¶ THE CANTICLES or Ballads of Solomon, phraselyke declared in English Metres, by William Baldwin.  
¶ Halleluiah.  
Sing to the lord sum pleasant song  
Of matter fresh and new:  
Unto his Church it doth belong  
His praises to renew.  Psalm. cxviii. 
M.D.XLIX.   

¶ To the reader.  
THat thou mayst understand this book the better (christian reader) thou shalt understand that it is (as it were) a dialogue between Christ and his church, or as Origen calleth it, the spousal song of Christ and his spouse: wherein there be four singers. Christ the bridegroom accompanied with his friends, good bishops and teachers: And the catholic church his spouse accompanied with damosels, young christian souls. Between these is all spoken that is contained in these ballads. The whole matter as Anselme taketh it, is a prophecy, describing the estate of the church, and with what affection she desired Christ in all times, both under the law of nature, of Moses▪ and of the gospel. No doubt but it is an high and mystical matter, and more darkly hid than other parts of the scripture, by means of the wanton words: which also cause many to deny it to be Gods word. Whose error to redress is the chief cause why I have meddled with the matter. And because the readiest way was to make a paraphrase, I have attem●pted it: & that in metre, because they be ballads. And although I be not so plain in all things as I mought have been by means of my metres, yet I trust that such as will read them diligently, shall have great light in understanding the text. But this I tell the good reader, thou must read them well, (for it is not once reading nor twice that can make thee understand them) & in reading note the sentence more than the time, with the arguments which go before and after the songs. And read them orderly, so shall the process of the matter help the much. The exposition of every Hebrew word, I have put last: which will help the much both to understand the song and the text. And to the intent thou lose not thy labour in reading, I intend with the leave of God shortly to set forth a book of notes, and such an exposition of the Metaphorical words, as shall serve the for a commentary. In the mean while, the Lord keep thee, & augment thy knowledge. Amen.  
Love and live.   

¶ TO THE MOST GODLY KING EDwarde ❧ the sixth, by the grace of God King of England, France, and Ireland, defender of the saith. etc. Willm Baldwin prayeth God to grant all things that are necessary. ¶ Love and Live.  
SENECA that good Philosopher among many his pithy moral precepts, hath sum of giving gifts, that all things of all men might aptly be applied. Among which when he hath declared to whom, and how all gifts are to be given, and with what affection received, he willeth that meet things be not unmetely given, as armour to women, nets to students, nor books to plowmen, but that all gifts be helpful, or at leastwise answerable to his trade of life and estate, that they be given unto. Whose counsel (most honourable and virtuous Prince) when I had well weighed, and allowed, I thought none so meet as your grace to whom I might aptly dedicate this present volume, considering your earnest zeal to knowledge of truth, & diligent endeavour to advance the same, with other your many towardly virtues and gifts of grace: in praise of which, if Lamuell had not been forbidden to give Prince's wine (and surely no wine is so strong, or taketh away man's reason or senses so soon as pride, & vain glory conceived of earblowing) I would here have tarried. But sith your majesty knoweth them already, partly by other men's true declaration, but chief by your own feeling, (For every man best knoweth himself) I have here let slip my just occasion: beseeching the everliving God, who hath the hearts of rulers in his hand so to guide yours, that ye may always continue the same, that ye are thought and praised for already  
Sum perchance yet will think that a book of such an Argument, namely of the holy Scripture, and that such a part of scripture as (if comparison may be made in the holy ghosts writings) passeth all the rest of the same kind, and therefore called Cantica canticorum, The Ballads of Ballads, that is to say the principal ballads of holy scripture according to origen's opinion (in Erasmus judgement the best skilled of all the doctors in understanding the holy scriptures) is much unmeet for any secular person, & will say that I have not followed Seneca his counsel, in giving that to a temporal Prince, which were more meet for a spiritual Prelate. If any thus think arrogantly, disdaining that lay men should meddle with the scriptures, to such I answer: Arrogant obstinacy deserveth no answer. But if any so think for lack of better knowledge, I will satisfy them with Erasmus his arguments, which they shall find in his preface to the Emperor, before his Paraphrase of saint Matthew: whereunto I add this, that as it is unmeet for a Prince to be ignorant in that which he defendeth, so is it most unmeet for a Supreme head to be unskilled in thee, wherein it is his office to see his subjects instructed. For your majesty are not only king over us your English people, but also the Supreme head of our whole Church and congregation. And to whom could a matter between Christ & his church be more justly given, than to him, which on the one side is a deputy, and on the other the chief and principal?  
Sum thus satisfied in the aptly applying of my gift, may chance to doubt in a greater matter, that is: whether one man may have at once two contrary offices, a spiritual and a temporal: and that of so great and weighty charge, that one alone would cumber two diligent officers. I will not tarry in thexamining every part of this doubt, but for a full answer to the whole, this I say: I read of no men, so much praised of men, or better rewarded of God for executing any one office alone, as I do of men that have at once had both.  
Of whom to let pass Mercurius Trismegystus (so called because he had both the office of king and priest, and the spirit of prophecy to boot) whose glory darkeneth all the Egypcian rulers that we read of: the scriptures make mention of divers. 
Gone xiiii. Hebru seven.  first of Melchisedech King of Salem, of an unknown genealogy, who was priest of the highest god before God had ordained any of those offices. But whether he were first king, and being in that state, made priest, it is not certain, yet by the placing of the words it should seem it was so: Once we are sure that if kingdoms went by succession than as they do now, he was borne a king, and so a prince before he were prelate: except the priesthood went also by succession, joined with the kingdom, as I think it did. But because he was before the law, we will come nearer. And then to let go Moses the bringer of God's law & religion, a right pattern of a Christian king, 
i. of Kin. seven.  Samuel was at once chief priest and judge in Israel. Though it were before they had a king, yet had the judge that than which after became the kings office. And how much it was against God's pleasure to have that sundered, which was before but one, beside his answer to Samuel, 
i. of Kin. viii.  the success of wicked kings and worse priests which joyed their several offices, can testify: which came both at last to utter destruction, the people being left captive under the bloody sword of the tyrant Antiochus, 
i. Macha. i. two and iii  till it pleased God to deliver them, by bringing that again to one, which they by their foolishness had divided in twain. For they never enjoyed any peace, 
i Mach. xiii.  till they had given to Simon and to his posterity for ever, for overcumming their enemies, and restoring their religion, and for many other benefits, the honour both of high priest and king over them. After the death of whom (the virtues of his life are declared in the books of Maccabees) his son john (as witnesseth josephus) otherwise called Hyrcanus, 
josephus de bello judai. li. i. Cap iii.  succeeded in his father's place. A man of such wit in war, such prudence in peace, and holiness in religion, that besides the great praises of josephus, & his father's honours, he deserved the name of Trismegystus: For God gave him the spirit of prophecy, and forknowlage of divers matters.  
These examples beside the evident proof in our late sovereign Lord King Henry the eight, satisfy this doubt sufficiently: For first they prove that God would so have it, because he joineth with them his spirit of prophecy: And whether one man may well execute them both▪ the praises of these men meetly well declare.  
Wherefore now seeing I have proved my gift aptly applied, I have no more to do, but first to desire the everliving God that as he hath given your grace these two offices, so it may please him (as he did to other that had the like) to give ye also the third: I mean the gift of prophecy, truly to understand the holy scriptures, that ye may be able through the illumining of his holy spirit, to judge & examine all spirits, & then to beseech your majesty to take in worth this simple gift. We have an english proverb which teaching to take gifts thankfully, & to find no fault with them, saith: 
A proverb.  Look not a given horse in the mouth. I will not tarry upon the proverb, but I would it should not be regarded here: for this gift is an horse of an other nature than those that the proverb seeveth for. This is such an horse as must be rid, & being well red and rid, I doubt not but will bring a man to Christ, if the reader (I should say rider) will endure to sit him: wherefore I beseech your majesty to behold him, open his mouth hardily, yea rip his belly to, & look what is within him, till ye be perfect in every part of his body. It is but a short horse, and yet contrary to the proverb, he will be long in corying: spare him not therefore, but tire him if ye can, read him day and night, & spur him to the quick. And if your grace perceive, that he interfere, halt, or stumble, (For it is a good horse that never stumbleth) cast him not away therefore, but give him to sum cunning leech, to cure him, and break of from him those evil properties. So doing I doubt not but your grace shallbe delighted and pleased with my gift, and I be made joyous for that you use it according to my desire. For here shall your majesty hear Christ and his church singing the one in praise of the other: and that such sweet & mystical ballads, as I doubt not but will delight any christian hearted ear. Would god that such songs might once drive out of office the bawdy ballads of lecherous love that commonly are indicted and sung of idle courtiers in princes and noble men's houses. They are not fine enough sum will answer: well than would I wish that such fine fellows would becum course enough for such course matters. The coarsest frise best pleaseth the finest of them in winter. And I doubt not but their cold souls should be kept warm with these course songs, if in the winter of their frozen faith, & clumsed charity, they would vouchsafe tunably to sing them. I speak not this of these ballads alone, but of all other of like matter: 
Ephes. v. jacob. v. Thes. iii.  as psalms, and hymns: In which the apostle would have them that rejoice, to be exercised. To which your Majesty hath already given a notable ensample, in causing the psalms brought in to fine english metre, by your godly disposed servant Thomas Sternholde, to be song openly before your grace in the hearing of all your subjects. Which good example, I beseech GOD all your subjects may have grace to follow: that you may be praised as the pattern of virtue, and in the following thereof God may be glorified. Who preserve your Majesty in health, wealth, virtue and honour, now and ever. Amen.  
At London the first of june. 1549.   

The Ballet of Ballettes of Solomon: called in Latin, Canticum Canticorum.  
¶ The first Chapter. ¶ A mystical song of the spiritual and godly love, between Christ the spouse, and the church or congregation his spousess.  
O That he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is more pleasant than wine, & that because of the good and pleasant savour of thy most precious balms. Thy name is a sweet smelling ointment when it is shed forth, therefore do the maidens love thee: draw thou me unto thee: we will run after the. The king hath brought me into his privy chambres. We will be glad & rejoice in thee, we think more of thy love then of wine. They that be righteous love thee. I am black (O ye daughters of jerusalem) like as the tents of the Cedarenes, and as the hangings of Solomon: but yet am I fair & well favoured withal. Marvel not at me that I am so black: for why the sun hath shined upon me. My mother's children had evil will at me, they made me the keeper of the vineyards: but mine own vinyeard have I not kept. Tell me of him whom my soul loveth where thou feedest the sheep, where thou makest them rest at the noon day: for why shall I be like him, that goeth wrong about the flocks of thy companions?  
If thou know not thyself (O thou fairest among women) then go thy way forth after the footsteps of the sheep, and feed thy goats beside the shepherds tents. Unto the host of pharao's charets have I compared thee, O my love. Thy cheeks and thy neck is beautiful as the turtyls, and hanged with spangs and goodly jewels: a nekband of gold will we make thee, with silver buttons.  
When the king sitteth at the table, he shall smell my Nardus: a bundle of Myrrh is my love unto me: he will lie betwixt my breasts. A cluster of camphor in the vineyards of Engaddi, is my love unto me. O how fair art thou (my Love) Oh how fair art thou? thou hast doves eyes. O how fair art thou (my beloved) how well-favoured art thou? Our bed is decte with flowers, the ceilings of our house are of cedar tree, and our cross jointers of Cypress.  


❧ THE CANTIcles or Ballads of Solomon. The first Chapter.  
O That he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: 
The  For thy teats are better than wine, smelling sweet with most fragraunte ointments. Thy name is a poured forth ointment: Therefore the Damosels have loved thee. Draw me unto thee.   

The Argument of the first song.  
THe Church Christ's Spouse, delivered from the corrupt kisses of fleshly pleasures and delights, & rid from the vain works of men in which she long time trusted, having tasted of the pure fountain of gods abundant love and mercy, is so inflamed through faith to love Christ & his merits, that humbling herself she despiseth her form foreign righteousness: & ravished with earnest affection (like a very fervent lover) besyreth the love of her beloved: singing to him in the audience of her maidens, the congregation of young believers, as followeth.   

¶ The Church unto Christ.  
O That my love whom only I desire,  
Which hath me brought from vain to perfect bliss  
To perfect faith, from works of worldly mire:  
Would with his mouth witsafe his Spouse to kiss.  
The 
Gene. xxix. two. Kin. xiiii two. Cor. xiii. Luke. seven. and xxii  Kiss oh Christ, which I of thee require  
Thy grace, thy peace, thy love (my Love) it is:  
Which while I lack, thy father's wrath and ire,  
Condemnesh me for my first fathers wiss.  
The law (alas) the duty of our higher,  
Scarce kept in aught, doth still against me hiss:  
Wherefore o Christ who quenched hast his fire,  
Through love and grace, deliver me from this.  
Which still to crave the more I me incline  
Because thy 
Esai. lxvi.  Teats, thy consolation sweet  
Much better be than any kind of wine:  
Forth from the which the ointments for me meet  
Of truth, of hope, of patience divine,  
With all good gifts of the holy ghost do fleet.  
My spouse the flesh hath dugs, but very dry  
Of fooed or fruit, save what is very ill▪  
From them therefore to thee my Christ I fly,  
Beseeching thee with thine my lust to fill.  
And thou my God suffisance hast alway  
For all mankind, for every soles relief:  

Psal. xliiii.  For all among that God anointed aye,  
Thou wast, and art, and ever shalt be chief.  
Thy name my Dear, that art aye permanent,  
Right son of God that ruleth over all.  
Most wise, 
Esai. ix. and xlvi. and li Deut. xxviii Psalm. viii. cx. and cxii Prou. xviii. Phile. two. Luke. i.  most just, most good, omnipotent,  
Which waist at first and dure for ever shall,  
This thy name is an ointment poured forth,  
Of power to save all that thereon do call.  
Thou art our saviour Christ, the king of worth  
That dost redeem us from our father's fall.  

Hebre. two.  Thou, thou alone, with bind thy cross besprent,  
By mercy hast made free us that were thrall.  
This name of thine my Love, hath such a scent:  
Where preachers shed it as it doth behove,  
That Damsels young, folk young in faith are bend  
With earnest zeal thy mercy much to love.  
For whose increase o God I do thee pray  
To endue me with thy grace: and so to draw  
From carnal lusts, that pluck me still away  
From love of thee and keeping of thy law:  
That in thy truth so earnest be I may,  
Of life so good, in charity not raw,  
That taught of me, these younglings may assay  
To work thy will, which erst in me they saw.    


WE will run after thee: (In the savour of thy sweet smelling ointments. 
The text. )   

¶ The Argument.  
Christ having heard the lovely petition of his Spouse the church, fulfilleth her request: giving her the sweet kiss of peace of conscience, and the ointments of gifts spiritual that run out of his fragrant smelling breasts. With which when he hath coupled her to him, he maketh her so glorious in faith to him ward, and charity towards all folk, that the younglings seeing her godly conversation shining everywhere, are moved the more earnestly to stick unto her. And therefore where as afore they were wavering, for fear of troubles and persecution readier to go back than forward, they now pluck up a good courage: and fully bend to follow, sing unto Christ as followeth.   

