Book IV, 21: On MILO

Do; strive to enter Milo, though the Gate
Be narrow, and the rugged passage straight;
Lessen thy selfe, and fast thy carkas thin;
Take in thy Flesh, 'twill get thee easier in:
Look up to heav'n, twill raise thy body'uprighter;
Give lib'rall alms, twill make thee tread the lighter:
Sweat forth thy base corruptions, and inherit
Thy promis'd Crowne halfe lost for want of spirit;
Let not thy destard, and dull thoughts disdaine
Those works which cold despaire mistakes, as vaine;
Take heed; Let not thy queazy Soule repine
Against those Actions which are none of thine:
Heav'n bids thee shine; what if thy Rayes be dim,
Doe thou thy best; leave the successe to Him:
Follow thy Worke; And when thy Soule shall be
Gather'd from hence, thy Works shall follow thee.