Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/244

 158 Anne BradJlreeVs Works.

Yea, jurtice have I done, was I in place,

To chear the good, and wicked to deface.

The proud I crufti't, th'opprelled I let free,

The lyars curb'd, but nourifht verity.

Was I a Paftor, I my Flock did feed,

And gently lead the Lambs as they had need.

A Captain I, with Skill I train'd my Band,

And fhew'd them how in face of Foes to ftand.

A Souldier I, with fpeed I did obe}^

As readily, as could my leader fay.

Was I a labourer, I wrought all day

As cheerfully as e're I took my pay.

Thus hath mine Age in all fometimes done well,

Sometimes again, mine Age " been worfe then Hell.

In meannefs, greatnefs, riches, poverty.

Did toyle, did broyle, opprelT'd, did ileal and lye.

Was I as poor as poverty could be, [53]

Then bafenefs was Companion unto me.

Such fcum as hedges and high-ways do yield,

As neither low, nor reap, nor plant, nor build,

If to Agriculture I was ordain'd,

Great labours, forrows, CrolTes I fuftain'd.

The earl}^ Cock did fummon but in vain

My wakeful thoughts up to my painful gain: "

My weary Beaft reft from his toyle can lind,

But if I reft the more diftreft my mind.

« Sometimes mine age (in all).

^ After this the first edition has, —

For reftlelTe day and night, I'm rob'd of llec|i. Bv cankered care, who centinel doth keep.

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