Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/309

 Nor need we here to fear the frown Of court or crown: Where fortune bears no sway o'er things, There all are kings. In this securer place we'll keep As lull'd asleep; Or for a little time we'll lie As robes laid by; To be another day re-worn, Turn'd, but not torn: Or like old testaments engross'd,     Lock'd up, not lost. And for a while lie here conceal'd,     To be reveal'd Next at the great Platonick year, And then meet here.

274. Platonick year] the perfect or cyclic year, when the sun, moon, and five planets end their revolutions together and start anew. See Timæus, p. 39. 275. Litany to the Holy Spirit

In the hour of my distress, When temptations me oppress, And when I my sins confess, Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When I lie within my bed, Sick in heart and sick in head, And with doubts discomforted, Sweet Spirit, comfort me!

When the house doth sigh and weep, And the world is drown'd in sleep, Yet mine eyes the watch do keep, Sweet Spirit, comfort me!