Book II, 45: On Haman and Mordecay

The King wold fain take rest; But thought denies
To pay her nightly Tribute to his eyes:
The Persian Chronicle must be brought, to set
His eyes in quiet, till they'r payd the debt:
He turnes the leaves; The first he lights upon,
Is the true service Mordecay had done:
Heav'n often works his ends, at such a season,
When Man has will to banish sense, and Reason:
His loyall service must be now recall'd
To blest remembrance: Haman must be call'd
To Councell; question'd, but not know the thing
The King intends: He must advise the King,
What Ceremony must be us'd, what Cost,
What Honor, where the King shall honor most;
Observe but in the Progresse of this Story,
How God turnes Factor for his Servants glory:
Haman perswaded that such honour can
Fit none but him; ne'r questions, Who's the Man;
His more ambitious thoughts are now providing
A Horse of State, for his owne Princely riding;
In briefe; his Iudgement is, That such a One,
Must lack no Honor, but the Royall Throne:
How apt is Man to flatter his owne heart!
How faire a Debter to his false desert!
The royall Horse is ready, all things fit,
That could be broach'd by a vain-glorious wit:
Haman expects his answere; His Ambition
Spurrs on, wants nothing but his large Commission:
Haman must haste with all the speed he can,
And see it done: But Mordecay's the man
God often crownes his Servants at their Cost,
That hate their persons, and disdaine them most:
Lord, if thou please to make me but thine owne,
I shall have Honour, spight of Honours frowne.