The Poetical Works of John Dryden, Volume 2 - With Life, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes by John Dryden
page 106 of 458 (23%)
page 106 of 458 (23%)
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The haste of heaven to have her was so great,
That some were single acts, though each complete; But every act stood ready to repeat. 290 Her fellow-saints with busy care will look For her bless'd name in Fate's eternal book; And, pleased to be outdone, with joy will see Numberless virtues, endless charity: But more will wonder at so short an age, To find a blank beyond the thirtieth page; And with a pious fear begin to doubt The piece imperfect, and the rest torn out. But 'twas her Saviour's time; and, could there be A copy near the Original, 'twas she. 300 As precious gums are not for lasting fire, They but perfume the temple, and expire: So was she soon exhaled, and vanish'd hence; A short sweet odour, of a vast expense. She vanish'd, we can scarcely say she died; For but a now did heaven and earth divide: She pass'd serenely with a single breath; This moment perfect health, the next was death: One sigh did her eternal bliss assure; So little penance needs, when souls are almost pure. 310 As gentle dreams our waking thoughts pursue; Or, one dream pass'd, we slide into a new; So close they follow, such wild order keep, We think ourselves awake, and are asleep: So softly death succeeded life in her, |
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