¶ The younglings to Christ. two.  
THe fear that kept us longin doubt  
Through grossness of the flesh,  
Now lord alone thou drivest out,  
And dost our souls rifreshe.  
¶ Sith than that for thy spouses sake  
Our weak hearts thou hast won:  
Unto the truth we us betake,  
And after thee we run.    



The text.  THe King hath brought me into his privy Chamber.   

¶ The Argument.  
CHrist seeing the readiness of the younglings, both to follow and run after him, is as ready to receive them: And therefore to th'intent that they faint not by the way, he sendeth forth his spouse to comfort & encourage them. Who preaching to them the mercies of god, and benefits which she hath received of her beloved: singeth very pleasantly as followeth.   

The spouse to the younglings.  

King Christ (ye young) whose love (ye saw) I sought,  
Hath kissed me with his sweet peace and grace.  

Esay. xxvi. and xxxii  He hath by faith my troubled conscience brought  
To peace and rect, his pleasant Chamber place   

For when the law that no man can fulfil,  
Had made me dead and could me not revive.  
Because the flesheful sore against my will  
Mayntaynd with sin, did still against me strive.  
With price of blood, he freely bought me free,  
giving me life by love, and made me just.  
His restful places, Lo ye young, these be:  
Whertil he brings all those that in him trust.     


IN the will we rejoice and be glad: 
The text.  we will think more of thy seats than upon wine. They that be righteous, love thee.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe younglings delighted with the consolation of the churches pleasant song, enter into the kings chambers, from whence they tender thanks and praises to Christ for his benefits, singing.   

The younglings to Christ.  
We will rejoice and joy in thee,  
O Lord omnipotent:  
Which through thy mercy makest free  
Them that to truth be bend.  
¶ Thy fruitful teats that are so fine,  
Thy consolations sweet,  
We will remember more than wine:  
Which are for us most meet.  
¶ For faith all only in thy blood  
In God the father's light,  
We are reputed just and good:  
Where works are all to light.  
¶ Wherefore the young whom thou for just  
By mercy dost approve,  
In thee alone, put all their trust,  
And merely do thee love.    



The text:  I Am black and well-favoured with all (O ye Daughters of jerusalem) like the Chedarenes tents, and like the hangings of Solomon. Despise me not though I be brown: for the Sun hath shined upon me: My mother's children had evil will at me, they made me the keeper of the vineyards, but mine own vinyeard I have not kept.   

¶ The Argument.  
BEcause it is needful that all which will be partakers of the benefits and sweet consolations of Christ, must also be partakers of his troubles and bitter afflictions: For persecution followeth the gospel: either inwardly by temptation of the wicked devil, or else outwardly by the malice of his cruel ministers: therefore the Church by example of herself warneth the younglings hereof, singing as followeth.   

The Church to the Younglings. v.  
O ye fair Daughters of Jerusalem,  
Ye faithful folk which pleased are so well▪  
In Christ's teats in which there is no wem,  
And in his restful parlours where ye dwell:  
Now take good heed, and learn ye all by me  
In faith to stand in stormy troubles stout.  
Lo I am black well-favoured though I be:  
For persecution toucheth me without.  
Without I am like to the 
Gene. xxxv.  Scithicke tents,  
Which outward black keep treasures hid within:  
For though I be afflict with divers dentes,  
No farther yet pierce they than to the skin.  
The peace of Christ doth still within me dwell,  
And I am like to 
two. Paral. iii.  salomon's curtin:  
For purple silk, with faith adorned well,  
And with God's spirit, in stead of Cherubin.  
Despise me not therefore though I be brown,  
In sight of men both abject, vain and vile:  
For why the 
Malac. iiii. Luke. two.  Sun, even Christ hath shined down,  
And burned my soul, which sins do sore defile.  
So that my works appear now through his light,  
Full foul (God wot) the best not free from sin.  
Yet by his beams that shine on me so bright  
I mortify old Adam hid within.  
Why I am black an other cause there is:  
My mother's sons (for Eva is mother of all)  
Fel out with me, the cause whereof is this:  
I damn my works, on Christ's mercies I call,  
True faith in Christ all only maketh me just.  
Thus I believe, whereat they all repine,  
And would compel me on my works to trust.  
Eke in their vines, their laws to bad for swine▪  
They have me set, a keeper for to be.  
Of Sathanas the synagogue they are,  
A minister whereof they did make me:  
Which made me black, and doth my beauty mar.  
They made me think that false hypocrisy,  
With ryghtles rites devised by their brain,  
Were able enough my soul to justify:  
By means whereof, Kristes death I counted vain.  
And these their laws repugnant to the truth,  
Their vineyards vile, I have attended long.  
But mine own vine, my soul even from my youth,  
I have not kept, but evermore gone wrong.    



The text.  O Thou whom my soul loveth, tell me where ●hou feedest, & where thou restest at none tide: lest I begin to wander after thy fellows flocks.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe younglings having heard the spouses open declaration both of her life passed, and also of her present estate, and doubting lest they may be deceived & seduced as she before time had been, because they would be sure, commit themselves to her giding & custody. But the church knowledging her unableness by her own wit & power to keep herself, committeth to Christ the cure of altogether. And to th'intent she be not provoked through the subtle deceit of false doctrine, to wander & stray from the truth, she desireth her beloved to show her the right way where and how to find him, singing as followeth.   

The Spouse to her beloved.  
O Christ my love beloved of my soul,  
I know that thou delighting in the light.  
In mid day time, when men in faith be hole,  
Dost feed and rest, through pleasure and delight.  
But in what place thou dost thee feed and rest.  
I am not sure, wherefore I thee desire  
To teach me that, lest I with all the rest  
By wandering wide, defile us in the mire.  
The Church malignant with her many mocks,  
To be thy fellow boldly doth her boast,  
And in thy name hath gathered mighty flocks:  
Which stray abroad welnygh in every caost.  
New folds, new faiths, she daily doth device  
Her flocks to feed, wherein alas they stray:  
And as for thine she counteth of no price,  
Praying by force, all sheep from them away.  
Yet in thy name her office she doth hold,  
Making her vaunt that she the true Church is:  
Enforcing all that would be of thy fold,  
Such weeds to eat, as she hath sown amiss.  
That I therefore lead not thy young awry,  
Nor fall among thy feigned fellows flock,  
Inform me where thou dost thee feed and lie,  
O Christ my light, my shepherd, and my rock.    


IF thou know not thyself O thou fairest among women, come forth: 
The text.  and follow the footsteps of thy flock, and feed thy kids hard by the shepherds tents.   

¶ The Argument.  
BEcause the Church distrusting herself, putteth her whole confidence in her Beloved, praying him so earnestly to teach her how she may rightly instruct her Younglynges, he having heard and allowed her humble petition, maketh answer to her request, singing as followeth.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. seven.  
IF thou the fairest of all woman kind,  
That ever I found most faithful in deed,  
Dost not of thyself know where me to find,  
Except by my grace thou thereto proceed:  
Because all wisdom of flesh is to blind  
To search out the place where I lie and feed:  
Because I thee love and am to thee kind,  
The truth will I teach thee: if thou wilt speed,  
Come forth fro thyself.  
Cum forth fro thyself, come forth fro the darkesum  
trust in thy deeds, whereof all the pack  
That man may devise, are not worth a spark  
Of faith in my blood, where can be no lack.  
Although that the church malignant do bark,  
Come forth from her folds: and bear on thy back  
My Lode, Cross, and yoke, which shall be thy mark  
For her to detest, and put thee to wrack:  
Yet trace thou my steps.  
Yet trace thou my steps, so shalt thou be sure  
To guide right thy young, that long to be fed.  
And sith that thou hast of such taken cure  
Which young are in truth, like kids lately bred,  
first feed them with milk, let love them allure:  
Than strength them with faith, (of scripture the head)  
By good shepherds tents, my word that is pure.  
Learn them by the life of saints that are dead  
In faith to be firm.    



The text:  I Have likened thee O my Love, to mine oaste in pharao's chariots. Thy cheeks are fair like the Turtle dove. Thy neck is like unto a goodly jewel: we will make thee a neckebande of gold, beset with silver buttons.   

¶ The argument.  
Christ having taught his Spouse where and how to find him, and after what sort she shall instruct her younglings: now that the younglings may delight in her the more, beginneth to praise her, not for because she hath any thing praise worthy of herself, but for the good gifts that he hath given her: which nevertheless he calleth hers, because he gave her them freely: she confessing also that whatsoever good she hath, cometh from him, which hath made her beautiful. For which and many other good gifts he willing to praise her, singeth before the younglings as followeth.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. viii.  
THee (o my Spouse) which dost the things that I require,  
Which longtime strayedst wide, to sin a captive thrall:  
I liken to mine 
Luke. two.  Oast, mine Angels bright as fire,  
But yockt in pharao's carts, the captain principal  
Of hell, of hell.  
From whose power I thee quit so soon as faithfully  
Thou didst in me believe, and have thee armed so  
With gifts of grace divine, that except wilfully  
Thou yield, not sin, nor death have might to work thee woe,  
Nor hell, nor hell.  
For why thy Cheeks be fair, I mean thine outward hue,  
Which beautified by me, that am thy body's head,  
Shine like to the holy ghost, (which is the turtle true)  
With love, with grace and light, and beauty overspread,  
Full well, full well.  
Thy neck, that is thy faith by which thou dost receive  
All gifts which I thee give, as justice, life, and grace,  
Is like a golden ouche that doth no sight deceive,  
Which viler things help not, but may it foul disgrace  
Right well, right well.  
Because therefore thy neck, thy perfect faith is pure:  
Lest with the laws of men, thou do it foully file,  
Even we the Trinity will make thee a neckebonde sure,  
Beset with silver spangs, works for thy faith not vile,  
But good, but good.  
Good works that shall proceed of faith, as humbleness  
Toward us the Lord thy God, obedience to our will:  
With love, all such to help as shallbe succourless.  
This neckebande shalt thou wear▪ these works accept we will  
For good, for good.    



The text:  While the King was in his resting place, my Narde yielded forth the savour. My Beloved is to me a bundle of Myrrh, he will tarry between my breasts: a cluster of Cypress is my love unto me in the vineyards of Engaddi.   

¶ The Argument.  
SCarce hath Christ finished his song, but that his Spouse according to her duty, rendereth him thanks therefore, transcribing unto him that worketh in her both the will and deed of all goodness, the praise of all her goodly beauty. And that the younglings whom she hath taken charge of may know how to wear the neckebande of good works, which God hath prepared & given her, so that her Beloved may be pleased withal, she teacheth the younglings by example of herself, singing as followeth.   

¶ The Spouse to the younglings.  

Rewards that I walked in works of man's device,  
Thinking myself of power myself to save,  
I did good deeds, but they were of no price:  
For fault of faith I could no merit have.   

But after Christ had sowed in my breast  
The seed of faith, through his benevolence:  
And as a King had laid him down to rest  
Upon his Couch, my quiet conscience:   

Than did my Narde, mine ointment of belief  
Yield forth the smell, the fruitful works of faith.  
Among the which my charity for chief  
God doth accept, and most of value weigheth.   

So that my Love whom I to be do know  
A bundle of Myrrh, though bitter, yet in saint  
Exceeding good, and making all things slow  
For to corrupt, that therewithal be meint:   

Between my breasts, such comfort as I show  
To all that need, delighteth for to dwell.  
Ye Christ my Love from whom all faith doth flow,  
In me his Church so pleasantly doth smell,   

That to my taste he is the goodly grain  
Of Cypress sweet, which commonly doth spring  
Among the vines, the elect that do remain  
In 
The text.  Engaddi, God's truth, the true kids spring.     


Lo thou art fair my Love, Lo thou art fair: Thou hast doves eyes.   

¶ The Argument.  
When the Church hath transcribed the glory of all her goodness to her Beloved, and praised him as the Author thereof, he pleased with this her true judgement, praiseth her therefore, singing again as followeth.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. x.  
Lo thou my Love, art fair:  
Myself have made thee so,  
Yea thou art fair in deed,  
Wherefore thou shalt not need  
In beauty to despair:  
For I accept thee lo  
For fair.  
For fair, because thine eyes  
Are like the culvers, white:  
Whose simpleness in deed  
All others do exceed:  
Thy judgement wholly lies  
In true sense of sprite,  
Most wise.    


O How fair art thou my Beloved, o how well-favoured and beautiful art thou: 
The Text.  Our bed is decked with flowers, the sylynges of our houses are of cedar tree, and our cross jointers of Cypress.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Church so highly commended of Christ for the simplicity of her true and upright judgement, yieldeth him thanks again both because it pleased him to give it her, and also to accept it so well in worth: and to encourage the younglings to love him the better, she praiseth his beauty and other benefits, singing.   

¶ The Spouse to her Beloved. xi.  

THou thou o Christ, it is that art so fair,  
Yeà my Beloved, most beautiful art thou:  
As for my borrowed beauty may appayer,  
Which were but filth except thou it allow.   

But sith thou Lord, most fair, most beautiful,  
Jmputest to me part of thy beauty bright,  
Behold our Bed, our peace most plentiful  
Of conscience, doth flourish through thy might.   

Our houses eke of faith wherein we dwell,  
Have sylynges fine, the scriptures truly taught,  
Of cedar tree, whose everlasting smell  
Shall still endure when all things come to nought.   

With these sylynges Cross jointers joined are  
Of Cypress sweet, a wood that will not rot:  
Good works in which we do our faith declare,  
Through lively love, with death that dieth not.     
❧ Here endeth the first Chapter.   

¶ The ii Chapter  
I Am the Lily of the field, and the Rose of the valleys: as the rose among the thorns, so is my Love among the daughters. Like as the appul tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. My delight is to sit under his shadow, for his fruit is sweet unto my throat. He bringeth me into his wine cellar, his banner spread over me is love. Set about me cups of wine, comfort me with appuls, for I am sick of love: 
Cant. viii. a  His left hand lieth under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me. 
Cantic. three b.  I charge you, o ye daughters of jerusalem, by the Roes & Hinds of the field that ye wake not up my love nor touch her, till she be content herself. Me think I hear the voice of my beloved: lo, there cometh he hopping upon the mountains, and leaping over the little hills. My beloved is like a Roe, or a young Hart. Behold he standeth behind our wall, he looketh in at the window, and pepeth thorough the grate. My beloved answered and said unto me: O stand up my love, my beautiful, & go to thine own: for lo, the winter is now past, the rain is away and gone. The flowers are come up in the field, the time of birds singing is cum, & the voice of the turtle dove is heard in our land. The figtree bringeth forth her figs, and the vines bear blossoms, and have a good smell. O stand up then and come my love, my beautiful, and cum I say (O my dove) out of the caves of the rocks, out of the holes of the wall: O let me see thy countenance, and hear thy voice: for sweet is thy voice, & fair is thy face. Get us the foxes yea the little foxes that hurt the vines, for our vines bear blossoms. 
Cantica. vi.  My love is mine, and I am his, which feedeth among the roses, until the day break, and till the shadows be gone. Cum again (O my beloved) and be like as a Roe or a young hart upon the wide mountains.  


