity.   

Thou jesus, art the very peace,  
and quietness of mind;  
The only rest unto the soul,  
that shall thy favour find.   

Wherefore sweet jesus do vouchsafe,  
my soul this peace may see:  
And for thy painful passion sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus, if thou do withdraw  
thy comfort for a time,  
Let not despair take hold on me,  
for any sinful crime;   

But give me patience to abide  
thy pleasure and thy will:  
For sure thy judgements all are right,  
though I be wicked still.   

But yet a promise hast thou made,  
to all that trust in thee:  
According to which promise Lord,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus dear, give me that grace,  
I gladly suffer may,  
What ever so thy pleasure be  
upon me for to lay.   

O jesus meek, what thanks ought I  
to give unto thy name,  
Which for my sins to set me free,  
hast suffered death and shame?   

O jesus sweet, my wickedness  
I do confess to thee;  
Wherefore, as thou hast promised,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus sweet, a little thing  
sometime doth vex me sore,  
And makes me slow to give thee thanks  
ah! woe is me therefore.   

jesus, again sometime I think,  
still strongly for to stand:  
But when a little trouble comes,  
I straight fall under hand.   

Thus I susee, a small thing makes  
temptation great to be:  
My weakness jesus do behold,  
and mercy have on me: Amen.   

O jesus Christ, in all things now  
assist me with thy grace:  
And make me strong with heavenly strength  
while life I have and space.   

jesus let not mine enemy  
the fiend, ne yet the flesh  
Prevail, though still they me assail  
from day to day afresh.   

But jesus, strengthen thou my spirit,  
it may the victor be,  
And for thy tender mercy sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus, who shall give me wings  
of perfect peace and love,  
That I therewith from hence may flee,  
and rest with thee above?   

O jesus, when shall I ascend,  
and feel how sweet thou art,  
And leave the earth, and love thee best,  
with all my soul and heart?   

Sweet jesus, when thy pleasure is,  
the time is known to thee:  
Both now and then o jesus dear,  
have mercy Lord on me: Amen.   

O jesus, king of glory great,  
the comfort of us all;  
We wander here in wilderness,  
and every day do fall.   

Sweet jesus, come and visit me,  
my heavy soul make glad,  
Which now through sin in prison lies,  
all heavy, sick, and sad.   

Good jesus, with thy presence set  
my soul at liberty,  
And for thy bitter passion sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus, oft it grieveth me,  
and troubleth sore my mind,  
That I so weak and frail am found,  
to wander with the blind.   

O jesus dear, thou lasting light,  
whose brightness doth excel,  
The clearness of thy beams send down,  
within my heart to dwell.   

O jesus, quicken thou my soul,  
that it may cleave to thee,  
And for thy painful passion sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus, grant I may resign  
myself unto thy will,  
And that I may myself forsake,  
and cleave unto thee still.   

O jesus, grant that I may have  
of joy and inward peace,  
And of the pains I have deserved,  
Good jesus me release.   

Sweet jesus, give me inward joy,  
my soul to feed on thee,  
And for thy tender mercy's sake,  
have mercy Lord on me: Amen.   

O jesus sweet, I know I am,  
but vanity and sin,  
Unconstant as the wind that blows,  
and ever so have been.   

Whereof then jesus may I brag?  
or what have I to say?  
Shall I of men seek to be praised?  
or yet extolled for ay?   

No jesus sweet, the true praise is,  
for to be praised of thee;  
Wherefore, good jesus, weigh my case,  
and mercy have on me: Amen.   

O jesus, thou my glory art,  
in thee will I rejoice,  
And not, good jesus, in myself,  
nor yet in that man's voice,   

That worldly honour may me give,  
to set me up on high:  
To rule among the sons of men,  
and sit in dignity.   

These are but shadows to compare,  
to glory that's with thee;  
Sweet jesus, for thy glory sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus, here in earth we live,  
and soon deceived are  
With vain delights the world doth yield;  
wherein we run too far.   

But yet, sweet jesus, if I could  
behold myself right well,  
I should, good jesus; plainly see,  
and thereby truly tell,   

The troubles that are fallen on me,  
were for offending thee;  
For which offence I pardon crave,  
have mercy Lord on me: Amen.   

O jesus Christ, under whose power,  
is both the sea and land:  
Arise and help, me to defend,  
by power of thy strong hand,   

From such as lurk and lie in wait,  
and seek to do me wrong:  
Sweet jesus, see how weak I am,  
and how that they be strong.   

jesus, make haste and come with speed,  
my trust is all in thee,  
And therefore jesus, help me now,  
and mercy have on me: Amen.   

O jesus, comfort mine exile,  
assuage my dole and grief,  
With thee to be is my desire,  
mine only chief relief.   

jesus, the pleasures of this world,  
they may not long endure;  
And he that puts his trust therein,  
shall find them all unsure.   

Sweet jesus, grant that I may have  
mine only joy in thee;  
And for thy bloody passion sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus Christ, that hast me made,  
and with thy blood me bought:  
Suffer me not to be condemned,  
whom thou hast made of nought.   

O jesus mild, in time of need  
thy mercy do bestow,  
And in thy justice judge me not,  
nor do thy rigour show.   

O jesus, in extremity,  
I do appeal to thee;  
Wherefore sith that I trust in thee,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus sweet, for heavenly things  
I often seek to find,  
But than affections of the world  
do backward pluck my mind.   

Again, I seek for to subdue  
th'affections that do rise,  
But to my spirit they will not be  
subject in any wise.   

Thus jesus meek, thou seest I strive,  
and all to be with thee,  
Wherefore good jesus make me strong,  
and mercy have on me: Amen.   

O jesus, many times I pray,  
and call upon thy name;  
When that my heart is far away,  
alas I more to blame.   

And that good jesus comes to mind,  
that custom often brought,  
Whereby the prayers that I make,  
be vain and turn to nought.   

Sweet jesus, pardon and forgive,  
when I so pray to thee,  
And for thy endless mercy sake,  
have mercy Lord on me: Amen.   

O jesus, be not long away,  
nor in thy wrath departed,  
But mortify that flesh desires,  
and lighten thou my heart:   

Send forth the burning flames of love,  
clean to consume for ay;  
The cloudy fancies of my mind,  
which trouble me always.   

Good jesus, gather all the powers  
of my poor soul to thee;  
And make me to refuse the world,  
and mercy have on me: Amen.   

O jesus mild, thine ear bow down,  
and ponder my desire;  
Deal not with me as I deserve,  
to punish in thine ire:   

But me defend, o jesus meek,  
through mercy great of thine,  
From dangers such as may befall  
this sinful soul of mine.   

O jesus, hide not now thy face,  
from him that calls on thee;  
But jesus, for thy bitter death,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus sweet, with mercy now  
reform that is amiss,  
And with the strength of thy great grace,  
send light where darkness is.   

Good jesus, from my secret faults,  
do make me clean and bright,  
And from presumptuous sins, o Lord,  
defend me through thy might.   

