MARK you the floore? That square and speckled stone Which looks so firm and strong, Is Patience: And th' other black and grave, wherewith each one Is checker'd all along, Humilitie: The gentle rising, which on either hand Leads to the quire above, Is Confidence: But the sweet cement, which in one sure band Ties the whole frame, is Love And Charitie. Hither sometimes Sinne steals, and stains The marbles neat and curious veins: But all is cleansed when the marble weeps. Sometimes Death, puffing at the doore, Blows all the dust about the floore; But while he thinks to spoil the room, he sweeps. Blest be the Architect, whose art Could build so strong in a weak heart. |