¶ The second Chapter.  
I Am the flower of the field, and the Lily of the valleys: 
The text.  As the lily among the Thorns, so is my Spouse among the daughters.   

¶ The argument.  
CHrist having heard his Spouse praise him for his beauty and favour through which she was made beautiful and obtained the bed of peace, and house in the last song declared, calleth now to mind his humanity: which after he hath evidently declared, he taketh thereof a new occasion to praise his Church, singing.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. xii.  
THe flower of the field am I,  
That springeth alone, unset:  
Whom Mary brought forth fleshly,  
Though man did me not beget,  
Nor set.  
Yet am not I like the flower  
Which once being ripe, doth die:  
But as the violet hath power  
Whose flower smelleth most sweetly,  
So I.  
The Lily am I likewise,  
The glorious beauty bright  
Of the humble, who as valleys,  
Lie low, doubting of their might  
To rise.  
These valleys among below  
Whom hills set aloft, do hide:  
I Christ for the more part grow,  
By faith in them I abide,  
Not slow.  
And as I that am thy head  
Am fair, so art thou my Spouse:  
For as Lilies white and read  
In beauty far pass the bows  
Of thorn,  
Even so thou my Love, dost pass  
In faith other daughters borne:  
The unfaithful that do not pass  
To prick thee much worse than thorn,  
With howes.    


LIke as the apple tree among the trees of the wood: so is my Beloved among the sons. 
The text.    

¶ The Argument.  
BEcause Christ compared his Spouse to a flower, she compareth him again to an Apple tree, singing.   

¶ The Spouse to her Beloved. xiii.  
NOt I my Love, it is,  
But thou that art so good:  
For I am scarce a flower,  
Where thou art very fruit.  
For as among the trees  
That wild grow in the wood,  
By nature sharp and sour,  
The Apple tree not brute  
But pure, is of great price:  
So thou Beloved of me,  
Among the sons of God,  
Spirits, Angels, souls, and men,  
Art principal in power.  
For all obey to thee,  
By scripture unforbod  
To worship where and when,  
Thy name at every hour,  
With bowing of their knees.    


I Sat down under the shadow of him whom I desired: 
The text:  & his fruit is sweet in my throat. The king led me in to his wine cellar, and lifted up to me his banner of love.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Church having compared Christ to an apple tree, declareth to the younglings the cause why she so did, sweetly singing as followeth.   

¶ The Church to the Younglings. xiiii.  
I Which did long my Love to know,  
Who is the apple tree of life:  
Have sit down in his 
Psalm. xvi. Esai. xlix.  kShade below,  
Which is his help and refuge rise.  
In this trees shade is quiet rest  
For all that truly therein trust:  
In which to sit for them is best,  
Who to find rest in soul, do lust.  
For whiles I rested me in the shade  
Of Christ's help, there did I eat  
The fruit thereof, God's spirit, which made  
Me feel the taste of Manna meat.  
Whereof the relish is so sweet  
Unto my Throat, while I it chew:  
That down I fall at Christ's feet,  
For this his fooed, high thanks to show.  
For while I sat under his wing,  
And trusted whole in power divine:  
Than did he lead me like a King,  
Into his word, his house of wine. 
Oseas. two.   
In which when I holp from above,  
Was well refreshed, my King set up  
His standard strong, which is his love,  
For me, and all that taste his cup.    


Deck me with flowers, 
The text.  & comfort me with apples: for I am love sick.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Church being in the wine seller of God's holly word, and seeing therein the banner of his love which he displayed for her, when he gave up his body to the cross, & suffered with horrible pain and pangs of death, his blood to be shed and powered forth, only for her sake, to purge and cleanse her from all spot and wrinkle, and to make her of his foul enemy his fair Spouse, is so ravished with beholding his mercy, that desirous to have all people love him she brasteth forth in her pangs, singing to the Younglings.   

¶ The Spouse to the younglings xv.  
THe streamer have I seen  
Of love, which Kriste my King  
Hath reared for those that been  
The flock whom he would bring  
To love.  
With sight whereof my soul  
Doth flame in like desire,  
And languisshing all whole  
Is fiercely set on fire,  
With love.  
Pave me therefore ye young,  
With flowers beset me thick:  
Ye faithful make me strong,  
For lo how I am sick  
For love.  
With apples fill me full,  
Gods wurd the lively quick:  
With gifts most plentiful  
Of grace, for I am sick  
Of Love:  
Of love, because I long  
That all mought saved be:  
That all that wander wrong  
Might cleave to Christ and me,  
By love.    



The Text  HIs left hand is under my head, & his right hand shall embrace me.   

¶ The Argument.  
SO fervent is the Church's zeal to bring all creatures to the love of her Beloved, that it causeth the wicked, and such as hate the truth, to persecute her: which also for a while Christ suffereth, to try whether she be constant in the truth or no. Which she knowing well-enough, exhorteth the younglings not to be afraid though the malice of man for a time seem to prevail: and to cumfort them the more, allegeth that it cometh not against her Beloveds will, but purposely by the providence of God, whatsoever tribulation she suffer: and that at length she shall have the victory over all her enemies.   

¶ The Spouse to the younglings. xvi.  
Under my head my Love hath laid  
His left hand of adversity,  
To prove if I would be afraid  
His truth most true to testify  
Continually.  
He suffereth men me to assail  
To try me oft and diversly  
To see if malice may prevail  
To make me leave him perversely,  
Continually  
Wherewith although I be afflict,  
In worth I take all lovingly:  
Being for Christ's sake addict  
To suffer all pains willingly,  
Continually.  
For God when it shall please his grace,  
May turn my trust to victory:  
For why his right hand will embrace  
His Church with all prosperity,  
Continually.    


I Charge you o ye daughters of jerusalem, 
The Text.  by the Roes and Hinds of the field, that ye wake not up my Love, nor touch her till she be content herself.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Spouse having drunk in the wine cellar of her Beloved, the secret mysteries of his holy spirit, sitten under his shadow, eaten the apples of ghostly graces, garnished with the sweet smelling flowers of many faithful people, underlayed with the left hand of affliction, and embraced with the right hand of consolation, obtaineth perfect peace: and layeth her down to sleep and rest in Christ. Who taking upon him to save and keep her in quiet, chaurgeth that none wake her through errors or new opinions, singing.   

Christ to the younglings. xvii.  
O All ye daughters of Jerusalem,  
I charge ye all both by the Roes and Hinds,  
The spirits of Angels, brighter than the gem,  
And in your help far swifter than the winds:  
Which run about as hind or roe in field,  
To help the good that in my church do dwell:  
By these I charge you, as ye will they yield  
Their service due, to save and keep you well,  
That at no hand ye touch or cause to wake,  
The Church my Spouse, that resteth in my lap:  
With vain believes, which fleshly brains do make  
For snaffling snares my faithful to betrap.  
But let her lie till by her own accord  
She wake herself, compelled by the zeal  
She birth to you, to lead you to the Lord  
That only can your souls sore wounded, heal.    


I Hear the voice of my Beloved: Lo he cometh hopping in the mountains, 
The text.  leaping over the little hills. My Beloved is like a Goat or an Hearts hind. Lo where he standeth behind our wall, looking in at the window, and peeping through the lattesses.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Church hearing christ give so straight charge that none wake her, knoweth so well his voice, that she affirmeth it to be his. And that it may the better be regarded, she declareth to the younglings what he is that hath given the charge, singing.   

The Spouse to the younglings. xviii.  
OF my Beloved this is the voice,  
For I do know his voice in deed:  
Which causeth me much to rejoice,  
That he, to me, will take such heed.  
Lo how he leapeth upon the hills,  
And danceth down the dales by stealth:  
Which in his flesh all manner ills  
And scorn, hath borne, to give me health.  
Yea Christ my Love most good and kind  
His Spouse to help in time of need,  
Is swift as Angel, Roe or Hind:  
But much, more ruche, in making speed.  
Lo where he stands behind our wall,  
Our flesh, that doth the soul divide  
From God the good, through Adam's fall:  
Whose sin, within our flesh doth bide.  
Through which he by his gifts of grace,  
Doth peep and look in at our grate,  
And shine through faith our wyndoe place,  
To bend, and mend our woeful state.    



The Text  MY Beloved answered me and said: Arise make haste my love, my dove my most beautiful, and cum.   

¶ The Argument.  
The Church whom no man may wake up, but her Beloved, asketh him continually what she shall do: And when he hath made her an answer, she publisheth it to the younglings, singing.   

¶ The Church to the Younglings. nineteen.  
MY Love whom in my heart always  
I ask what work, he will I do,  
Made answer thus without delay,  
And lovely spoke me to:  
Arise, arise.  
Up, up my Love, my dove, my friend,  
Make haste, whom I have made so fair:  
And cum to me, I will thee send  
My flock for to repair.  
Arise, arise.    


Now the winter is past, the rain shower is gone, and departed. The flowers have appeared in our land. The singing time is cum. The Turtles voice was heard in our land: The fig tree hath brought forth her buds, and the flowered vines have yielded their smell. Up therefore my Love, make haste my darling: and cum O my dove in to the holes of the rock, into the hid ladder degrees, and show me thy face, and let me hear thy voice: For thy voice is sweet, and thy face beautiful.   

¶ The Argument.  
Christ seeing his Spouse ready to rise, encourageth her to make great haste: and exhorting her to preach, declareth how both the time and place is now fit therefore, openly singing.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. xx.  
OF unbelief now is cowlde winter past,  
The storms likewise of blindness, and of trust  
In man's device, the which did overcast  
The truth, are gone: are known to be but rust.  
And lo the flowers of faithful men and just  
In the earth, our land, in beauty bud and bloom:  
So that the time for which thou long didst lust,  
The singing time, the time to preach is cum.  
The turtles voice, the voice of the holy ghost,  
The wurd of God sincerely as it ought  
Was heard abroad in our lands little coast,  
And as it should, effectually hath wrought.  
The figtree lo, her blossoms forth hath brought,  
The budded vines have yielded out their smell:  
The faithful folk to whom my truth was taught,  
In faith and works, exceedingly excel.  
Arise therefore my Spouse, my special Love,  
Make haste, make speed, purely my word to preach:  
And cum to me, cum, cum to me my dove,  
To whom I give mine holy ghost to teach.  
Cum to the Rock, to me thy steady leech,  
Come to the holes, the merits of my death:  
Come to the hid degrees of faith, that reach  
To perfectness, assisted by my breath.  
Then turn to me thy face, and let me hear  
Thy voice aloud, like thunder in the air.  
Thy preaching voice is pleasant to mine ear,  
And in mine ●ye thy face is very fair.    


CAtch us the foxes, the little foxes that waste the vines, 
The text.  and our vine burgeons.   

¶ The Argument.  
Whiles the Church according to Christ's commandment, preacheth remission of sins, through faith in his blood, death and merits, false Apostles seeing the people ready to receive what soever is taught▪ fain themselves to be the Spouses helpers: and under that title deceiving the surple rude souls, preach for their profit, their own dreams and inventions: promising merit and satisfaction for superstitious wylwurkes. Which christ perceiving, giveth his Spouse warning of them: & straitly charging her to preach against them: singeth.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. xxi.  
Catch us the false foxes that preach not the truth,  
Those young little foxes which flatter my youth:  
Catch them with scripture, declare them their folly,  
Teach them to preach true my word that is holly:  
And stroy not my vineyards.  
They labour with learning the truth to deny,  
And through their false feigning to lead men awry,  
Wasting my vineyard, my people most holy:  
Therefore catch them quickly, that they by their folly,  
Destroy not my vineyards.  
For lo now my vine trees begin thick to bud,  
In bringing forth burgeons the which will be good:  
Catch then these foxes ye preachers most holy,  
Lest by their flattering and false feigned folly,  
They stroy all my vineyards.    


Mine is my Beloved, and I his, 
The text.  which feedeth among the lilies: until the day break and till the shadows be gone.   

¶ The argument.  
THe Spouse considering the carefulness that her Beloved taketh for her and her maidens, admonisheth them thereof: and declaring what love she beareth him again, and will do ever, singeth.   

¶ The Spouse to the younglings xxii.  
Christ my Beloved which still doth feed  
Among the flowers, having delight  
Among his faithful lilies:  
Doth take great care for me in deed,  
And I again with all my might  
Will do what so his will is.  
My Love in me, and I in him,  
conjoined by love will still abide  
Among the faithful lilies:  
Till day do break, and truth do dim  
All shadows dark, and cause them slide  
According as his will is.    



The text:  Return O my Beloved, and be like a Roe & young Hart upon the mountains Bather.   

¶ The argument.  
The Church according to Christ's commandment, goeth about to catch the foxes: admonishing them of their wickedness, and showing what hurt they do to the lords vineyards with preaching their own dreamed devices, & superstitious works: charitably exhorting them to cease from perverting the people, and abusing the holy scriptures. But the foxes are so proud, stubborn and stout, that they will not yield: but wilfully resist still the truth. Wherefore she supposing that God hath given them over by withdrawing his grace from them, instantly prayeth her Beloved to return unto them: and to mollify their hardened hearts, that they may repent and be saved: singing.   

¶ The Spouse to Christ. xxiii.  
Return my Love, to these that are so blind,  
And give them grace, for lack whereof they err:  
Come swift my Love, like to a Roe and hind,  
Upon these proud, these mountains of ❀ Bather.  
For from thy truth these proud divided be,  
Of stomach haute, with troubles vexed sore:  
But meken them, and make them cum to me,  
Which soon shall be, if thou thy grace restore.    
❧ Here endeth the second Chapter.   

¶ The third Chapter. ❧  
BY night in my bed I sought him, whom my soul loveth: ye diligently sought I him, but I found him not. I will get up (thought I) and go about the city, in the ways in all the streets will I seek him whom my soul loveth: but when I sought him I found him not. The watchmen also that go about the city, found me. Saw ye not him whom my soul loveth? So when I was a little past them, I found him whom my soul loveth. I have gotten hold upon him, and will not let him go, until I bring him into my mother's house, and into her chamber that bore me 
Cantic. two. ●.  I charge you, O ye daughters of jerusalem, by the Roes and Hinds of the field, that ye wake not up my love nor touch her, till she be content herself. Who is this, that cometh up out of the wilderness like vapours of smoke, as it were a smell of Myrrh, frankincense, and all manner spices of the Apoticary? Behold, about salomon's bedstede there stand lx valiant men of the most mighty in Israel. They hold swords every one, and are expert in war. Every man also hath his sword upon his thigh, because of fear in the night: King Solomon had made himself a palace of the wood of Libanus the pillars are of silver, the covering of gold, the seat of purple, the ground is pleasantly paved with love for the daughters of jerusalem. Go forth (O ye daughters of Zion) and behold King Solomon in the crown: wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his marriage, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.  