Good jesus, cast my youthful sins  
behind thy back to be;  
And for thy tender mercy sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus, shut not up my soul  
with those that run astray,  
But let the shadow of thy wings,  
my soul protect alway.   

Good jesus, turn thee unto me,  
and cleanse me from my sin,  
Sweet jesus Christ, do not behold,  
how wicked I have been:   

But think upon thy mercies great,  
though I unworthy be;  
And for thy painful passion sake,  
have mercy now on me: Amen.   

O jesus sweet, give me an heart,  
that is contrite and pure,  
A body chaste, that humble is,  
and constant to endure.   

A mind that is with heavenly joys  
replete through thy great grace,  
A soul likewise to magnify  
thy praise in every place.   

O jesus, for thy mercy sake,  
let these proceed from thee;  
And then no doubt I shall be sure,  
thou mercy hast on me: Amen.    

Certain blessings promised by God unto all those that do love and fear him. Deut 28.  

WHo hearkens to the voice of God,  
and doth his law fulfil,  
Shall blessed be in town and field,  
with mercy and good will.   

His fruit likewise shall blessed be,  
that from his lo●●es shall spring,  
His corn and cattle shall increase,  
with plenty of all thing.   

His oxen and his flocks of sheep,  
shall blessed be with store,  
His going out, and coming in,  
shall blest be evermore.   

His enemies that shall arise,  
shall fall before his face,  
And flee for fear, as doth the beast  
the hunter hath in chase.   

His houses that be made for store,  
with great increase shall grow:  
And every thing he takes in hand,  
shall blessed be also.   

Vouchsafe, good God, to give me grace,  
so to direct my mind,  
As by the same in time of need,  
I may thy blessing find: Amen,   

A meditation when ye go to bed.  

O Lord my God, I wandered have,  
as one that runs astray,  
And have in thought, in word, in deed,  
in idleness and play,   

Offended sore thy Majesty,  
in heaping sin to sin,  
And yet thy mercy hath me spared,  
so gracious hast thou been.   

O Lord, my faults I now confess,  
and sorry am therefore,  
But not so much as sane I would,  
o Lord, what wilt thou more?   

It is thy grace must bring that spirit,  
for which I humbly pray,  
And that this night thou me defend,  
as thou hast done this day:   

And grant when these mine eyes & tongue  
shall fail through nature's might,  
That then the powers of my poor soul,  
may praise thee day and night: Amen.    

A meditation at your uprising.  

O Lord, this night who hast me kept  
from dangers all that be,  
And hast me given of rest and sleep,  
so much as pleaseth thee:   

Where other of my brethren poor,  
of better life than I,  
Do wander up and down the streets,  
and harbourless do lie.   

And some with sickness are oppressed,  
some impotent and lame:  
Thus dost thou deal with creatures thine  
to glory of thy name.   

O Lord, in sort as I deserve,  
thou hast not dealt with me;  
But hast me given wherewith to live,  
in better case to be.   

Most mighty God, this day likewise  
protect me from all blame,  
And give me grace, I thankful be,  
with praises for the same: Amen.     

Athanasius his Creed, commonly called, Quicúnque vult.  

By faith we please the Lord,  
By faith we are set free,  
By faith we work the will of God,  
Faith will not idle be.   

What man is he will saved be, must  
first the true faith have: Which faith  
unless he hold and keep, his soul  
God will not save. And this is now  
the perfect faith, to worship God in  
three: The Father, Son, & holy Ghost,  
all three in Unity.   

The persons neither to confound,  
nor substance to divide:  
For he that so shall think of them,  
from perfect faith is wide.   

For of the Father, of the Son,  
and of the holy Ghost:  
Be persons three in several,  
and all in might be most.   

The Father, Son, and holy Ghost,  
in Godhead equal be:  
In glory like, and so in might,  
and so in Majesty.   

Such as the heavenly Father is,  
such is the Son also:  
Such is likewise the holy Ghost,  
all three one God, no more.   

The Father was uncreated,  
so was the Son likewise:  
The holy Ghost uncreated,  
still one for to devise.   

The Father without number is,  
none may him comprehend:  
The Son likewise, and holy Ghost,  
all three one without end.   

The Father, Son, and holy Ghost,  
eternal do endure:  
And yet not three eternals be,  
but one eternal sure.   

Not three, that number do exceed,  
nor three unmade certain:  
But three in one, and one in three,  
for ever do remain.   

The Father, Son, and holy Ghost,  
omnipotent be all:  
And yet not three omnipotents,  
but one believe we shall.   

The Father God, the Son is God,  
the holy Ghost also:  
And yet three Gods we shall not say,  
of Gods but one, no more.   

The Father Lord, the Son is Lord,  
and holy Ghost is Lord:  
Yet not three Lords, but one in three,  
and three in one accord.   

For like as we compelled be,  
by Christian verity,  
Each person of them to confess,  
both God and Lord to be:   

So are we by the same forbidden,  
in any wise to say,  
Three Gods to be, or yet three Lords,  
but three in one alway.   

The Father is not created,  
begot, nor made of none:  
The Son ne made nor created,  
begot of him alone.   

The holy Ghost is from them both,  
ne made, create, nor got;  
But from the father and the son  
proceeding had, we wots.   

So then there is of father's one,  
not fathers three, we see:  
One son, not three: and so likewise,  
one holy Ghost to be.   

And in this holy Trinity,  
is none more great than other:  
But that the whole three persons be  
coequal altogether.   

So that in all, as foresaid is,  
the Unity in three,  
And Trinity in Unity,  
aught worshipped to be.   

Yet furthermore, it needful is  
unto salvation,  
That we believe of lesus Christ  
the incarnation.   

The right faith is, that we believe,  
and with one mouth foorth-show,  
That jesus Christ the son of God,  
is God and man also.   

God of his Father substance is,  
begot ere world was wrought,  
And man, by flesh and blood he took,  
of her who forth him brought.   

Both perfect God, and perfect Man,  
is he without dividing:  
And of a reasonable soul,  
and human flesh abiding.   

He to the Father equal is,  
touching his Deity:  
But he is less than Father is,  
by his humanity.   

Who though he be both God and man,  
yet one is he, not twain:  
That is to say, one jesus Christ,  
for ever to remain.   

One, not by turning Godhead his  
into the flesh we see:  
But taking manhood into God,  
by power of Deity.   

One, yet not by confusion  
of this his substance sure:  
But by Unity of person,  
which ever shall endure.   

For as the reasonable soul  
and flesh one man doth make:  
So God and man is but one Christ,  
which suffered for our sake.   

And then descended into hell,  
the third day rose again:  
From death to life, thus hath he done,  
mankind to rid from pain.   

And after this ascended he  
● unto the heavens on high:  
And on his Father's right hand sits,  
one God eternally.   

From thence he shall come down again  
a rightful judge to be:  
To judge the living and the dead,  
as he their works shall see.   

