Page:Complete Poems of Robert Southwell.djvu/289

TO THE READER OF SHORT RVLES OF GOOD LIFE. Doe choose the wide, the broad, The left-hand way and gate : These Vice applauds, these Vertue loaths And teacheth hers to hate.

Her waies are pleasant waies, Vpon the right-hand side ; And heauenly-happy is that soule Takes Vertue for her guide. A Preparatiue to Prayer. thou doest talke with God, by prayer I meane,

Lift vp pure hands, lay downe all Lust's desires :

Fix thoughts on heauen, present a conscience cleane :

Such holy balme, to mercie's throne aspires.

Confesse faults' guilt, craue pardon for thy sinne ;

Tread holy paths, call grace to guide therein.