¶ The third Chapter.  
BY night, in my bed sought I for him whom my soul loveth. I sought him but I found him not. I will rise now and go about the city, by the lanes & streets will I seek him whom my soul loveth. I sought him, but I found him not.  
The keepers which go about the city, found me. Have ye not seen him, whom my soul loveth? When I was a little passed forth from them, I found him whom my soul loveth. I got hold upon him, and will not let him go again, until I have brought him into my mother's house, and in to the Chamber of her that bore me.   

¶ The Argument.  
AT the desire of his Spouse, Christ cometh upon the mountains of Bather, the hard hearted Foxes that destroyed his vineyards, mekening through his grace, their lofty stomachs: so humbling them that they acknowledging their wickedness, do repent and recant the false doctrine that they taught. And now received through saith and humility into the fellowship of Christ's holy Church, they confess and openly publish the vaynenes of their former life and of the traditions and glorious will works, which they so stiffly maintained, singing.   

The new converted Spouse to the younglings. xxiiii.  
IN wisdom of the flesh, my bed,  
Fond trust in works of man's devise,  
By night, in darkness of the dead,  
I sought for Christ, as one unwise,  
Whom my soul loveth.  
I sought him long, but found him not,  
Because I sought him not aright:  
I sought in works, but now I wots  
He is found by faith, not in the night,  
Whom my soul loveth.  
I will up (thought I) and get me out  
In lanes and streets my Love to find:  
And wander others works about,  
To seek him in that city blind,  
Whom my soul loveth.  
I sought him there but could not speed.  
The watch that of that city been,  
False preachers there found me in deed:  
Of whom I asked if they had seen  
Whom my soul loveth.  
They saw him not, nor greatly past  
My soul that sought him to confound:  
But when I was a little past  
From them and theirs, than him I found  
Whom my soul loveth.  
I caught him quick, by faith and grace,  
And will not suffer him departed,  
Till I have brought him to the place  
Where I him sought with blinded heart,  
Whom my soul loveth.  
Till I him bring into the place  
Of unbelief, my mother's house  
And Chamber: that she may embrace  
His word, and be with me his spouse,  
Whom my soul loveth.    


I Charge you o ye daughters of jerusalem, by the Roes & Hinds of the field, 
The text.  that ye wake not up my Love, nor touch her, till she be content herself.   

¶ The Argument.  
SO earnest is their zeal, whom God calleth to the truth, that after themselves have by faith and grace obtained Christ and the true sense of his holy spirit, they can not be quiet until they have brought all other unbelievers of whose sect sometime they were, unto the state that they now be in. Which when this new converted church hath brought to pass, she committeth herself wholly to Christ, who laying her down to rest in the bed of quietness of conscience: commandeth that none wake her: singing the same again, which in the second chapter he song to the younglings.   

Christ to the younglings. xxv.  
O O ye daughters of Jerusalem▪ etc. As before in the fowertenth song, in the second Chapter.  
THe rest of this chapter is the speech of the ministers of the first church, which being now perfect, are becum the friends of God, that is to say his true and constant preachers▪ which shrink not for any kind of tribulation: but boldly preach his word in the mids of persecution.  
WHo is she that cometh up by the wyldrenes, 
The text.  like a spire of smoke, made of the odours of Myrrh, and frankincense, with all other kinds of Apothecary spices.  
While the new converted Spouse resteth in the sweet peace of conscience, she waxeth daily more perfect and perfect: ascending from faith to faith, from clearness to clearness until she cum to perfectness: so that in this world which is a desert void of good people, she in all love, patience, virtue, holiness and perseverance in truth so shineth, that the first Spouse as it were amazed thereat: singeth.  

The Friends to the younglings. xxvi.  
What one is this that from the desert dry  
Of unbelief, like to the vapours thick  
Of frankincense, in true belief up high  
Ascendeth sweet: as myrrh that burneth trick  
With apothecary spice?  
It is the Church that hath obtained rest  
Of conscience, by faith in Christ's blood:  
Whom though the world do utterly detest,  
Yet smokth she up with works that are as good,  
As apothecary spice.     



The text.  Behold, about salomon's bedstede are lx valiant men of the most mighty in Israel. They hold swords every one, and are expert in war. Every man also hath his sword upon his thigh, because of fears in the night.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe perfect Spouse perceiving that the other is in the bed of Christ, out of which she smoketh up so sweetly, praiseth the bed to the younglings: singing.   

¶ The Spouse to the younglings. xxvii.  
Behold ye young, behold and see the bed  
Of Solomon, Christ's peace wherein we dwell:  
With threescore men most strong and mighty fed  
Beset about, the strong of Israel  
That faithful are and wise.  
Of which each one doth hold a cutting swurd,  
Expert therewith to strike and ward in war:  
Well learned they be to preach and teach Gods wurd,  
And with the same to keep all errors far  
From godly men and wise.  
Upon their thigh this swurd, God's word they wear,  
Girded therewith for fear of enemies,  
That cum by night the feeble for to fear  
With privy traps of subtle heresies  
Which fleshly wits devise.    


KIng Solomon made himself a tabernacle of the wood of Libanus: 
The Text  the pillars made he of silver, the covering of gold, the stairs of purple: in the mids thereof is made a pavement of love for the Daughters of jerusalem. Go forth (O ye daughters of Zion) & behold King Solomon in the crown: wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his Spousage, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Spouse having showed to the Yonglinges the beauty and munition of Christ's bed, which is the peace of conscience obtained by faith, through hope and assurance of life and joy everlasting, for the merits of Christ's death & passion: how it is invirened with true and faithful preachers which hold the sword of the spirit, able to confound therewith what so ever doctrine of man may disquiet any of the faithful resting in the same, describeth in like manner the humanity of her Beloved, singing.   

¶ The Spouse to the younglings xxviii.  

KIng Solomon, king Christ the prince of peace,  
Made for himself a tabernacle clear,  
Of trees that sweet in Libanus increase,  
A carnal corpse, whereof the py●●ers were  
Of silver sheen, the sylynges fine of gold:  
Sweet for to smell, and goodly to behold.   

The stairs whereto of purple he hath wrought,  
His blood and spirit, whereby we do ascend  
To perfect bliss, to which we all be brought  
By help of grace which he to us doth lend.  
Upon these stairs, by faith we do obtain  
The life, for which our saviour Christ was slain.   

In the mids of Christ's tabernacle strong  
With wounds beset, is made a pavement fair  
Of Love, for such as for his grace do long:  
His faithful flock that will to him repair.  
This love hath Christ provided for all them  
That are the daughters of Jerusalem.   

Cum forth therefore from fleshly love most vain  
Ye faithful folk, ye Zion daughters trim,  
To see king Christ, who for your sake was slain  
In flesh wherewith his mother crowned him  
By birth, with mirth, the day when man and God  
Were joined with joy, who long before were odd.   

Cum see his flesh, believe that for your sake  
He died therein, and rose again to life:  
That by his blood he might them righteous make  
That trust in him, and cleave unto his wife.  
Cum forth to see this Solomon your king,  
Who may alone your souls to glory bring.     
The end of the third Chapter.   

¶ The fourth Chapter.  
O How fair art thou, my love, how fair art thou? thou hast doves eyes, beside that which lieth hid within. Thy hairy locks are like the wool of a flock of goats that be shorn upon Mount Gilead: Thy teeth are like sheep of the same bigness, which went up from the washing place: where every one beareth two twins, and not one unfruitful among them. Thy lips are like a rose coloured rybonde, thy words are lovely, thy cheeks are like a piece of a Pomegranate within thine hears. Thy neck is like the tower of David builded with costly stones lying out on the sides, where upon there hang a thousand shields, yea all the weapons of the Giants. Thy two breasts are like two twins of young Roes, which feed among Roses▪ O that I might go to the mountain of Myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense: till the day break and till the shadows be passed away. Thou art all fair, O my love, and no spot is there in thee. Come to me from Libanus (O my spouse) come to me from Libanus, look from the top of Amana, from the top of Sanir and Hermon, from the lions dens and from the mountains of the Leopards. Thou hast with love bewitched my heart, O my Sister, my spouse, thou hast bewitched my heart with one of thine eyes, and with one chain of thy neck. O how fair are thy breasts, my sister my spouse? Thy breasts are more pleasant than wine, and the smell of thine ointments passeth all spices. Thy lips o my Spouse, drop as the honey comb: yea milk and honey is under thy tongue, and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Libanus. A garden well locked is my sister, my spouse, a garden well locked, and a sealed well. The fruits that are planted in the are like a very Paradise of Pomegranates, with sweet fruits: as Camphor, Nardus, and Saffron, Calamus, and cinnamon, with all swear smelling trees: Myrrh, Aloes, and all the best spices: a well of gardens, a well of living waters, which rendoune from Libanus. Up thou Northewind, cum thou South wind and blow upon my garden, that the smell thereof may be carried on every side, yea and that my beloved may come in to his garden, & eat of the sweet fruits that grow therein.  


¶ The fourth Chapter.  
Lo thou art fair my Love, 
The Text.  thou art fair, thou hast doves eyes, beside the tire thereupon. Thy hears are flocks of Goats, which are shorn from of mount Gileal. Thy lips are like the red scarlet thread, and thy speech is sweet. Thy cheeks be like to an half pomegranate, beside thy fillet. Thy Neck is like to David's tower which is builded with his bulwarks, whereupon hang a thousand shyeldes, the armour of most valiant men. Thy two teats are like a goats two double twins, which are fed among lilies, till the day break, and till the shadoes pass away.   

¶ The Argument.  
When the perfect Preachers have declared the humanity of Christ, in which he made satisfaction to his father for the sins of the whole world, he praising them again, for all his gifts in them, singeth.   

¶ Christ to his perfect Spouse. xxix.  

Lo, thou art fair, lo thou art fair my Love,  
Doves eyes thou hast, in judgement simpleness:  
Besides thy paste that stands thine eyes above,  
Thy goodly attire of faith and humbleness.   

Thy hears also, thy truths most principal  
Are like a flock of Goats most quick and pure,  
Which rounded are from of mount ❀ Gileal,  
The Bible book, an heap of witness sure.   

Thy teeth also, thine arguments most strong  
With which thou dost all heresies devour,  
Are like the flock which shorn cum up along  
The washing place, God's word that doth them scour.   

Of which each one in it two twins doth bear,  
God's word, and truth, and not so much as one  
Is void thereof: with these teeth thou dost tear  
Abuses big, that think to rule alone.   

Thy lips, thy speech is like the scarlet red,  
Which for the elect, thy saviour Christ dost preach,  
Afflict in flesh, with blood his cross bebled,  
To faithful folk a sweet and pleasant speech.   

Thy Cheeks thy works are lovely, fair and good  
Like to a broken piece of pomegranate  
Which spring of faith by merit of my blood,  
Besides thy tire, my works that will not fade.   

Thy neck thy faith, is like to David's tower,  
Which builded is with bulwarks, whereupon  
A thousand shields of truth, which men of power  
In faith, have borne, do hang to fray thy foen.   

Thy breasts, thy help to secure all that need  
Always at work, are like two little twins,  
The which among the faithful Lilies seed  
Till shadows pass, and till the day begins.     



The Text.  ¶ I will go to the mount of Myrrh, to the hill of Frankincense. Thou art all fair o my spouse and no spot is in thee. Cum from Libanus o my Spouse, cum from Libanus, cum.   

¶ The argument.  
When Christ hath praised perfectly the perfect spouse, he calleth to mind the other, which is yet in bed on sleep: and desirous to praise her also, singeth.   

Christ to his Spouse. thirty.  
TO the mount of myrrh will I go,  
To the hill of frankincense,  
Go will I to my Spouse, sleepy who  
wisheth fain in my presence  
To cum.  
Thou art fair all whole o my love,  
And no spot doth rest in thee:  
From thyself come, cum from above  
❀ Libanus, though it bright be,  
Cum, Cum.  
In thy strength trust not o my Spouse,  
But in me put all thy trust:  
So thou shalt be made glorious,  
If thou wilt therefore be just,  
Cum, cum.    


THou shalt be crowned from the top of Amana, from the top of Sanir and Hermon, 
The Text.  from the Lion's dens, and from the mountains of the Leopards.   

¶ The argument.  
BEcause the Church should come the more speedily from all confidence in herself, to trust wholly in Christ: her Beloved showing why he called her, addeth great promises, which (if she come to him) he will perform, singing.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. xxxi.  

IF that thou come from Libanus to me,  
Thou shalt be crowned from * Amana mount:  
From God, the high top, crowned shalt thou be  
With truth, whose height all high things doth surmount.   

From ❀ Sanirs top, and eke from + Hermon high,  
The curses which thou shalt sustain of men,  
Thou shalt be crowned from every dignity,  
From the Leoperdes' mount, and from the lions den.     


THou hast ravished my mind, oh sister my spouse, 
The text.  thou hast ravished my mind in one of thine eyes, and in one chain of the neck.   

¶ The Argument.  
Christ having promised to crown his Church with truth, (for his self will be her crown) from Sanir and Hermon, the curses and troubles that she should sustain for his sake, and from the lions den, and Leoperdes' mount, which signify pleasures and delights, honours and dignities: (which though they be for the most part abused, yet Christ promiseth his Spouse that if she trust in him only, & stand to his truth, she shall use them to his glory, and be crowned of him therefore) he beginneth to praise her. But because she is not yet perfect by reason of the flesh, which continually troubleth and hindereth her, he liking somewhat, and misliking elswhat, singeth.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. xxxii.  

MY mind thou hast whole ravished  
My spouse, my sister dear:  
Thou hast my heart whole ravished  
With one of thine eyes clear.   

Thy perfect judgement of my spirit  
Doth much my mind refresh:  
Thine other eye detest I quite,  
Thy judgement of the flesh.   

In one link of the chain likewise  
That hangth about thy neck,  
My mind wholly thou dost surprise,  
For in it is no speck.   

The fruits which thou unfaynyngly  
By faith still bringest forth,  
Do please my mind exceedingly:  
The rest are nothing worth.     


O How fair are thy breasts my sister my spouse? they are more pleasant than wine, 
The text.  and the smell of thine ointments passeth all the spices. Thy lips o my love are a dropping honey comb, milk and honey is under thy tongue. The smell of thy garments is like the smell of Libanus. A garden well locked thou art my sister my spouse, a garden well locked, and a sealed well. The fruits that grow in thee, are like a Paradise of Pomegranades, with fruit trees, Camphor, Nardus, and Saffron, Fistula, and cinnamon, with all trees of Libanus. Myrrh, Aloes, and all the best spices. A well of gardens, a fountain of living waters, which flow out from Libanus. Up thou north wind, and cum thou Southwind and blow upon my garden, that the smell thereof may be carried on every side.   