At whose descending all shall rise,  
in twinkling of an eye:  
And with this flesh shall him behold,  
in throne of Majesty.   

Then they that have done righteously,  
shall heaven have for their hire:  
And they th●t have done wickedly,  
have everlasting fire.   

This is the true and perfect faith,  
all Christians ought to have:  
Which faith unless we do believe,  
our soul's God will not save.   

Praise we these persons three in one,  
and likewise one in three:  
As from the first hath been, now is,  
and evermore shall be: Amen.   

A meditation to be said of women with child.  

In time of trouble call on me,  
and I will then deliver thee.   

THe time draws nigh,  
of bitter painful throws,  
How long I shall  
the same endure, God knows.  
O Lord my God,  
I humbly ask of thee,  
Make haste sweet Christ,  
and safe deliver me.  
Although by sin  
deserved I have right well,  
Such pain as this,  
yea more than tongue can tell:  
Yet ah! my God,  
turn not away thy face,  
Nor me forsake,  
in this so sharp a case.  
This womb, and fruit  
that springeth in the same,  
Hast thou create,  
to glory of thy name.  
Oppressed with pain,  
o Lord when I shall be,  
Make less the same,  
so much as pleaseth thee.  
And grant good God,  
thy creature may proceed,  
Safely on live,  
with mercy at my need.  
In Christ's name,  
I will my travel show:  
Now holy Ghost,  
come comfort me in wo.  
Come father dear,  
and let thy power descend:  
O jesus Christ,  
thy mercies great extend.  
Ah God behold  
my dolour and my smart;  
Sweet holy Ghost,  
my comforter thou art:  
Take part with me,  
and hear my woeful cry:  
Exaudi me,  
miserere mei: Amen.    

A meditation to be delivered from sin..  
O Lord my God,  
I humbly beseech thee,  
And jesus Christ,  
thine equal in Deity,  
With holy Ghost,  
of like power in majesty,  
And three in one,  
and likewise one in three,  
Which is to say,  
one blessed Trinity:  
Grant that the power  
of thy Divinity,  
May in this life  
always deliver me,  
From fornication,  
and adultery,  
From wicked sort  
of unclean company:  
From sudden death,  
and cursed blasphemy:  
From vainglory,  
and hypocrisy:  
From malice, hatred,  
and cruelty:  
From the detestable  
and great enormity  
Of sedition and  
priure conspiracy:  
From all false doctrine  
and heresy:  
From pride in heart  
and vanity;  
From pestilence, famine,  
and bloodthirsty:  
From just desert  
of slander and infamy:  
From filthy sin,  
and vile iniquity.  
And when as I  
upon thy name shall cry;  
Hear my request,  
and grant me thy mercy: Amen.   

A prayer for the Queen's most excellent Majesty.  
O King of heaven, of earth, of sea,  
and all things else beside,  
Under whose power, and in whose hands  
the hearts of Kings abide;  
Vouchsafe to guide our gracious Queen  
Elizabeth aright,  
That she in peace with health may reign  
and govern through thy might;  
And when thy godly will shall be  
to end her living days;  
Her soul may then with angels thine,  
sound forth thine endless praise: Amen.   

A thanksgiving before meat.  
FOR fo●● such as we find,  
Let us give thanks therefore,  
And not forget the poor to feed,  
with some part of our store.  
Let all our talk be such,  
whereby no grudge may grow,  
Ourselves well eased, & God best pleased,  
Christ grant it may be so.  
God long preserve in peace and health,  
Our gracious Queen Elizabeth: Amen.   

A thanksgiving after meat.  
THou God be praised for the food,  
we have received from thee;  
And give us grace a life to lead,  
More thankful for to be:  
Lord long preserve in peace and health,  
Our gracious Queen Elizabeth: Amen.  
FINIS.    

The poor widows Mite. Gathered by William Hunnis, one of the Gentlemen of her highness Chapel, and Master to the Children of the same.  
Who knocks with hope, and craves in faith, shall have their just request;  
By love who seeks, the way shall find to port of quiet rest.  
Newly printed by Henry Denham. 1583.   

  

To the Queen's majesties Highness.  
E Except your Highness well allow  
this gift of humble mind,  
L Lack shall my hope the gladsome fruit,  
it sought thereby to find.  
I If gift with givers loyal heart  
your Majesty will try,  
Z Zeal more than gift shall triumph then  
before your Princely eye.  
A A Persian prince, in gracious part,  
took water of the well,  
B Because he saw the givers zeal,  
the givers gift excel:  
E Even so my zeal, renowned Queen,  
equivalent is with his,  
Th. Though I offence commit, to give  
so slender gift as this.  
R Remembering yet your Princely wont,  
of clemency withal:  
E Example such hath boldened me,  
upon my knee to fall.  
G Great gifts of gold, and gems of price,  
poor Hunnis would present,  
I If he them had: in stead whereof  
he prays this may content.  
N New year, and many, God you send,  
in health with peace to reign,  
A And after when your spirit departs,  
with Christ it may remain.  Your highness loyal subject and humble obedient servant. W. H.  

The Author.  
W WHo seeks with works alone to win  
the life that shall remain,  
I Is far deceived: for if'ft be so,  
then Christ hath died in vain.  
LL Let our good works our faith declare,  
by faith we are made free,  
I It comes from God, that goodness is,  
no good at all in me.  
A As man himself unable is,  
in thought to please the Lord,  
M Much less to work or do the deed,  
that might his health accord.  
H Here I profess one God to serve,  
from secret search of heart,  
V Unto his sacred word to cleave,  
and never to departed.  
N No time my Prince nor Magistrate,  
by will for to offend,  
N Ne wish I worse unto my foe,  
than to my very friend.  
I In Christ by faith, by no means else,  
my righteousness doth flow:  
S Such was his love, such is my faith,  
and ever shall be so.   

The Poor widows Mite.  

The first Meditation.  

Ah helpless wretch! what shall I  
do? or which way shall I run?  
The earth bewrais, & heaven records  
the sins that I have done.   

The gates of hell wide open stand,  
for to receive me in,  
And fearful fiends all ready be,  
to torment me for sin.  
Alas, where shall I secure find?  
the earth doth me deny,  
And to the sacred heavens above,  
I dare not lift mine eye.  
If heaven and earth shall witness be,  
against my soul for sin,  
Untimely birth (alas) for me  
much better than had been.  
And now despair approacheth fast,  
with bloody murdering knife,  
And willeth me to end my griefs,  
by shortening of my life.  
Shall I despair? Thou God forbidden,  
for mercy more is thine,  
Than if the sins of all the world  
were linked now with mine.  
Despise not then, most loving Lord,  
the image of thy face,  
Which thou hast wrought and dearly bought  
with goodness of thy grace.  
And since thy bloody price is paid,  
and bitter pains all past;  
Receive my plaints, accept my spirit,  
and mercy grant at last:   

So shall my soul rejoice, rejoice,  
and still for mercy cry, Peccavi,  
Pecca╌ui, Miserere mei.    

