Page:Lyra Davidica.djvu/76

 And tho' opprest with Cares of State,

Cares which on Courts and Camps do wait

King David would at Midnight rise

To pay his grateful Sacrifice.

When e'er he wak'd in dead of Night

His thoughts of God made Noon-Day-Light.

I'th' Night he made his Turtle-moans;

I'th' Night he sent his Cries and Groans.

A strict Account with God he kept,

And for his Sins at Midnight wept.

Reflecting on his Youthful ways,

Whole Nights he wept and weary Days.

Whole Nights his Bed did swim in Tears,

His Soul perplext with restless Fears;

Till Pard'ning Grace those Fears adjourn'd;

Those Tears to sprightly Glances turn'd.

Till God his Heart from Sions Hill

With Joy, his Mouth with Praise did fill.

His Pains and Grief now dormant found;

His Rest with sweet Enjoyment crown'd.

Silas and Paul Imprison'd were,

Condemn'd a triple Bond to wear

In the Jayls Dungeon they were laid;

Fast in the Stocks their Feet were made.

With stripes their Limbs ran down in Gore:

With matchless Patience all they bore.

Such Holy Inmates making there

A Den of Thieves a House of Pray'r.

Their Souls could not be Pris'ners made;

The Iron there no entrance had.