¶ The Argument.  
AFter Christ hath praised his Spouse for th'one of her eyes, and for one of her chains, dispraising the other (for she hath yet one carnal eye, and doth sum of her works through hypocrisy) he praiseth the rest of her parts thoroughly, singing before the younglings.   

Christ to his Spouse. xxxiii.  

How fair thy Dugs, thy charity is my Spouse,  
My sister sweet, more fair they are than wine:  
Thy savour eke of my gifts glorious,  
Do pass all odours, be they never so fine.   

Thy lips my Love the honey comb are like,  
From which my praise doth drop all men among:  
My scriptures eke that are not much unlike  
honey and milk, do under lie thy tongue.   

Thy garments gay, my merits which thou hast,  
Do savour sweet, like the mount Libanus.  
My Spouse, thou art an orchard locked fast  
Of pleasant trees, my elect most bounteous.   

Fast shut thou art, my sister, I thee keep  
From all assaults: thou art a sealed spring  
Of waters pure, in truths moisture so deep,  
That all may drink whom grace shall thereto bring.   

The planted trees and fruits which grow in thee,  
Of Pomegranates are like a paradise,  
Beset about with fruits that pleasant be,  
Of comely height that spring in goodly wise.   

In thee doth grow spykenarde and Calamus  
With Saffron, Camphor, and the sweet cypress,  
And all the trees that grow in Libanus:  
Sweet cinnamon, strong Myrrh and Aloes.   

With all hot spices aromatical.  
These are the elect and faithful that do dwell  
In thee my church, in office several:  
Who all through faith, exceeding sweet do smell.   

And thou my spouse of gardens art a well,  
Thy dewy faith doth moisten every coast:  
Thou art also a pool the which doth well  
Up lively springs, from out the holy ghost.   

With these thy streams which calmly take their course  
From Libanus, my word that mountain clear,  
Thou waterest the gardens fine or course  
Of all good folk, that in thy way appear.   

Up North wind up, up tribulation,  
Come blast my garden, that I may it try:  
Come Southwind eke, cum consolation  
And cherish it, least sum part hap to die.   

That while ye two upon my church do blow,  
The fragrant smell of truth may from her flow.     



The text.  LEt my beloved cum into his garden, and eat the sweet fruits thereof.   

¶ The Argument.  
AFter the north and southwind have so long blown upon the church that her fruits of patience, humbleness, obedience and charity are ripe: she calleth Christ unto her his garden: desiring him to eat his fruits, that is to accept for good the works, which she through faith in him hath brought forth: singing as followeth.   

¶ The Spouse to her Beloved. xxxiiii.  
NOw that I am proved  
Let my best Beloved  
Whom mercy hath moved,  
To make me his garden:  
Come eat, and for good take  
My works, for his blood sake  
The fruits let him good make,  
Which grow in my garden.    
❧ Here endeth the fourth Chapter.   

¶ The fift Chapter.  
I Am cum into my garden, O my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my Myrrh with my spice. I have eaten honey with my honey comb, I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O ye friends, drink and be merry, O ye beloved.  
As I am a sleep, and my heart is waking, I hear the voice of my beloved, when he knocketh. Open to me, O my sister, my love, my dove, my darling: for my head is full of dew, and the locks of my hair are full of the night drops. I have put of my cote, how can I do it on again? I have washed my feet, how shall I file them again?  
My love put in his hand at the hole, and my heart was moved within me. I stood up to open unto my beloved, and my hands dropped with Myrrh, and the Myrrh ran down my fingers upon the lock. I opened unto my beloved, but he was departed and gone his way. Now when he spoke, my heart was gone: I sought him, but I could not find him: I cried upon him nevertheless he gave me no answer. So the watchmen that went about the city, found me, smote me, & wounded me: yea they that kept the walls, took away my kercheaf fro me. I charge you therefore, O ye daughters of jerusalem, if ye find my Beloved, that ye tell him how I am sick for love. What manner of man is thy love above other lovers, O thou fairest among women? Or what can thy Love do more than other lovers, that thou chargest us so straightly? As for my love he is white and red coloured, a goodly person among ten thousand: his head is as the most fine gold, the locks of his hear are bushed, & black as a crow. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the water brooks, as though they were washed with milk, and are set like pearls in gold. His cheeks are like a garden bed, wherein the apothecaries plant all manner of sweet things: His lips are like Roses that drop sweet smelling Myrrh. His hands are like gold rings having enclosed the precious stone of Tharsis. His body is as the pure ivory, decked over with sapphires: His legs are as the pillars of Marble, set upon sokets of gold: his face is as Libanus, & as the beauty of the cedar trees. The words of his mouth are sweet yea he is altogether, lovely. Such one is my love. O ye daughters of jerusalem, such one is my love.  


¶ The fifth Chapter.  
I Am cum into my garden, my sister, my Spouse, 
The text.  I have gathered my myrrh with my spice, I have eaten my honey comb with my honey: I have drunk my wine with my milk.   

¶ The Argument.  
AT his Spouses request, Christ cometh into his garden: and gathereth his myrrh with his spices, the virtuous deeds which through him she bringeth forth: and eateth his honey comb with his hunney and drinketh his wine with his milk, that is, he accepteth well her good doctrine wherewith she nurissheth & comforteth the younglings. Which all he calleth his, because that for his sake she did them: and when he hath so done, he certifieth his Spouse thereof, singing.   

Christ to his Spouse. xxxv.  
TO thee my Spouse, my garden great of price,  
My sister dear, I am cum at thy request:  
I have cropped my myrrh, and odouryking spice,  
Good works which faith hath gendered in thy breast.  
My honey comb with honey of the best  
My word, my truth, my promise I have eat:  
I stand thereto, and will perform the rest  
That granted is in sweet so fine a meat.  
My chering wine, the strongest of my truth,  
Which in men's hearts through preaching, deep is sounk:  
Mixed with my milk, weak doctrine for my youth,  
Powered out by thee, I have both seen and drounk.    


EAt o my friends, and drink, and be drunk my best beloved. 
The Text.    

Christ seeing his Spouses fruits of most wholesome doctrine, to be excellent good, calleth his first Church, the which now are his friends, unto his banquet: willing them not only to eat and drink his church's milk and wine, that is the doctrine of holy scripture, but also to be drunk, that is to have all carnal judgement clean overcome with the perfect knowledge of his word, singing to them.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. xxxvi.  
EAt my friends and drink,  
My Spouses milk and wine:  
My word which to the brink  
Is full of food divine,  
Both meat and drink.  
My Friends whom I love most  
Drink, drink till ye be drounk:  
Drink till my holy ghost  
In you be thoroughly sunk,  
Drink and be drunk.    



The text.  I sleep, and my heart waketh. I hear the voice of my Beloved knocking.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Spouse hindered with the heavy burden of the flesh, falleth oft: becometh negligent in her ministery, and sleepeth as touching the flesh: but in her heart and spirit watcheth continually, always attentive and hearkening when God will move and wake her up, to do any thing.  
Which she confesseth herself, singing to the younglings   

¶ The Spouse to the younglings. xxxvii.  
I I myself whom flesh doth overmatch  
Do sleep in sin, obey my worldly will:  
But yet my heart, and spirit do wake and watch,  
To serve the Lord, his laws for to fulfil  
With heart and mind.  
But while I thus, in fleshly sleep am still,  
Behold the voice of Christ whom moste I love,  
I hear in flesh, whereon he knocketh still,  
From earth commanding me to come above,  
True rest to find.    


OPen to me my sister, my Love my Dove, 
The Text.  my darling: for my Head is full of dew, and my locks of hair are full of Night drops.   

¶ The Argument.  
When Christ (according to the confession of his well-beloved Spouse) hath styerred and waked her up by the secret working of his grace, from the sluggish rest which she had in her disobedient and unruly flesh, he cometh himself unto her, with his head God the father high head of all, full of the dew of his grace, truth and mercy: having his hairy locks full of the night drops of tribulation, persecution, and affliction. (For all that receive Christ with the dew of his father's truth and mercy, must also receive the troublous nyghtdroppes of his hears.) And now desirous that she should so receive him, singeth.   

¶ Christ to his perfect Spouse. xxxviii.  
OPen to me, my sister, my Love,  
receive my truth, that I shall to thee show:  
Open to me my darling, my Dove,  
For lo my head, my head is full of dew,  
Of truth, grace, and mercy.  
Also my hairs with night drops abound,  
My truth is full of tribulation:  
Fear thou not yet, for faith shall thee ground  
And make thee strong in persecution,  
Through truth, grace, and mercy.    



The text.  I Have put of my coat, how shall I put it on again? I have washed my feet, how shall I file them again?   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Spouse (whose flesh is not full mortified, and obedient to the spirit) is troubled sore with this request of her Beloved. She is in the bed of quietness already, and hath as she thinketh, put of the vesture of old Adam, with trust in her own righteousness, and hath washed her feet from the soul affections, lusts, and desires of worldly things. Thus thinking (but she is deceived) she reasoneth with her Beloved, singing.   

¶ The Spouse to her Beloved. xxxix.  
MY fleshly coat, my trust in works of man  
I have put of, I count them all as vain,  
And rest in peace: o Lord how shall I than,  
Attire myself, and put it on again?  
My feet also my affects and pleasures vile,  
Are washed away, as thou thyself moste good,  
commandest me: why shall I then defile  
My feet again, in vile and filthy mud?    


MI Beloved put in his hand at the Hole, and my bowels swelled within me. 
The Text.  I arose that I might open to my Beloved, and my hands dropped myrrh, and my fingers were full of tried myrrh. I opened the bolt of my door to my Beloved: but he was gone & past. As soon as my Beloved spoke, my soul came out. I sought him, but I found him not: I called, but he gave no answer. The watchmen that went about the city, found me, smote me, and wounded me: They that kept the wall, took away my gaberdin. I charge you o ye daughters of jerusalem, that if ye find my Beloved, ye show him how that I am lovesycke.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Church beholdeth Christ, and would gladly receive him, for her soul delighteth in his dewy head, but her flesh can not away with the nyghtdropping hears, which caused her as though she had been perfect, to reason with Christ, and to think that he would have her put on her coat again, when as in deed he would have her come naked to put on the coat which he will give her. Thus is the poor church deceived through frailty of the flesh: which he considering and seeing the door shut, that is the spirit so hindered in carnal judgement, that she can not receive him, thrusteth in his hand, that is his power, grace, and help, through the hole of the door, that is the election which remaineth in old Adam the door of the flesh, which through his grace he openeth. Which the Spouse feeling, confesseth: singing.   

The Spouse to the younglings. xl.  
MY Love did put his hand of might,  
In to my hole of fleshly sense:  
Whereby mine inward parts outright  
Did swell and rise, through influence  
Of grace.  
Than up I rose with diligence  
To open that he mought come in  
Whom I do love, by whom my sense  
Of fleshly wit was made so thin.  
By grace.  
No sooner I up risen was  
But that my hands (fast shut before)  
Did drop with Myrrh, good works did pass  
My fingers from still more and more  
By grace.  
The door bar eke that made me slack  
To let him in that knocked fast  
My carnal sense I thrust aback:  
But Christ before was gone and past,  
Helas.  
As soon as my Beloved spoke,  
My soul to search him waxed meek:  
My soul long hid, his voice did make  
From flesh to flee, his help to seek  
Apace.  
I sought him long but could not find;  
I called him, he answered not:  
Awhile he left me to my mind,  
Because at first I opened not.  
Helas.  
The tyrants that the city watch  
False Prelates which the truth confound,  
That sought for Christ poor me did catch,  
And stroke therefore, and did me wound  
Helas.  
The keepers of the cursed wall,  
Such rites as truthless men devise:  
By force did take my cloak and all,  
Because I did their works despise,  
Helas.  
Ye daughters of Jerusalem,  
Ye faithful preachers of the word,  
Which preach God's truths, and follow them,  
That strike with his two edged swurd  
By grace:  
I charge you if ye chance to find  
Christ my Beloved that dwells above,  
Ye show him how sore I in mind  
Am sick, and languish whole for love  
Of grace.    


wHat manner one is thy beloved of a beloved o thou fairest of women? what manner one is thy beloved of his beloved, 
The Text.  because thou givest us so great charge?   

¶ The Argument.  
THe younglings being charged of the Church that if they find her Beloved, they show him how she is lovesick, because they know him not (as in deed none can except the faithful have taught them) enquyer what he is, singing.   

¶ The younglings to the Spouse. xli.  

What one is he, Beloved of thee,  
Beloved of God above,  
Of women bright, O fairest to sight,  
What manner one is thy Love?  
What manner one is. etc.   

What may he be, Beloved of thee,  
Of God beloved also:  
What one is he, So loved of thee,  
Of whom thou dost charge us so?  
Of whom thou dost, etc.     


MY Beloved is white and red, chosen among a thousand. 
The Text.  His head is principal good gold: his hears are like the branches of the Palm trees, as black as a Crow.   

¶ The argument.  
THe Church at the younglings request, describeth her beloved in iii songs, singing.   

The Spouse to the younglings. xlii.  

Christ God and man (ye young) if ye know not,  
Is such an one as hath in him no spot.  
My Love ye shall understand,  
Is white in divinity, Red in humanity,  
Chosen among a thousand.   

His head the father, God the most of might,  
Is gold, of nature perfect, pure and bright.  
My Love ye shall understand,  
Is white in divinity, Red in humanity,  
Chosen among a thousand.   

His hears, his truths, are like the palm-tree bow,  
Crow black to such as will them not allow.  
My Love ye shall understand,  
Is white in divinity, Red in humanity,  
Chosen among a thousand.     


HIs eyes are as the culvers, 
The Text.  upon the water brooks, which are washed with milk, and rest unto their fullness. His Cheeks are like beds of spices, growing for the apothecaries. His lips are lilies, that drop piercing Myrrh. His hands are golden rings full of jacinctes His belly is of ivory, decked over with sapphires: His legs are Marble pillars, set upon golden bases. His shape is as Libanus, he is chosen as the cedar tree. His throat is most sweet.   

¶ The Argument.  
When the Church hath showed the election of Christ (for he is the chief and only elect son of his father) and his two natures, divinity and humanity: she proceedeth on in the description of the rest of his parts, singing.   

¶ The Church to the Younglings. xliii.  

MY Spousis eyes, his judgements wonderful  
Are like the Doves, upon the water brook,  
Which washed with milk of truth, rest where they will,  
Replete with spirit and power each-where to look.   

His Cheeks, his words whereby we do him know,  
Are like earthbeds, of spices fine and pure:  
Good books in which his truth doth daily grow  
For preachers such as put the same in ure.   

His lips, such men by whom he speaks his will  
Are lilies white, where purity is had:  
From whom the myrrh of scripture doth distill,  
Preserving good, but bitter to the bad.   

