Book II, 74: On change of Weathers

And were it for thy profit, to obtaine
All Sunshine? No vicissitude of Raine?
Thinkst thou, that thy laborious Plough requires
Not Winter frosts, as well as Summer fires?
There must be both: Somtimes these hearts of ours
Must have the sweet, the seasonable Showres
Of Teares; Sometimes, the Frost of chill despaire
Makes our desired sunshine seeme more faire:
Weathers that most oppose to Flesh and Blood,
Are such as helpe to make our Harvest good:
We may not choose, great God; It is thy Task:
We know not what to have; nor how to ask.