The .2. Meditation.  
THou God that rul'st & rainst in light  
that flesh cannot attain;  
Thou God, that know'st the thoughts of men  
are altogether vain;  
Thou God, whom neither tongue of man  
nor angel can express:  
Thou God it is that I do seek,  
thou pity my distress.  
Thy seat, o God, is everywhere,  
thy power all powers extend,  
Thy wisdom cannot measured be,  
for that it hath no end.  
Thou art the power and wisdom too,  
and sole felicity,  
But I a lump of sinful flesh,  
nurse of iniquity.  
Thou art by nature merciful,  
and Mercy is thy name,  
And I by nature miserable,  
the thrall of sin and shame.  
Then let thy nature, o good God,  
now work his force in me,  
And cleanse the nature of my sin,  
and heal my misery.  
One depth, good Lord, and other craves;  
my depth of sinful crime,  
Requires thy depth of mercy great,  
for saving health in time.  
Sweet Christ grant that thy depth of grace,  
may swallow up my sin,  
That I thereby may whiter be,  
than ever snow hath been:  
¶ So shall my soul rejoice, 
Sing those four lines to every meditation following.  rejoice, and still for mercy cry, Peccavi, peccavi, miserere mei.   

The .3. Meditation.  
BEfore thy face, and in thy sight,  
have I, devoid of shame,  
O Lord, transgressed willingly,  
I do confess the same:  
Yet was I loath that men should know,  
or understand my fall,  
Thus feared I man, much more than thee,  
thou righteous judge of all.  
So blind was I and ignorant,  
yea rather wilful blind,  
That sucked the comb, & knew the Bee  
had left her sting behind.  
My sins, o God, to thee are known,  
there is no secret place,  
Where I may hide myself, or them,  
from presence of thy face.  
Where shall I then myself bestow?  
or who shall me defend?  
None is so loving as my God;  
thy mercies have no end?  
In deed I grant, and do confess,  
my sins so heinous be,  
As mercy none at all deserves:  
but yet thy property  
Is always to be merciful,  
to sinners in distress;  
Whereby thou wilt declare and show  
thy great almightiness.  
Have mercy Lord on me therefore,  
for thy great mercy's sake,  
Which camest not righteous men to call,  
but sinners part to take:  
¶ So shall my soul rejoice, rejoice, and still for mercy cry, Peccavi, peccavi, miserere mei.   

The .4. Meditation.  
MOst gracious God, do not behold,  
the number of my sin,  
Ne yet consider with thyself  
how wicked I have been;  
But rather think I am but dust,  
or as the withered hay,  
Which flourisheth to day in field,  
tomorrow shorn away.  
My flesh rebels against the spirit,  
my spirit too weak is found,  
By sin conceived in mother's womb,  
my soul first caught hit wound.  
My flesh is frail, too weak and vain,  
to do the thing I should,  
And what I would not, that do I,  
contrary that I would.  
Thou seest, o Lord, how w●ake I am,  
not able for to stand  
Without the succour, help and aid  
of thy most mighty hand.  
And what is he, that will not stay  
the man that's like to fall?  
Or will refuse the sick to help,  
for help when he doth call?  
If thou wilt lay unto my charge,  
the burden of my sin;  
O Lord, the conquest is but small,  
that thou thereby shalt win.  
For why, they glory and thy praise,  
in mercy doth consist,  
Unto the which I yield myself,  
to do with what thou list:  
¶ My soul shall trust in thee, in thee, and still for mercy cry, Peccavi peccavi, miserere mei,   

The .5. Meditation.  
IF I demand what mercy is?  
thou God wilt answer me,  
That mercy is th'abundance great  
of thy divine pi●ie;  
Wherewith thou vew'st th'afflicted sort,  
that on the earth do lie:  
And what is this compassion then,  
but proofs of thy mercy?  
Our father's old the same have felt,  
and now in rest do reign,  
And thou are still the self-same God.  
for ever to remain.  
Our fathers were conceived in sin,  
and so are we likewise;  
Wilt thou compassion show on them,  
and children theirs despise?  
One faith in Christ we all profess,  
one God in persons three,  
As thou compassion hadst on them,  
compassion have on me.  
Ponder, o God, my heart's desire,  
most humbly do I crave;  
And do away all my misdeeds,  
and so compassion have.  
And as of sinners many a one,  
whose number is unknown,  
Thou didst vouchsafe to draw to thee,  
and make them all thine own:  
So now vouchsafe, most gentle God,  
likewise to draw me in,  
And make me righteous by thy grace,  
forgiving me my sin.  
¶ So shall my soul rejoice, rejoice, and still for mercy cry, Peccavi, peccavi, miserere mei.   

The .6. Meditation.  
MOst mighty God, I do confess,  
ten thousand times and more,  
Thou hast me washed from my sin,  
and salved still my sore:  
But I through sin am fallen again,  
and fouler now am made,  
Than ever was the filthy swine  
with mire overlade.  
How oftentimes shall we forgive,  
each other that offend?  
seventy times seven, the scripture saith,  
which signifieth no end.  
If man to man such favour show,  
that wretched caitiffs' Bee,  
How much more thou, o gracious God,  
to them that call on thee?  
It is thy nature to forgive,  
my nature can but fall;  
Though thou be just in all thy works,  
thy mercy passeth all.  
What time a sinner doth repent,  
and turn to thee at last,  
All sins foredone thou wilt forget,  
thy promise so hath past.  
Behold, o God, I turn to thee,  
with sorrow for my sin,  
And do repent even from my heart  
that I so lewd have been.  
Now wash me, Lord, yet once again,  
with fountain of thy grace,  
That I among thy sacred Saints,  
with thee might have a place:  
¶ So shall my soul rejoice, rejoice, and still for mercy cry, Peccavi, peccavi, miserere mei.   

The .7. Meditation.  
LIke as the guilty prisoner stands,  
before the judge so tried,  
With quaking breath, & shivering limbs,  
his judgement to abide:  
Even so, o God, before thy face  
in fearful state I stand,  
And guilty cry to thee my judge,  
and now hold up my hand.  
Nothing have I to plead for life,  
no goodness is in me:  
Of sin, deceit, and wickedness,  
guilty, good Lord, guilty.  
Thus by thy righteous doom, o God,  
and sacred law divine,  
Condemned am I to endless pain,  
through just deserts of mine.  
Alas, what then is to be said?  
or what is to be done?  
For mercy yet will I appeal,  
to jesus Christ thy son.  
For never yet hath it been heard,  
since first the world began,  
That jesus Christ did turn his face,  
from ani● sinful man;  
Which unto him for mercy came,  
with sad repentant mind:  
O Lord, shall I then be the first  
that shall no mercy find?  
Shall I be he, thou wilt despise,  
that humbly comes to thee?  
No no, sweet Christ, thy promise is  
for to deliver me:  
¶ Wherefore my soul be glad, be glad, and cry incessantly, Peccavi, peccavi, miserere mei.    