His hands, his power by which all things are wrought,  
Known by the works, are very rings of gold:  
With Hiacincthes set as full as can be thought,  
His goodly works which daily we behold.   

His belly or heart, which are affects and will,  
Are constant, firm, like to the elephants tooth,  
Beset with sapphires, clearness shining still,  
In all his works both done and that he doth.   

His Legs, which are his strength, his force, his guard,  
His enemies down, his faithful up to hold:  
Are pillars strong, of marble stone most hard,  
That builded be on bases made of gold.   

His shape, in which he showeth himself to us,  
In which through faith, all faithful do him see,  
Is most of price like to mount Libanus,  
Whereon doth grow the high sweet cedar tree.   

His throat, the faith which we receive of him  
Whereby we take his peace and righteousness,  
Is sweet, sweet, sweet: my Love in every limb,  
So perfect is, as no tongue can express.     


Such one is my Beloved as is wholly to be desired. 
The text.  And he is my friend O ye daughters of jerusalem.   

¶ The argument.  
When the Church hath particularly describe Christ as well as she could, at last astonished with beholding the depth of his wonderful mercies, and hindered through infirmity to utter such things as she gladly would, she breaketh out into wundering: and desirous to stir up all other to desire him, concluded much in few words, singing.   

The Spouse to the younglings. xliiii.  

YE faithful would ye know,  
At full what one he is?  
My wit and learning is to low  
To show that shape of his.   

Yet thus say I of him,  
Because ye me requyrde:  
His excellence in every limb,  
Ought wholly be desyerde.   

My Love is such a gem,  
My Friend also is he:  
Ye daughters of Jerusalem,  
Such is my Love to me.      

¶ The sixth Chapter.  
WHither is thy love gone then (o thou fairest among women) whither is thy love departed? we will seek him with thee. My Love is gone down into his garden, unto the sweet smelling beds: that he may refresh himself in the garden, and gather roses. My love is mine and I am his, which feedeth among the roses.  
Thou art beautiful o my love, as is the place of Thirza, thou art fair as jerusalem, fearful as an army of men with their banners. Turn away thine eyes from me: for they have set me on fire. Thy hearry locks are like a flock of goats shorn upon the mount of Gilead. Thy teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep, which go out of the washing place, where every one beareth twins, and not one unfruitful among them. Thy cheeks are like a piece of Pomegranate, within thy volupers. There are lx Queens, & lxxx. Concubines, and Damsels without numbered. One is my dove, one is my darling: She is the only beloved of her mother, and dear unto her that bore her. When the daughters saw her, they said she was blessed. Yea the Queens and wives praised her.  
What is she this that looketh forth as the morning? Fair as the Moon, clear as the Sun, and fearful as an army of men with their banners. I went down into the nutgardeyne, to see what grew by the brooks, and to look if the vinyeard flourished, or if the Pomegrates were shot forth. I knew not that my soul had made me the charriote of the people that be under tribute. Turn again, turn again: O thou perfect one turn again, turn again and we will look upon thee. What will ye see in the Sulamite? She is like men of war, singing in a company.  


¶ The sixth Chapter.  

The text.  WHither is thy Beloved gone O thou the fairest woman? Whither is thy Beloved departed? That we may seek him with thee.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe younglings although they have been long led in darkness, and seduced with blindness of errors, yet hearing christ truly preached, with his death, power, and merits thoroughly declared, do hungres and thirst for the true righteousness: Which that they may the sooner obtain, they demand of the Church whither her Beloved is gone, and that twice for failing, showing thereby their earnestness that they have to help to seek him, singing as followeth.   

The younglings to the Spouse. xlvi.  
OF women fairest thou,  
Because thou dost excel  
In faith, all other foke  
That have received the yoke  
Of the gospel:  
For whom thou seekest now,  
Him whom thou lovest so well,  
Why whither is he gone?  
Why left he thee alone?  
Tell we pray thee.  
Why whither is he gone,  
Whom thou dost love so well,  
How parted he away?  
Show us that we eke may.  
Seek him with thee.    


MI Beloved is gone down into his garden to the spice beds, 
The Text.  that he may there feed in his garden, and gather lilies. I please my Beloved, and my Beloved me, which feedeth among the lilies.   

¶ The Argument.  
THe Church which even now sought for her beloved & could not find him, being now required of the younglings to show where he is, doth not only know where for to seek him, but also where to find him: and therefore maketh answer to the younglings, singing.   

¶ The Spouse to the Younglings. xlvi.  

MY Beloved descended down  
In to his fruitful orchard:  
With his good gifts his Church to crown,  
To keep still the same in safeguard.   

He is gone to the beds of spice,  
The books which he is declared in:  
On them to feed which exercise  
The scriptures, that are his gardin.   

To feed himself among his flock,  
It evermore his will is:  
To pluck the flowers of Abraham's stock,  
His clear clothed faithful lilies.   

In my Love I alone delight,  
Which maketh me so joyful:  
And I am lovely in his sight,  
That feedeth among the faithful.     


THou art fair my friend, pleasant & beautiful as jerusalem. Fearful as a standard of an host set in ray. 
The Text.  Turn away thine eyes from me, for they have set me on fire. Thine hears are like a flock of goats, which appear from Gileal. Thy teeth are like a flock of sheep, which come up from the washing place having every one twins, and none barren amongst them. Thy cheeks are like to a piece of pomegranate, besides thy fillet.   

¶ The Argument.  
When the Spouse hath showed that Christ is gone down into his Church which is his garden, (not that she at any time lacked him, for she had him even when she sought him, but she felt him not: & therefore she sayeth he went down into her, because he than holp her) and told also that he cometh to the spice beds, the books of holy scripture, always present there to give to all those the fruits of everlasting life, that sincerely study, and earnestly accomplish the things taught them therein: And that beside his presence in her and in the scriptures, he feedeth among the lilies, those are the true and faithful believers: not that he eateth them, but rather they him, in perfectly believing in him: and how she only delighteth in him and he in her: Christ allowing her zeal praiseth her. And where as before she had a carnal eye, and false chain of hypocritical works about her fair neck, her judgement is now so upright, and her charitable deeds so good and perfect, that he delighted therewith, singeth.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. xlvii.  

Full fair art thou my friend, And friendly there withal:  
For why thy good will doth extend,  
To all that on thee call.   

Fair, fairer than the gem, Thou art, and dost appear,  
Like the heavenly Jerusalem,  
Which is to God so dear.   

And like an army dight, So dreadful art thou also:  
Which with my word dost put to flight,  
All doctrines that be false.   

Thou holdest forth my cross, that bloody standard strong:  
And sayest men's works thereto are moss,  
And do my death great wrong.   

Thy judgement in my word, Is poised so upright,  
That in my mind I am still stirred  
In thee to have delight.   

Turn back from me thine eyes, For they have made me proud▪  
I mean thine earnest excercise  
In judgement well allowed.   

Thy hears, that is to say, thy scripture grounded notes,  
In liveliness to dure always,  
Are like aflocke of Goats.   

Are like a flock of goats, from Gileal clipped round:  
For all thy truths and scripture notes,  
Are in the Bible found.   

Thy teeth, thy reasons strong, that do so well agree:  
Are like unto the flocks of sheep  
That scarce can numbered be.   

Which clean come up along, Out from the washing place.  
Thine arguments that are so strong  
In scripture take their grace.   

Of which each hath within, The truth and scripture ground:  
Like flocks where each beast hath a twin,  
And none is barayn found.   

Like to the Pomegarnarde, That cut in twain, is read:  
So all thy works, thy cheeks, outward  
Do shine, and none are dead.   

Besides thy fillet fine, My works that can not fail:  
Which garnish all good works of thine,  
Which else could not avail.     



The text.  THere are three score Queens, and fourscore Concubines, with Damsels innumerable. One is my dove, one is my perfect one: she is the elect of her mother, and dear unto her that bore her. The daughters saw her, and said she was most blessed: the queens also and Concubines praised her.   

¶ The Argument.  
Christ being highly pleased with his Spouses eyes and hears, which she lacked at the first, praiseth her now. But above all his Churches, both Queens, which are the perfectest: concubines, that are not thoroughly perfect: and damsels which yet are young in faith: with all the rest, he praiseth one, which is the primative church of his Apostles, calling her his Dove, and perfect one, to allure the younglings to ensue her steps, sweetly singing to them.   

Christ to his Spouse. xlviii.  
According to the rates, of gifts of godly grace.  
Within my church there are estates, whereof no one is base.  
Of which three score are Queens, that have got perfectness,  
And there be fourscore concubines, with damsels numbreles.  
But all the rest above, in one do I delight▪  
One through my love is made my dove, and perfect in my sight.  
One is the chief elect, unto her mother dear,  
To all that are of Abraham's sect, who truly did her bear.  
The daughters of Zion, those faithful did her see,  
And preached frankly every one that most blessed was she.  
The Queens did praise her eke, and shall so do always,  
The Concubines also did speak, of her, exceeding praise.    


wHat one is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the Moon, elect as the Sun, 
The text.  and terrible as a banner?   

¶ The argument.  
When Christ hath magnified his Spouse with no little commendation, yet is he not satisfied: but that the younglings may like her the better, proceedeth farther, comparing her to the morning, to the sun, to the moon, and to a banner: and as it were wundring at her excellency, singeth.   

Christ to his Spouse. xlix.  
What one is she so like the morrow bright,  
Which yet doth lack the fullness of my light,  
Which she hereafter shall receive  
In glory?  
Who like the Moon is pleasant to the sight,  
My Moon I mean, my truth that shines by night.  
Which doth of me her light receive,  
In glory?  
Yea what is she so like the Sun elect:  
Like me the Sun, chief of the chosen sect,  
Which shine above with my father,  
In glory?  
Yea what is she so dreadful to behold,  
Which on my word doth bear herself so bold,  
Still standing stiff like a banner,  
In glory?    


I Am cum down into the Nutgardeyn, to see the plants that grow by the rivers side: 
The Text.  to see if the vineyard bud, or if the Pomegranades were flowered.   

¶ The Argument.  
When Christ hath wundred at the excellency of his spouse and compared her to the morning, because of the lack of perfect glory which she can not attain so long as she is subject to the frail body: and to the Moon that is the truth which taketh light of him, as the moon doth of the sun, which as it shineth in the dark, so doth the Church in adversity and persecution: and to the Sun, that is himself the Sun of righteousness, calling her elect as himself, the chief and principal elect of his father: and last of all to a banner, for her terribleness in fraying her adversaries: when he hath thus wunderyngly praised her, he cometh down into her to see if his vines bud, and pomegrates flower, whether his elect have a lively justifying faith, which worketh by love, that if they be barren he may curse them as he did the fruitless figtree. Math. xx. and when they be wydered to cast them out of his garden. And being now in his Nutgardeyn, he declareth why he cometh, singing.   

Christ to his Spouse. l.  

TO my Nutgardayn free,  
Whom tribulations hide:  
I am cum the saplynges for to see,  
Which grow by the rivers side.   

To see if that the vine,  
The faith that I think so good,  
With the works and fruits of love divine,  
Begin thoroughly to bud.   

To see if that the plants,  
Of fine Pomegranates yield:  
Pleasant fruits, which every tree that wants  
Shall be cast forth from my field.     


¶ I knew it not. 
The Text    

¶ The Argument.  
When Christ hath told his Spouse that he is descended into her to see the fruits of her faithful people, she ignorant before hearing now his voice, confesseth her ignorance, acknowledging her imperfection. And not withstanding the great praises wherewith her Beloved magnified her, she presumeth not: but humbly acknowledging her estate confesseth her ignorance: singing.   

¶ The Spouse to her Beloved. li.  
I Knew not I, Thou wast so nigh,  
Till by thy word so sweet,  
Thou madest me know, Thou wast come low,  
And lovely didst me great.  
I was I grant, Blind ignorant.  
And knew nothing at all:  
Through flesh or blood, That could do good,  
Before thou didst me call.  
Thy word away, My wit I say  
knew no whit of thy will:  
I knew not why, Thou camest so nigh,  
With fruit thyself to fill.  
But when thy voice. (That doth rejoice  
All faithful that it hear)  
Sounded so shrill, I knew thy will,  
And what thou madest there.    


MY soul appointed me to draw in the chariots of Aminadif. 
The text.    

¶ The Argument.  
THe Church having before the younglings confessed her ignorance, and declared that without the word of God no man can be certified of his will, and doubting now lest they yet wavering for want of knowledge, and overcharged with the heavy burden of the body, flesh, and sin, should despair of God's favour▪ because their offences are so great that they be neither able to hear them, nor to recompense them with the best works they can devise: and also because they lack the works which Christ came to see in his garden: And to show that it is Christ's will that all which are of his Church ought to bear one an others burden, she singeth to the younglings.   

¶ The Spouse to the Younlinges. lii.  
FEar not ye young though heavy be your yoke,  
Your yoke of sin that causeth you to fear:  
For Christ my soul, which lately to me spoke,  
Will that I help the burdens big to bear,  
Of Aminadif.  
Aminadif, my willing people be,  
Such as gladly God's wurd both do and hear:  
Whose wheels to draw my soul appointed me:  
Christ will I shall the burdens help to bear  
Of Aminadif.    


Turn again, turn again (O thou perfect one) turn again, turn again, 
The Text.  that we may behold thee.   

THe younglings having heard the Churches great consolation, and seeing what pains she taketh for their sake in fasting and prayers, to relieve them of their heavy burden, call her now back again to preach: that they may behold and see, as well the precious gifts of God within her, as the tribulations they see upon her, singing as followeth.   

The younglings to the Spouse. liii.  
Pain not thyself so sore, Our burdens big to bear,  
But that as we have done before, We may thy preaching hear:  
Come again, come again.  
Return thou perfect one, Thou plentiful in peace,  
That we may see thy gifts each one: For our faint faiths increase  
Come again, come again.    



The Text.  What would ye see in the Sulamite, which is like to a company of pitched tents?   

¶ The Argument.  
When the younglings which judge not by the outward works of fasting, praying, and almose deeds, with other rites and ceremonies which the wicked may do under hypocrisy with as goodly a face and show as the most faithful, have called again the church, to view her as well within as without: Christ to th'intent that his faithful be not deceived, teacheth how and by what marks to know his church, singing to the young.   

Christ to the younglings. liv.  
YE young that cast again, My spouse, my chief delight,  
What is the cause that ye so fain  
Would see the Sulamite?  
In her what would ye see, What thing would ye behold?  
She is not as ye think she be  
Gay clad in silk and gold.  
But simple to the sight in her are pitched tents,  
With soldiers full armed to fight  
Against all false intentes.  
If this sight may ye please, which pleaseth me alone,  
Ye may behold her at your ease,  
And view her gifts each one.    
❧ Here endeth the sixth Chapter.   

