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mystery behold!

I'll in the second part unfold;

These worthy poems I have penned

That all good Christians may attend.

This mystery I do compare

Unto a gallant lady fair,

And a black king, that reigns below,

Who sought this lady's overthrow.

The black king, having such a spite

Against this gallant lady bright,

Sent forth an order, or decree,

That she to death shall murdered be.

According to the black king's laws.

Condemned to die this lady was.

When she her sentence came to know

Her tears like fountain streams did flow.

Now when the lady's death was near,

A young Prince came and said: Don't fear!

For thou shalt not destroyed be;

I'll die myself to set thee free.

Then straight spake up this same young Prince:

I'm come to stand in her defence;

Upon her be not too severe;

I'll die myself to set her clear.

Then was it the young Prince's doom

To suffer in this lady's room.

For by these lines I briefly show

That you the mystery may know.

First with the lady I'll begin;—

It is the soul condemned for sin,

Had not the Prince resigned His breath

To save it from eternal death.

The black king Satan is, we know,

Who sought the soul to overthrow;

And the young Prince is Christ indeed,

Who on the cross for sin did bleed.