Verses upon the Lord's Prayer.  

Our father, which art in heaven.  

A thing thou art from which all things  
beginning took their name, And thou  
without beginning art, that gave all  
things the same. We call thee God,  
some jehovah, some Tetragrammaton:  
By all thy names thou art the thing,  
we all depend upon.   

We be thy sons, thy children dear,  
and heirs of kingdom thine,  
By which we do presume and say,  
Our father most divine,  
Which art in heaven, devoid of shape,  
that reason can devise,  
Ne yet art thou there to be felt,  
or seen of human ●ies.    

Hallowed be thy name.  
THy name, o God, is wonderful,  
though we the same abuse,  
And by thy name such things are done,  
as make the mind to muse.  
The heavens above, the earth below,  
and waters under them,  
Thy name hath wrought miraculously,  
all for the use of men.  
O marvelous God what is thy name?  
or what shall I thee call?  
Thou art in power omnipotent,  
the mightiest power of all.  
Then mighty Power of powers it is,  
vouchsafe the same in me,  
So work thy will, that in my life  
thy name may hallowed be.   

Thy kingdom come.  
THy kingdom everlasting is,  
in truth and equity,  
In favour, love, and righteousness,  
to all in misery.  
Bow down thy heavens, o mighty king,  
whereby thy grace may fall;  
That this thy kingdom might descend,  
into the hearts of all.  
So shall our sins be driven away,  
our flesh made tame also,  
And we found righteous in thy sight,  
a perfect life to show.  
Vouchsafe to grant, o heavenly king,  
this blessed work may be,  
Thy kingdom still to dwell in us,  
and we to dwell in thee.   

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  
THy will is good, our will is nought,  
thy will be therefore done:  
Such was thy will, that jesus Christ,  
thy dear and only son,  
Should teach thy will to sinful flesh,  
our wicked lusts to kill;  
And he thy will upon the cross,  
the same did there fulfil.  
O heavenly father, let thy will  
in earth fulfilled be,  
Among us men, as with thy Saints  
in heavenly Hierarchy.  
And grant thy will so work in us,  
that we thy will confess,  
In word, in life, in faith, in love,  
and perfect holiness.   

Give us this day our daily bread.  
THy word, thy truth, & Christ thy son,  
is bread that we should have;  
Vouchsafe our souls may feed thereon,  
most humbly we do crave.  
For man doth not by bread alone  
pass forth his vital days,  
But by each word thy mouth proceeds  
unto thy endless praise.  
Sink in our hearts, thy sweet sons death  
and such impression make,  
As we thereby may cheerful be,  
to suffer for his sake  
Such cross as pleaseth thee to lay  
upon our backs to bear;  
With shield of faith to bide the brunt,  
against all worldly fear.   

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us.  
WE know, forgiveness is at hand,  
when we for mercy call;  
If we each other do forgive,  
thou wilt forgive us all.  
Such promise hast thou made, o God,  
from which thou wilt not swerver,  
And yet it lie not in our power,  
the same for to deserve.  
So weak is man, so feeble too,  
not able once to mind  
The thought that's good, or do the deed,  
that might thy mercy find.  
This will thy grace must work in us,  
our brethren to forgive,  
Which grant, o God, that we therewith,  
in rest with thee may live.   

And lead us not into temptation.  
ANd though temptations needful be  
thy servants strength to try,  
And that our sins and wickedness,  
by faith away do fsie:  
Yet Lord, thy grace the same doth work  
whereby we stiffly stand,  
Against the world, the flesh, the devil,  
winning the upper hand.  
Thus of ourselves (alas) too weak,  
temptations aye too strong,  
Thy grace it is must us defend,  
else are we thrown along.  
Grant when by sin through want of grace  
great falls we do sustain,  
That then thy grace might visit us,  
and rear us up again.   

But deliver us from evil.  
FRom evil that we by sin deserve,  
most mighty God defend,  
And rid us free from filthy fall,  
of miserable end.  
Withhold thy severe punishment,  
and let thine eye of grace,  
Take view upon th'afflicted sort,  
and help our wretched ca●e.  
From surging Seas of worldly waves,  
wherewith we be oppressed,  
Discharge and set our souls on shore,  
in port of quiet rest.  
So shall we then our prayers make,  
with conscience safe and sound,  
And by thy grace shall able be,  
our enemy to confound: Amen.   

The Christian faith.  
ONe God in persons three,  
and three in Godhead one,  
I do believe my saving health  
doth rest in him alone.  
The first, the Father high,  
Creator of us all,  
The second is his only Son,  
the Word whom scriptures call.  
The third, the holy Ghost,  
of both who doth remain,  
In mighty power and Deity,  
coequal with the twain.  
The word of love to us,  
flesh void of sin became,  
Of virgin's womb by power divine,  
most pure he took the same.  
And then for sinful flesh,  
his flesh was sacrificed,  
By bitter, sharp, and shameful death,  
as cruel jews devised.  
His flesh with whips was rend,  
his head becrowned with thorn,  
His body nailed on cross of tree,  
his heart with spear was torn.  
Thus all his blood he shed,  
to death his life made thrall,  
To pacify his father's wrath,  
procured by Adam's fall.  
He died, and was buried,  
descended down to hell,  
From death to life he rose again,  
he loved us so well.  
When forty days were come,  
to heaven ascended he,  
In sight from men of Galilee,  
in faith to us that be.  
From whence I do believe,  
he shall again descend,  
To judge all flesh, and of the world  
to make a final end.  
The dead from grave shall rise,  
the quick shall changed be,  
And every eye shall face to face  
behold his Majesty.  
By grace who hath done well,  
with him in heaven shall reign:  
By sin who hath done wickedly,  
in everlasting pain.  
FINIS.    

COMFORTABLE dialogues between CHRIST and a SINNER, touching the soul's health. 

Humble suits of a sinner for mercy in misery.  
A Lamentation touching the follies and vanities of our youth.  
A Psalm of rejoicing for our spiritual redemption.  
A Christian confession to the blessed Trinity.  
Prayers for the good estate of the Queen's Highness, etc.   Gathered by W. Hunnis, one of the Gentlemen of her highness Chapel, and master to the children of the same. 1583.   

A Dialog between Christ and a Sinner.  CHRIST. 
Arise from sin thou wicked man, before  
the trump doth sound: Lest thou among  
the guilty sort, a damned soul  
be found. My sheep why dost thou persecute?  
my lambs why dost thou kill?  
Myself why dost thou cru╌ci╌fie,  
and guiltless blood thus spill? Arise I  
say, arise, arise.  SINNER. 
What fearful thundering voice is this,  
that soundeth in mine ear: Which bids  
me rise, and brings my soul, and all her  
powers in fear?  CHRIST. 
It is the voice of him thy judge, that shall  
thy judger be: Which bids thee rise  
while sun doth shine, that thou thy  
self mayst see: For after sun be set in  
shade, and darksome clouds appear:  
Too late is then for to a╌rise, if thou arise  
not here. Arise I say, arise, arise.  SINNER. 
O Lord by grace I now behold, wherein  
I did offend.  CHRIST. 
What made thee thus against my saints,  
such cruelty extend?  SINNER. 
It was my fault through ignorance,  
by which I might not choose.  CHRIST. 
And yet I say thine ignorance, shall  
not thy baults excuse.  SINNER. 
By grace I am re╌pen╌tant made,  
Wilt thou not mercy have?  CHRIST. 
If thou by grace re╌pen╌tant be,  
yet must thou mercy crave.  SINNER 
O Lord blot out my fyl╌thie deeds,  
and cleanse me from my sin:  CHRIST. 
Arise and walk, thou art made clean,  
as thou believest therein.   

Another dialog between Christ and a Sinner, to be song as the former.  CHRIST. 
AWake from sleep, and watch awhile,  
prepare yourselves to pray;  
For I mine angel will send forth  
to sound the judgement day,  
That mine elect and chosen sort  
might find my saying true:  
How that the time I shorten will,  
for them and not for you.  
Awake I say, awake, awake.  SINNER. 
And yet, o Lord, the little whelps  
would lick the crumbs that fall,  
Thy chosen sort are very few;  
but many dost thou call.  CHRIST. 
I call to you that will not hear,  
I stretch mine arms at large,  
For to embrace such as do come,  
and all your sins discharge.  
Wherefore if you refuse to come,  
I will you then forsake;  
And to my feast will strangers call,  
and them my children make:  
Awake therefore, and rise from sleep,  
awake, I say, awake, awake.  SINNER. 
Not so, good Lord, thy mercy far  
above our sins abound.  CHRIST. 
And yet I will a justicer  
in justice mine be found.  SINNER. 
Thy promise is to pardon sin,  
and therein art thou just.  CHRIST. 
Your sins repent, and pray therefore,  
in vain is else your trust.  SINNER. 
O Lord thy grace must this perform,  
or else it cannot be.  CHRIST. 
My grace you have, the same apply,  
and blessed shall you be.  SINNER. 
Through this sweet grace, thy mercy Lord  
we humbly do require.  CHRIST. 
By mercy mine I you forgive,  
and grant this your desire.  
AMEN.   

An humble suit of a repentant sinner, for mercy.  

Give ear, o Lord, to hear my  
heavy careful cries: And let my  
woeful plaints ascend, above the  
starry skies, And now receive the  
soul, that puts his trust in thee: And  
mercy grant to purge my sins,  
mercy, good Lord, mercy.   

My soul desires to drink,  
from fountain of thy grace:  
To slake this thirst, o God, vouchsafe,  
and turn not of thy face.  
But bow thy bending ear,  
with mercy when I cry:  
And pardon grant for sinful life,  
mercy, good Lord mercy.   

Behold at length, o Lord,  
my sore repentant mind,  
Which knocks with faith, & hopes thereby▪  
thy mercy's great to find.  
Thy promise thus hath past,  
from which I will not fly:  
Who doth repent trusting in thee,  
shall taste of thy mercy.  
Mercy, good Lord, mercy, mercy.    

¶ Another to the same effect.  

Behold, o God, the wretched state,  
my silly soul is in: How sore oppressed  
and overcharged, with foul  
and filthy sin. Behold likewise  
the prison foul, I mean my baned  
breast: Where wickedness and sin abounds,  
and breeds my soul's unrest.   

Behold o God how oft my soul,  
doth lift herself to thee:  
As one in dungeon dark and deep,  
desiring light to see.  
Behold also, how feign it would,  
do that might please thy will:  
But cruel sin with his affects,  
do draw me backward still.  
Behold, I do not that I would,  
as law of thine requires,  
But I do that I would not do,  
contrary my desires.  
Such is the working of the fiend,  
such be his wily ways,  
With ●ust to set my heart on fire,  
whereby my health decay.  
Such pleasant baits lays he abroad  
with poisoned hooks of sin,  
And trains my senses all thereto,  
and drowns my soul therein.  
But mercy is with thee my God,  
for such as mercy crave,  
Among the which I humbly ask,  
some mercy for to have.  
For light offence thy mercy small,  
may soon appease thine ire,  
But mine offences manifold,  
thy mercies great desire.  
And since by mercy I must win,  
thy favour and thy grace,  
From my misdeeds and sinful life,  
with mercy turn thy face.    

¶ Another to the same purpose.  

My soul o God, doth now confess,  
a wicked life long led in sin:  
And how the same to thee is known,  
ere that my lips to speak begin.  
Such is the fruit, such is the tree,  
with mercy Lord deliver me.   

Shall I, o Lord, for this despair  
of hope, of help, and health at last?  
Or shall I think thou seekest revenge,  
upon my sinful life that's past?  
No no, my faith doth witness me,  
Thy blood from sin hath set me free.   
AMEN.   

A Lamentation touching the follies and vanities of our youth.  

¶ Alack when I look back, upon  
my youth that's past, And deeply  
ponder youth's offence, & youths reward  
at last: With sighs and sobs  
I say; o God I not deny, my youth  
with folly hath deserved, with folly  
for to die. But yet if ever sinful  
man, might mer╌cie move to ruth,  
Good Lord with mercy do forgive,  
the follies of my youth.   

In youth I ranged the fields,  
where vices all did grow:  
In youth I wanted grace,  
such vice to overthrow.  
In youth what I thought sweet,  
most bitter now I find:  
Thus hath the follies of my youth,  
with folly kept me blind.  
Yet as the Eagle casts her bill,  
whereby her age renut'h:  
So Lord with mercy do forgive,  
the follies of my youth: Amen.    

A psalm of rejoicing for the wonderful love of Christ, ratified by his meritorious death and passion, for our spiritual redemption.  
LEt us be glad and clap our hands,  
with joy our souls to fill:  
For Christ hath paid the price of sin,  
with mercy and good will.  
By his good will he flesh became,  
for sinful flesh's sake:  
By his good will disdained not,  
most shameful death to take.  
By his good will his blood was spilled,  
his body all to rend:  
By his good will to save us all,  
he therewith was content.  
By his good will death hath no power,  
our sinful souls to kill:  
For Christ hath paid the price of sin,  
with mercy and good will.  
Since Christ so dearly loved us,  
let us from sin refrain:  
For Christ desireth nothing else,  
in am of all his pain.  
And that we should each other love,  
as he us loved before:  
So shall his love abide in us,  
and dwell for evermore.  
Let then our love so dwell in him,  
our wicked lusts to kill:  
For Christ hath paid the price of sin,  
with mercy and good will.  
AMEN.   