¶ The seventh Chapter.  
O How pleasant are thy treadings with thy shoes, thou princes daughter? Thy thighs are like a fair jewel which is wrought by a cunning work master. Thy navel is like a round goblet, which never is without drink. Thy woumb is like an heap of wheat that is set about with roses. Thy two breasts are like two twins of young Roes. Thy neck is as it were a tower of ivory: thy eyes are like the water poles that are in Hesebon, beside the port of Bathrabim: thy nose is like the tower of Libanus, which looketh toward Damascus. That head that standeth upon thee, is like Carmel, and the hear of thy head is like purple, & like a king going forth with his guard about him. O how fair & lovely art thou my darling in pleasures? Thy stature is like a palm-tree, & thy breasts like the grapes. I said: I will climb up into the palmtre, & take hold of his high branches. Thy breasts also shallbe as the vineclusters, the smell of thy nostrils like the smell of apples, & thy jaws like the best wine. Which goeth straight unto my Beloved, and brasteth out by the lips of the Ancient elders. There will I turn me unto my Love, and he shall turn him unto me.  
O come on my love, we will go forth in to the field, and take our lodging in the villages. In the morning will we go see the vinyeard: we will see if the vine be sprung forth, if the grapes be grown, and if the pomegranates be shot out: There will I give thee my breasts: the Mandragoras give their sweet smell: & beside our doors are all manner of pleasant fruits, both new and old which I have kept for thee, O my Beloved.  


¶ The seventh Chapter.  

The text.  HOw pleasant are thy treadings in thy shoes, O thou prince's daughter? The cumpas of thy thighs are like a goodly jewel which is wrought by the hands of a cunning wurkman. Thy navel is like a round goblet which never is without drink.  
Thy belly is like an heap of wheat set about with lilies. Thy two breasts are like two twins of young Roes. Thy neck is as it were a tower of ivory. Thine eyes are like the water poles that are in Hesebon, beside the port of Bathrabim. Thy face is like the tower of Libanus, which looketh toward Damascus. Thy head is like carmel, and thy hears like a king going forth with his guard about him.   

¶ The Argument.  
Christ having taught the younglings to know the true Spouse by her pitched tents, which as it is declared before, are the books of scripture, out of which, she keepeth war against the enemies of the truth: beginneth to praise her afresh, singing.   

Christ to his Spouse. lv.  
THou that art my dawhter, who am the prince of peace,  
Because thou preachest peace of conscience in my blood  
How pleasant are thy steps which swiftly still increase  
To show my gospel every where? In shoes both strong and good,  
For preachers to wear.  
The cumpas of thy thighs, thy power for to beget  
And to engender such as to my truth must stick,  
Because it still bring the forth, withouten stop or let,  
Is like an endless linked chain, Of Gods own hand made trick  
Always to remain.  
Thy navel round, that is the holy Bible book,  
Through which thy young do suck the milk of food divine:  
Is always full for all that can my doctrine broke,  
Like to a mazzard broad in brink, Which never wanteth wine,  
For them that would drink.  
Thy Belly big and heart, thy affections and thy thought  
Full of God's holy word that fine and dainty meat,  
Which nurisheth the soul, by which (when thou wilt aught)  
Thou searchest first what Gods will is, Is like an heap of wheat,  
Beset with Lilies.  
Thy breasts, thy ready help to comfort them that need,  
Abounding still, are like ash goats double twin.  
Thy neck, thy faith is like an ivory tower in deed,  
For it is perfect, strong, and clear, Without and eke within,  
As it doth appear.  
Thine eyes, thine upright judgements in my word so brim,  
Still just and full, are like the pools in Hesebon,  
Of waters clear, beside the port of Bathrabim:  
For where the people gathered are, Thou truth to every one  
Dost justly declare.  
Thy face, thy works, by which all people do thee know,  
For which thou through my blood, dost hope to have reward,  
Surmounting in their height man's works that lie below,  
Are like the tower of Libanus That always hath regard  
Toward Damascus.  
Thy head, I christ myself, a circumcised lamb,  
Am like to carmel ground, both fertile, free and hard,  
Thy hears also, the truths wherewith I thee emflambe,  
Are purple coloured like a king That goeth forth with his guard,  
Him environing.    



The Text  O How fair & lovely art thou my Darling in pleasures? Thy stature is like a Palm tree. I said: I will climb the palmtre, and take hold of the high branches. Thy breasts also shall be like the vine clusters, the smell of thy nostrils like the smell of apuls. Thy throat shallbe like the best wine, meet for my beloved to drink, with his lips, and to chew with his teeth.   

¶ The Argument.  
Christ having praised his Spouse particularly, beginning at her feet and going upward to her head, where as he was wont to begin at the head, and thence to go downward: proceedeth as he was wont, with most earnest affection singing.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. lvi.  
OH how fair, how fair art thou my joy?  
How lovely my Love, how lovely art thou also:  
Oh my spouse how wanton and how coy  
Thou art in delights when I do thee enhalse.  
O my Darling.  
Like thou art in stature to the tree,  
Of Palms, for no weight can let thee for to grow:  
And thy breasts are like as seemeth me,  
To clusters of grapes, that ripe hang down below,  
O my Darling▪  
Climb will I the Palm tree than I said,  
And will by the fruits and branches high take hold:  
I myself (my church) will be thine aid,  
And sit thee upon, to make thy younglings bold,  
O my Darling.  
There will I thy dugs so fruitful make,  
That they shall be like the clusters of the vine:  
And the smell that thou shalt of me take,  
Shall reike fro the nose like sent of appuls fine,  
O my Darling.  
Make will I thy throat, that is thy voice  
So moist with the must of truth my chiefest wine,  
That my friend, my bishop shall have choice  
Of doctrine to preach out of those truths of thine,  
O my Darling.  
There shall he have meat and drink at will,  
To chew with his teeth and lips: there shall he have  
Mysteries, whereon to use him still.  
Of the shall he learn himself and more to save,  
O my Darling.    


I Am the Spouse of my Beloved: and he doth turn him unto me. 
The text.    

¶ The argument.  
AFter that Christ hath climbed up into his church, a very Palm tree, and made her abundant in all good gifts of grace, so that her nose smelleth like apples, which signify gifts of the holy ghost, which she giveth unto other by preaching and laying on hands, & by ministering to them the holy sacraments: and hath moistened her mouth & throat with the wine of his holy word, she by and by in the hearing of the younglings, preacheth: in words but a small sermon, but in sense full of much good matter, singing.   

The Spouse to the younglings lvii.  
ALL worldly things I utterly reject:  
All means of men to health I do detest:  
In Christ alone, my spouse, my Love elect,  
I rest in rest, in him in whom is rest  
For all that are weary.  
Whole his I am both body, soul, and life,  
He is my Love, my saviour, and my health:  
And he is pleased with me, as with his wife,  
To whom he turns (ye faithful) for your wealth,  
Us all to make merry.    


CUm my Beloved, let us go forth into the field, and let us lodge together in the villages. 
The text.  In the morning we will rise, and go see if the vines be flowered, and whether the Pomegranades be shot forth. There will I pour out all my love upon thee.   

When the Church hath well instructed the younglings and hath still an earnest desire to preach, she considereth that abroad in the world, which here is called a field and country, there are many that know not Christ, which nevertheless through good instruction, would soone becum good Christians: wherefore she hath a desire to go preach to them. But because she knoweth that all her endeavours can profit nothing without Christ himself be present, and help with the secret calling of his grace and spirit, she desireth him to go with her, and declareth what she would have him to do there, singing.   

¶ The Spouse to her Beloved. lviii.  
NOw that my young sufficiently are taught,  
Come my Beloved, assist me with thy power:  
And to the field where yet the men know nought  
Of thee nor thine, together let us walk.  
that they bedewed with grace thy pleasant shower,  
May come to thee, and hearken to my talk.  
And in the towns and villages so bruit,  
In which no word nor mention is of thee,  
Let us two lodge together, and get fruit  
Which may hereafter glorify thy name:  
And of thy chuche the perfect members be,  
By knowing truth, and working of the same.  
When this is done, than early will we rise,  
And go to see if our old vineyards bud,  
To see if that our young do exercise  
Their fruitful faith, and gifts of godly grace,  
Whether their deeds and doctrine both be good,  
Or if the weeds, or foxes them disgrace.  
To see also if our Pomegranades spread,  
Such witnesses as will their lives bestow,  
Thy truth to advance: for there lo will I shed  
My Love all whole that I to thee do bear:  
There will I spend the talentes that I own,  
To thee my Love, to bring them out of fear.    



The Text.  THe mandrages do smell: & within our doors are all manner fruits. Both old and new o my Beloved, I have kept for thee.   

¶ The Argument.  
AFter that Christ at his Spouses request, hath been with her in the field, and lodged with her in the villages, and that so long that they have there won a new company to the belief of the gospel: he as she desired him, cometh with her now to see the vines and pomegranates, whether they be fruitful or no. And when the Church hath well beheld them, she smelleth the Mandrags, that is the doctrine and preaching of the faithful, and delighted therewith, showeth Christ thereof, singing.   

The Spouse to her Beloved. lix.  
THe Mandrages yield their smell of godly life,  
And doctrine pure, that bringeth unto rest  
Unquiet minds, uncertain, still at strife,  
Through want of works, wherein they put their trust:  
Of these they learn that of their deeds the best,  
Are insufficient for to make them just.  
They learn of these that only of Christ they must  
Be righteous made, through merit of his Cross:  
And that by faith they must receive must  
Of righteousness, through trust in Christ's blood.  
This stilleth soon the mind that sins do toss.  
Which sent (O Christ) cometh from our Mandrages good.  
Within our doors, our custody most sure,  
Are fruits, the which the faithful have brought forth,  
Of every kind of life and doctrine pure,  
Both of the new and of the scriptures old  
Which I have kept for thee to take in worth,  
O Christ my Love, beloved a thousand fold.     

¶ The eight Chapter.  
O That I might find the with out, and kiss thee, whom I love as my brother, which sucked my mother's breasts: and that thou shalt not be despised I will lead the and bring the into my mother's house: that thou mightest teach me, and that I might give thee to drink of spiced wine, and of the sweet sap of my pomegranates. His left hand shallbe under my head and his right hand shall embrace me. I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, that ye wake not up my love, nor touch her, till she be content herself. What is she this, that cometh up from wilderness, and leaneth upon her love? I waked thee up among the apple trees, where thy mother conceived thee, where thy mother (I say) brought thee into the world. O set me as a seal upon thine heart, & as a seal upon thine arm: for love is mighty as the death and controversy as the hell. Her coals are of fire: & a very flame of the Lord: so that many waters are not able to quench love, neither may the streams drown it. Yea if a man would give all the good of his house for love, he should count it nothing. Our sister is but young, & hath no breasts: what shall we do for our sister when she shall be spoken for? If she be a wall, we shall build a silver bulwark thereupon: if she be an open door, we shall fasten her with borders of cedar tree. I am a wall, and my breasts like towers, than was I as one that hath found favour in his sight. Solomon hath a vinyeard at Baal Hamon, and this vinyeard delivered he unto the keepers, that every one for the fruit thereof should give him a thousand pieces of silver. My vineyard is in my sight: thou (O Solomon) must have a thousand, and the keepers two hundred with the fruit. Thou that dwellest in the gardens, O let me hear thy voice, that my companions may hearken to the same. O get thee away my love, and be as a roe or young heart upon the sweet smelling mountains.  


¶ The eight Chapter.  
O That I once might find thee without, and kiss thee, 
The text.  whom I love as my brother, which sucked my mother's breasts: and that none might despise us. I will lead the and bring thee, into my mother's house. There thou shalt teach me: And I will give thee to drink of spiced wine, and of the sweet sap of my Pomegranades.   

¶ The argument.  
While the perfect Spouse taketh her pleasure with her Beloved, gathering the fruits of the old & new testament, to preach Christ's humanity, and the works which he wrought in the same, the younglings which she left in the fields and villages (which may well betoken the sects of the Philosophers, Phariseis, Saduccis, and all other like which sought for righteousness in their wisdom & deeds) seeing the purity of the vineyard, and smelling the savour of the Mandragoras, an heavy smell to them, partly because it condemneth their righteousness, and partly because it maketh them lament their imperfection, begin to long for the true righteousness, and salvation: which because they can have by none other mean than by Christ, they seek him, and are therefore mocked, and persecuted of those sects, of which they were before, which is their mother's house, whose great blindness they (being now his Spouse) pitying, wish for to find him abroad, and to bring him to them, singing.   

The Spouse to Christ. lx.  
O That I once might have the hap to find  
Thee (O my Love) abroad in every place:  
That every man of every sort and kind  
Might trust in thee, and eke thy word embrace.  
Thus, thus abroad, would God I mought thee meet,  
To receive of thee, the kiss of peace and rest:  
Whom I in heart, love as my brother sweet,  
Which sometime sucked with me my mother's breast.  
O that thou Christ my Spouse wouldst bring to pass  
That I might meet and kiss thee in this wise  
And that the world now ignorant alas,  
Might us behold, and neither of us despise.  
In the meanwhiles I will thee lead my love,  
And bring thy name into my mother's house:  
That there thou Lord mayest teach me from above,  
And draw by grace my mother to thy spouse.  
That I may cheer thee there with spiced wine  
Of doctrine pure, well powdered with thy word:  
And with the juice of sweet Pomegranades fine,  
The blood of martyrs shed with fire and sword.    



The Text  HIs left hand is under my head, & his right hand shall embrace me.   

¶ The Argument.  
CHrist seeing his younglings so earnestly set to receive him, that they promise to ieoberd their life for the profession of his name, cometh to them, and giving them his kiss of peace, taketh them to his Spouse: & than as he did to the other Churches before, he cometh to her with his dew and night drops, to prove and try her: wherefore she being sore afflicted of her mother's household, that such as are weak fall not from her, declareth that Christ hath not forsaken her but hath purposely brought that cross upon her, and that at length she shall have the victory of all her adversaries, and persecutors, singing.   

The Spouse to the younglings lxi.  

Under my head the chief men of my flock,  
That to the truth must stick still unafrayed,  
Of Christ my Spouse, my anchor, and my rock,  
The left hand of adversity is laid.   

Yet for all that, nothing can me deface,  
Though for a time harm do prevail through hate:  
For why at length Christ's right hand shall embrace  
My body whole, with prosperous estate.     


I Charge ye O ye Daughters of Jerusalem, 
The text.  that ye wake not up my love, nor touch her till she be content herself.   

¶ The Argument.  
When Christ hath tried his Spouse with persecution, and found her constant, he receiveth her into his bed of peace, quietness, and rest, giving chaurge to the Daughters of jerusalem, as many as intend to obtain favour at his hand, that they trouble her not with vain questions false opinions, superstitious traditions, idle and dumb ceremonies, new constitutions, wicked decrees, nor ungodly laws: but to suffer her sleep in the faith and quietness of conscience that she hath received of him already, till she wake herself: either through his instigation to advance his glory, or by sum charitable motion to help her neighbours: singing as followeth.   

