Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE EBB AND FLOW, by EDWARD TAYLOR


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE EBB AND FLOW, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When first thou on me, lord, wrought'st thy sweet print
Last Line: Away mine ashes, then thy fire doth glow.
Subject(s): Puritans In Literature


When first thou on me, Lord, wrought'st thy Sweet Print,
My heart was made thy tinder box.
My 'ffections were thy tinder in't:
Where fell thy Sparkes by drops.
These holy Sparks of Heavenly Fire that came
Did ever catch and often out would flame.

But now my heart is made thy Censor trim,
Full of the golden Altars fire,
To offer up Sweet Incense in
Unto thyselfe intire:
I finde my tinder scarce thy sparks can feel
That drop out from thy Holy flint and Steel.

Hence doubts out bud for feare thy fire in me
'S a mocking Ignis Fatuus,
Or lest thine Altars fire out bee.
It's hid in ashes thus.
Yet when the bellows of thy Spirit blow
Away mine ashes, then thy fire doth glow.






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