A prayer for the good estate of Queen ELIZABETH.  
THou God that guidst both heaven and earth,  
on whom we all depend:  
Preserve our Queen in perfect health,  
and her from harm defend.  
Conserve her life in peace to reign,  
augment her joys withal:  
Increase her friends, maintain her cause,  
and hear us when we call.  
So shall all we that faithful be,  
rejoice and praise thy name:  
O God, o Christ, o holy Ghost,  
give ear and grant the same.  
AMEN.   

A Christian confession of and to the Trinity.  
O Thou almighty, omnipotent, and everlasting God the father of heaven; I do believe, confess, and acknowledge thee to be the God of all power and might, yea the almighty power itself, and to be of nothing going before, neither made, created, nor begotten, but to be a thing before all things, giving beginning unto every thing, thyself being without beginning, and without ending.  
O Thou son of God, which art the word of the father, and second person in Trinity; I do likewise believe, confess, and acknowledge thee to be of the father, without beginning, before all worlds, neither made nor created, but begotten, and art equal with the father in power, might, glory, majesty, and deity, and to be as thy father is, the fountain and wellspring of all wisdom, grace, and mercy.  
O Thou God the holy Ghost, and third person in Trinity, which art with the father and the son, the giver of all comfort, virtue and goodness; I do also believe, confess, and acknowledge thee, to be of the father and of the son, neither made, nor created, nor begotten, but from God the father, and from God the son proceeding, equal with the father and the son, without beginning of time, and without end, in like power, might, glory, majesty, and deity as is the father and the son, all three in one, and one in three, one very GOD everlasting, not three Gods everlasting, of one essence or being, ever perdurable or during, without measure, not changeable, almighty, one substance, and in one nature simple.  
I Do believe, confess, and acknowledge each one of your persons to be equal to the other, in all manner of perfection; and each one person to be omnipotent or almighty, and to be one beginning of all things; and that together you made & created all creatures, visibles & invisibles, spirituals and corporals; and that, by almighty virtue, from the beginning of time, you three together did create (and that of nothing) the creature angelic, and the worldly nature; and than you made man common to the first two natures: for man is of body corporal, and of soul spiritual.  
ALso I do believe, confess, and acknowledge, that thou the father art one other, and thou the son art one other, and thou the holy Ghost art one other. For thou, o father, mayest not be the son, nor the holy Ghost; nor thou, o son, mayest not be the father, nor the holy Ghost; nor thou o holy Ghost, mayest not be the father, nor the son: but to you three persons is one being, and one nature common, the which is the beginning of all things; and out of this beginning there is no beginning.  
ANd I believe, confess, and acknowledge, that thou, o father, art no greater, nor of greater power than is the son, nor than is the holy Ghost. For the unity of your divine being is equal or alike together: for such as thou art, o father; such art thou, o son, and such art thou, o holy Ghost. And thus thou holy and blessed Trinity art one God, the first beginning, without beginning, fountain of all mercy, grace, goodness, and virtue, which by thy knowledge doest know all things present, and to be hereafter.  
ANd further I do confess, acknowledge, and steadfastly believe, that thou, o son of God art without beginning, coëternall with GOD the father, and with God the holy Ghost. And by the whole consent of you three in one, and one in three, and by the overshadowing of the holy Ghost, thou, o holy and most blessed son of God, didst enter into the womb of the most unspotted amongst women, the blessed virgin Marie, in whom was no blemish of sin after the salutation of the angel Gabriel, when she had by the working of the holy Ghost, answered these words of meekness; Behold and see, I am the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word.  
THus thou blessed son of God didst not forsake or leave thy Godhead, but didst take flesh or manhood of the blessed virgin unto thy Godhead, being still perfect God with the father in Godhead, and perfect man also. In which manhood thou wert less than the father, but yet equal with the father touching thy deity or Godhead: as after thy most blessed nativity thou didst prove in thy humanity to be perfect God.  
FOR without any teacher or schoolmaster, thou hadst all perfect knowledge of sciences & learning. Thou changedst water into wine. Thou gavest sight to the man borne blind. Thou openly saidst to the jews and pharisees; I which speak to you, am the beginning. Thou feddest many thousands of people with a few loaves of bread, and with a few fishes. The wind and sea obeyed at thy commandment. Thou raisedst Lazarus from death unto life, which was four days dead, and stinking in his grave. In this, o God, and in many more excellent miracles, thou didst show thyself to be perfect God.  
ANd also thou didst show thy self to be perfect man: for thou didst eat, drink, and sleep, and so tookest increase of nature, as man doth. Thou weptst, thou fastedst, thou suffered'st all the miseries of man, sin only excepted.  
IT also well pleased thee to fulfil, to perform, and to accomplish all the words and sayings of the holy patriarches and prophets, which they had uttered and spoken of thee, long time before thou tookest our human nature upon thee. And so to fulfil the prophecies, thou suffered'st that thine human nature should be betrayed and taken, by the kissing of thine unkind disciple judas.  
THou also suffered'st cruel persecutions of the jews, & after main punishments they blasphemed thee, and cried upon Pilate to have thee crucified; and so under Ponce Pilate thou didst suffer to be crucified, and upon the cross didst die, touching thy humanity; and after wast thou taken down, buried, and by the power and might of thy deity descendedst into hell, according to the scripture.  
ANd I believe (notwithstanding that thy sepulchre was made fast and sealed, & also watched and kept by certain soldiers thereunto appointed) that the third day, by thy Godhead or divine power, thou didst arise in thy humanity. And forty days after thou didst ascend into heaven, in the sight of men of Galilee, and in faith unto us that be; where thou dost remain perfect GOD and perfect man, sitting on the right hand of the father, from whence thou shalt come and judge both the living and the dead. By the dead I understand the body which is mortal, and by the living I understand the soul which is spiritual and immortal.  
ANd also I acknowledge, confess, and steadfastly believe, that I shall, among all thy reasonable creatures, arise from death to life, and with them shall stand and behold thy divine majesty face to face; thou sitting in the throne of thine eternal judgement. And thine elect, and those whom thou hast showed mercy upon, shall be severed from the wicked reprobates, as lambs from wolves; the saved sort upon thy right hand, and the other upon thy left, where we shall all receive our last and final judgement. The which judgement, o Lord, I do most humbly beseech thee may be unto me, not after my sins and wickedness; but according unto thy great and unspeakable mercies.  
Grant this, o thou most holy and blessed father of heaven, which art with the son, and with the holy Ghost, the world's creator; and have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me.  
Grant this, o thou most holy and blessed jesus, the only son of God, the world's Saviour and redeemer; and have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me.  
Grant this, o thou most blessed and holy Ghost, which art together with the father & the son, the world's comforter; and have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me.  
Grant this, o thou most holy, most blessed, most glorious and everlasting Trinity; and have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, have mercy upon me, Amen.   