Christ to the whole world.  
O O ye daughters of Jerusalem,  
All such as list my voice to understand:  
Mark what I say to you, and to all them  
That hope to have salvation at my hand,  
Concerning my faithful.  
She doth believe the scriptures every jot,  
With all the truths that therein are contained:  
My sacraments also she knoweth by rote,  
With gifts of grace that are by them attained  
Of all that are faithful.  
She doth believe the father omnipotent,  
To have created the earth, and heavens high:  
From whom the word into the world was sent  
And took flesh of the virgin pure Marie  
A woman most faithful.  
And in that flesh was hanged on the tree,  
Whereon he shed his blood to reconcile  
His father's wrath, to which all subject be  
That know not Christ, but do his death defile,  
Remaining unfaithful.  
Who on the Cross by death made recompense,  
For all the sins of all that in him trust:  
From whom he freely purged all offence,  
And in God's sight through faith alone made just,  
All them that are faithful.  
He rose again, she believeth, with all the rest  
Of th'articles that in the scripture be:  
Through which belief she hath attained rest  
Of conscience, and sleepeth now in me.  
Through hope very joyful.  
I charge you than on pain to lose the life  
Which dureth ever in heaven joys above,  
Ye fain no faith, nor stir up any strife,  
Whereby to wake from rest my quiet love,  
Through hope very joyful.  
But let her lie till by her own accord  
She wake herself, compelled by the zeal  
She hath to you, to lead you to the Lord,  
Who can alone the souls sore wounded heal,  
Of all that are faithful.    


what is she that cometh up from the wyldrenes, and leaneth upon her Love?   

¶ The Argument.  
While the Church is at rest in Christ, she waxeth daily more and more notable through her good life and Godly conversation: which the perfect Spouse wounding at, singeth.   

¶ The perfect Spouse to Christ. lxiii.  
WHat may she be that doth ascend,  
Out from the desert place,  
Of worldly folk that would not bend  
Themselves to call for grace?  
What is she that ascendeth high,  
Leaning upon her love:  
That trusteth whole in Christ's mercy  
Through grace sent from above?    


I Waked thee up among the apple trees where thy mother conceived thee, 
The Text  where thy mother brought thee into the world.   

¶ The argument.  
Christ maketh answer, declaring what she is, where and how he round her: and declaring what he did for his Spouse, doth sing as followeth.   

Christ to the Church. lxviii  
Among the apple trees, I waked thee up my spouse,  
Where as thou sleptest in sin, in sin original,  
Which Eva, by the fruit she plukt fro the apple bows,  
Brought on her whole posterity,  
Which are condemned all,  
For their parent's iniquity,  
And for their own unright.  
Under this apple tree, through which thou wast condemned,  
In which condemned state thy mother brought thee forth,  
I waked thee: for I, my life and all contemned,  
Upon the tree did shed my blood,  
Which all that take in worth  
Are quit from sin, and new made good  
In God my father's sight.  
Under this apple tree, the sweet tree of my cross,  
So soon as thou didst sit, and therein put thy trust,  
I waked thee from sin, I paid thy parent's loss:  
And got thy former state again,  
Which Eva by her lust  
Had lost: and did mankind constrain  
To sleep in sin and death.  
Among these apple trees, both bitter, sweet, and sour,  
The apple tree of death, by which mankind was lost,  
And tree of life, which I did purchase by my power,  
I waked thee up to life and wealth,  
Because I saw the tossed  
With waves of woe: and gave the health  
Against thy sin and death.    


O Set me as a seal upon thy heart, and as a signet upon thine arm: 
The text.  for love is mighty as death, and controversy as hell. Her coals are of fire & a very flame of the Lord. Many waters are not able to quench Love, neither may the streams drown it: yea if a man would give all the goods of his house for love, he should count it nothing.   

¶ The Argument.  
When Christ hath told his Spouse how he ascended for her sake, the apple tree of the cross, making thereon full satisfaction to his father for the sins of all mankind by the shedding of his most precious blood, waking her up, from the deadly sleep, which she slept under the apple tree of original sin and condemnation, under which her mother brought her forth: He willing to have her mindful of his benefits biddeth her set him as a seal upon her heart, that is to scale up all her affections and thoughts, with the remembrance of his blessed passion, and by the same to seal out all other devices to obtain salvation: & to set him as a signet upon her arm, not to presume to do aught by her own wit, & strength, but to do in all things as his word teacheth: All this he desireth her to do for the love sake which he beareth to her, which is strong as death or hell, yea and stronger: For the strength of his love overcam the strength of both. Wherefore for this his great love, he would have his spouse thankful, and show him love again: The properties whereof he declareth, singing.   

¶ Christ to his Spouse. lxv.  
O Set me as a seal upon thine heart,  
Remember me always in all thy thought:  
Out of thy mind (my spouse) let not departed,  
The wurthye works which I have for thee wrought.  
Remember how that I alone did climb  
The tree of death, to bring thee unto life:  
And shed thereon my blood to cleanse the crime,  
For which the serpent first began his strife.  
Whose might my power doth hold from doing harm  
To thee, or them that in my merit's trust:  
O let therefore in me thy feeble arm  
With all thy strength continually be trust.  
Upon thine arm o set me as a seal,  
And as a bracelet bind me all along:  
For love as death, and eke the jealous zeal  
I bear to thee, as hell is mighty strong.  
For which my love I nought require again  
But thankfulness, that may my mercy move:  
For all my zeal, my life, my death, my pain,  
Nought I require save only love for love.  
Whose coals are fiery, and a very flame  
Sent of the Lord: true love is such a fire,  
That many waters can not quench the same,  
No troubles can a faithful lover tire.  
Ne may the streams of persecution drowned  
This earnest love: yea if a man would give  
For love all goods, that in his house are found,  
He would them all count nothing I believe.  
This love therefore that is so strong and sure,  
Bear thou again to me that first began:  
So shall my love and zeal for aye endure,  
With thee and thine, to further what I can.    


WE have a little sister, which as yet hath no breasts. What shall we do to our Sister, when we shall speak to her.   

¶ The Argument.  
When Christ hath finished his song, his Spouse according as he desired, setteth him as a seal at her heart, and as a bracelet about her arm: and than remembering he● sister whom she left when she came to Christ, and desirous through her preaching to bring her to Christ, doth ask of Christ and his perfect friends what she shall do, singing.   

The Spouse to Christ. lxvi.  

WE have a sister young and small,  
Whom I did leave behind.  
Within the place where ye did call  
Me from my mother blind.   

She is so young in Christ's truth  
That yet she hath no teats:  
She wanteth breasts to feed her youth.  
With sound and perfect meats.   

To our sister therefore so weak,  
What shall we do, say you:  
When we to her the words shall speak  
Of Christ's gospel true?   

I in my heart desire right sore  
My sister rude to teach:  
What must we do to her therefore,  
When we begin to preach?     



The Text.  IF she be a wall, we will build a silver bulwark thereupon: if she be an open door, we will fasten her with borders of cedar.   

¶ The Argument.  
Christ seeing the carefulness of his Spouse for her young sister, teacheth what must be done to her, saying: If she be a●al, that is as sum take it elect, and yet not in the faith: and as other sum take it, instructed in the faith, but yet not perfect, we will build upon her a silver bulwark, that is according to election a strong and valiant faith: & according to faith, the gifts of the holy ghost, as knowledge, utterance, power to work miracles. etc. which both agree well to the matter, but the last is most near, and proper. But if she be an open door, that is in state of grace, apt to receive any kind of doctrine, we will garnish or fasten her with borders of cedar tree, with good doctrine, good books, good, constant and perfect preachers, which shall keep her close from error. Thus saith Christ she must be done by, singing to his spouse as followeth.   

The Beloved to his Spouse. lxvii.  

IF that thy sister be a wall,  
Upon the same than build we shall  
A bulwark of silver,   

If that she be an open door,  
We will her fasten close before  
With borders of Cedar.     


I Am a wall, and my breasts like towers. 
The text.  Than was I as one that hath found favour in his sight.   

¶ The argument.  
THe younglings hearing what christ said, answer that they are a wall, strong, constant, and able to keep out errors, and wrong opinions: and being made his Spouse, sayeth she hath breasts like towers, well furnished with victuals of good doctrine to secure and help them that need. For the which properties they having found favour in the sight of God, declare all to their sister, singing.   

The younglings to the Spouse. lxviii.  

A Wall am I, Strong, thick, and high,  
In truth I bear me bold:  
And with the same, Myself I frame  
All errors to outholde.   

Also my breasts, where succour rests,  
Are like to towers strong,  
Which victualed are, For to keep war,  
With all that would them wrong.   

Because I was A wall, and as  
The towers had breasts of might  
Sweet peace I found, And do abound  
With favour in God's sight.     



The text.  SAlomon had a vineyard at Baalhamon, and this vinyeard let he out to keepers, that every one for the fruit thereof should give him a thousand pieces of silver. My vinyeard is in my sight. And to thee O Solomon I will pay a thousand, and two hundred to the keepers with the fruit.   

¶ The argument.  
Christ having by faith coupled all his Churches together, and made them all one vineyard, calleth to mind the vinyeard which King Solomon had at Baalhamon, a place near jerusalem: which vinyeard he let out to higher, receiving of every keeper, a thousand pieces of silver for the fruit. This story Christ counteth to his Spouse, that she may know how much he loveth her better than Solomon did his, in that he will keep her himself: And give to Solomon, that is every peaceful person, an inestimable reward: and to the keepers, that are his bishops, two hundred and the fruit. (O happy keepers that shall be so rewarded.) This promise maketh he to his Spouse, singing.   

Christ to his Spouse. lxix.  

OF all the guides that Jsrael ever had,  
In wit, in wealth, in peace, prince Solomon  
The chiefest King, was not a little glad  
Of a vineyard he had at Baalhamon.  
Which vineyard though it pleased his desire,  
Yet at the length he let it forth to higher  
To keepers such, who yearly every one  
Should for such fruit as they took thence away,  
Of silver good a thousand pieces pay.   

Thus did this king with his beloved vine:  
But I contrary have so great delight,  
That I myself this vineyard of mine  
My church I mean, will keep still in my sight:  
And unto thee O salomon I give,  
A thousand pieces for thy good believe:  
Eke to them all that keep my vine upright  
I give two hundred, and the fruit to boot  
Of life eterne, which springeth from the root.   

If Solomon might justly well require  
A thousand for his vinyeard let to higher,  
How much than is my church now bound to me,  
Who do both pay, and also oversee?     


THou that dwellest in the gardens, O let me hear thy voice, 
The Text.  that my Companions may hearken: o the same.   

¶ The Argument.  
When Christ hath stirred up his Church to yield him thanks for his beneficial diligence toward her, he stirreth her up to preach, that his fellows, which are false christians, may hear her true preaching, that being confounded therewith, they may convert and becum true christians in deed, singing to her as followeth.   

Christ to his Spouse. lxx.  
THou my spouse that dost excel  
In faith all folk, and dost now dwell  
In scripture gardens which do smell  
Most strong in sent:  
Like to a trump exalt thy voice,  
With preaching truth make such a noise,  
That I may hear it, and rejoice,  
That I thee sent.  
Preach out my word so loud and high,  
That they which of my company  
Do boast themselves, but yet they lie,  
And loath my name:  
May hear thy voice, and know how far  
They are from me, and how they err  
From truth: to which thou shalt prefer  
Them, by the same.  
That it may come to pass at length,  
That all men doubting in their strength  
May to my mercy them submit:  
And so be fit,  
To be engraft in thee my stock,  
That all may be one faithful flock,  
With shepherds thereof other none,  
But only one.    



The text.  O Get the away my Love, and be as a young Roe or an Heart, upon the sweet smelling mountains.   

¶ The argument.  
THe Church commanded of Christ to preach, willingly obeyeth. But because she knoweth her preaching can take none effect without his help, she desireth him to departed from this world to heaven, and there to make intercession between God the father and her, and from thence to help her in all her affairs: She desireth him also to be as a Roe or heart upon the sweet smelling mountains, that is, to be always quick ready and swift, in his Scriptures, that they may take effect when she preacheth them. This she desireth of him, singing as followeth.   

¶ The Spouse to Christ. lxxi.  

TO preach thy word thy fellows for to win,  
Such fellows false as Christian folk them fain,  
Lo priest I am: and gladly do begin,  
With preaching truth, to thee them to attain.   

But sith I know my labour shall be vain  
Except thy help be present therewithal,  
Compelled therefore by force, lo I am fain  
To flee to thee, for thy chief aid to call.   

Wherefore O Christ, whom ever love I shall,  
Avoid from earth to heaven, and remain  
On God's right hand, head father of us all:  
And there of him all grace for us obtain.   

And send from thence thy spirit that may constrain  
All folk through faith, to gather to thy fold:  
That hypocrites their folly may refrain,  
And be in deed, the same that seem they would.   

And when that I such secrets shall unfold  
As darkly hid, the scriptures do contain,  
That in the hearts of all they may take hold,  
And to thy truth all unbelievers gain,   

Like to a Roe or hart take thou the pain  
Upon the mountains of thy word to dwell:  
And through thy power the hearts of all to train  
Unto thy truth, that shall thy mountains smell.   

So shall my voice all kind of errors quell,  
So shall all men resort to thee amain:  
So sin shall sink, so shall the power of hell,  
We rid therefrom through faith in thee, be slain.   

So in the church for aye, thou Lord shalt rain,  
All Death shall die through faith of styngles sin:  
And we enjoy that blissful state again  
Which bought by thee, we were created in.  
❧ FINIS. ❧   

¶ Blessing, honour, glory, and power,  
Be unto God, for ever and ever.  AMEN.     

¶ The interpretation of the Hebrew words.  

AMand, signifieth Truth.  
Ammadaf, signifieth People well willing, or under tribute.   

B  
Bather, Division, Pride, Trouble.  
Bathrabim, Gathering together.  
Baal hamon, Full of people.   

C  
Carmel, A circumcised Lamb.   

D  
Damascus, A field of blood.   

E  
Engaddi, The eye or fountain of a Kyd.   

G  
Gileal, An heap of witness.   

H  
Hermon, Cursing or Accursednes.  
Hesebon, is the name of a watery ground.   

L  
Libanus, Beauty or Clearness.   

S  
Solomon, Peaceful, or a quiet person.  
Sculamite, A peaceful or glorious woman.  
Sanir, the name of Hermon, as the Amorites call it.   
Finis.   

¶ In the first side of the fowertenth lief, in the sixth and seventh line, for fowertenth, read seuententh. Any other great faults it hath not, except letter for lettre, which every one shall be as able to correct as to find, and therefore not needful to have be noted here.   
❧ MATTHEW. X. ❧ ¶ BE WISE AS SERPENTS, AND JNNOCENT AS DOVES. ❧ 
¶ Imprinted at London by William Baldwin, servant with Edward whitchurch.  
Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum.