On Poverty

Pure honest Poverty in former times,
Was no disgrace; but now our latter Crimes
Have introduc'd new kinds of punishments,
To expiate our sins, for old Contempts
In luxury, and such profuse expence,
That we are now chastiz'd for that offence,
With Penury, to make us own our shame,
And free all present accidents from blame:
Which from God's mercy now to us is sent,
To make our most obdurate hearts repent.
And yet there may such poverty proceed
From wicked Men, whose malice have decreed
Our ruine, to get wealth for their support,
In spight of right, or their damnation for't.
And such absurd, base scandals do invent,
That no man's innocence can e'er prevent.
From such Devils, good Lord, deliver me,
As hate all those, who truly worship thee;
And with profound repentance do submit
To all the judgments that our God thinks fit;
And make the poverty I now endure,
For all excesses past a perfect cure.