A prayer for the Queen's most excellent Majesty.  
O Almighty and merciful GOD, creator & governor of all things, whose strength is every where, and whose power is infinite; which as thou ever art omnipotent, and in all thy works most gracious and over marvelous; so unto us thy poor servants, grant we humbly beseech thee, that ELIZABETH our gracious QUEEN, and next under thee here on earth our governor, may long live, and lead a healthful, quiet, and peaceable life. And if, o Lord, at any time the wicked, through malice shall conspire and gather themselves together against thee, and her thine anointed; we heartily beseech thee, either with speed to convert and turn their hearts, or overthrow their force, and bring their devices to nought. And although, o Lord, that we, through our manifold sins and wickedness, do not deserve to have so good and so excellent a jewel to rule & reign over us; yet, good Lord, we heartily pray thy divine majesty, to behold the great and unspeakable miseries, which the loss of so precious a Pearl may bring upon us and our posterity, and to avert the same. This, o Lord, we do humbly crave of thee, that we may long time enjoy her; or else that we, who faithfully do love her, may with her be dissolved, according to thy good will and gracious pleasure, Amen.   

A prayer to be said of every true Christian before the receiving of the holy Communion.  
O Most sweet lover of all mankind, Lord & Saviour jesus, I humbly beseech thee for thy bitter passion sake to remove from me pride, envy, and detraction, yea wrath, malice and impatiency, and all other sicknesses & diseases of the soul. And plant, good Lord, in my heart and mind true meekness, charity, patience, chastity, temperance, and modesty, with all such other virtues, medicines, and preservatives unto the soul. And mortify in me, good Lord, all unclean motions, carnal desires, and inordinate affections: and revive in me the love of virtues, and the perpetual exercises thereof; so that in this time and all times I may worthily receive this holy and blessed sacrament, unto thine honour and glory, and my souls endless joy and comfort.  
O Lord, I know and do confess here before thy divine majesty, that I am unworthy, and very much unworthy, & most unworthy, through my manifold sins and wickedness to lick the crumbs that fall from thy table: but notwithstanding I know as well again, and so do I in heart and mind steadfastly believe, and the same do acknowledge in mouth and word, that thou my Lord God art omnipotent and almighty, and so mayest by thy power infinite, if it so please thy majesty to make me worthy and acceptable to sit at thy table, and there to taste and feed of the most pure and heavenly viands: for thou alone, o Lord, mayest and canst justify a sinner, and of a vile, foul, and filthy wretch, make a clean, white, and pleasant person.  
Therefore gracious Lord, I beseech thy worthy majesty for thy almighty power, which I firmly and steadfastly believe; and for thine infinite and endless wisdom, which I boldly confess; and for thine excellent goodness and truth, wherein I fully hope and trust; and for all this together as one: frame me and make me worthy and acceptable unto thy godly presence, and grant me forgiveness of all my sins, and the fervent flame of thy love, that I may now at this time receive this holy sacrament with purity of heart, and cleanness of conscience, with spiritual gladness and heavenly joy.  
O most merciful Saviour jesus, I humbly beseech thee, for this holy mystery of thy blessed body and blood, wherewith we unworthy wretches be continually fed, and daily washed, cleansed, sanctified, and made holy, and so partakers of thy most high divinity: grant me, Lord, and give me the precious garment of innocency, with such furniture of other ornaments thereunto according, as best may please thy gracious goodness, wherewith I may (as in my wedding vesture) in a good and clean conscience approach unto thy presence; so that this celestial & heavenly sacrament received, may be unto me health and salvation of soul and body, unto life everlasting, Amen.   

A prayer to be said of every true Christian after the receiving of the holy Communion.  
IN most humble, most lowly, and most hearty manner, with most due reverence I thank thee, good Lord, most holy father, and everlasting God, that by the bounty of thy merciful grace wouldst vouchsafe thus to refresh and feed my soul through faith with the benefits of the death and passion of thy son our Lord God, and Saviour jesus Christ. And I beseech thine infinite goodness, that this the sacrament of thy death and passion, which I most unworthy wretch have now received, come never hereafter in judgement & condemnation unto me for mine evils, merits, and deservings; but rather, good Lord, it may come unto the profit and comfort of my body, and unto the salvation of my soul unto the life everlasting, Amen.   

A godly prayer to be said before the preaching of the word.  
NEither is he that planteth, neither he that watereth any thing at all, but thou o Lord, that givest the increase. Increase we beseech thee the seed of thy word, and cause it to fructify an hundred fold. Open our eyes, that we may see the wonderful things contained in thy law. Incline our hearts to thy testimonies, and not unto vanities. Evermore be on our right hand, and perfect the work that thou hast begun among us. Bear our most gracious ELIZABETH in thine own bosom, and set thine eyes always upon her for good: let the spirit of knowledge and holiness remain in her ministers; bless her counsellors with wisdom and discretion; her Nobles with fortitude and courage; her judges with justice and mercy; her Magistrates with diligence and faithfulness; her People with fear and perfect obedience, that we may all with one mind and one mouth say with the prophet; He that is mighty hath done for us great things, and holy is his name, Amen.   

A prayer necessary to be said at all times.  
O Bountiful JESV, o sweet saviour, o Christ the Son of GOD, have pity upon me, mercifully hear me, and despise not my prayers. Thou hast created me of nothing: thou hast redeemed me from the bondage of sin, death, and hell, neither with gold nor silver, but with thy most precious body once offered upon the cross, and thine own blood shed once for all, for my ransom: therefore cast me not away, whom thou by thy great wisdom hast made; despise me not, whom thou hast redeemed with such a precious treasure: nor let my wickedness destroy that which thy goodness hath builded. Now whilst I live, o jesus, have mercy on me: for if I die out of thy favour, it will be too late afterward to call for thy mercy. Whilst I have time to repent, look upon me with thy merciful eyes, as thou didst vouchsafe to look upon Peter thine Apostle, that I may bewail my sinful life, obtain thy favour, and die therein. I reknowledge, that if thou shouldest deal with me according to very justice, I have deserved everlasting death. Therefore I appeal to thy high throne of mercy, trusting to obtain God's favour, not for my merits, but for thy merits, o jesus, who hast given thyself an acceptable sacrifice to thy father, to appease his wrath, and to bring all sinners (truly repenting and amending their evil life) into his favour again. Accept me, o Lord, among the number of them that shall be saved. Forgive me my sins, give me grace to lead a godly and innocent life, grant me thy heavenly wisdom, inspire my heart with ●aith, hope, and charity; give me grace to be humble in prosperity, patiented in adversity, obedient to my rulers, faithful unto them that trus●●●●●, dealing truly with all men, to live chastely in wedlock, to abhor adultery, fornication, and all uncleanness: to do good after my power unto all men, to hurt no man, that thy name may be glorified in me during this present life, and that I afterward may obtain everlasting life, through thy mercy, and the merits of thy passion, Amen.  
FINIS.   

1583 Imprinted at London, by Henry Denham, dwelling in Pater noster row, at the sign of the Star.  
Cum Privilegio.