Job, Chapter 32

Nor would his Friends proceed in their replyes;
Since he appear'd so pure in his owne Eyes.
When Elihu Barachels sonne, who drew
His Birth from Aram, much incensed grew:
Not only against Iob, that durst defend
His Innocency, and with God contend:
But with his three austere Companions; since
They would condemne before they could convince.
When he perceiv'd the rest no answer made,
But like dumb Statues sate; the Buzite said:
Till now I durst not venture to unfold
My labouring thoughts, to you that are so old.
For gray Experience is with wisedome fraught;
And sacred knowledge by the aged taught.
Yet oh, how darke is mans presuming sence,
Not lightned with caelestiall Influence!
The great in Honor are not alwayes wise:
Nor Judgement under silver Tresses lies.
Since so; at length vouchsafe to heare a youth,
And his opinion, in the search of Truth.
For I your words have weigh'd, your reasons heard;
The Instances by each of you inferr'd:
And yet in all the heate of your dispute,
Not one could answer Iob; much lesse confute.
Know therefore, least too rashly you conclude,
It is not Man, but God that hath subdu'd.
Against me Iob did not his speech direct:
No more will I your Arguments object.
You all were at his Confidence amaz'd;
And silently upon each other gaz'd:
When I your answers had expected long,
Nor could discerne the motion of a tongue;
I said; behold I now will act my part,
And utter the Conceptions of my heart.
My Soule is rapt with fury; and my brest
Containes a flame, that will not be supprest.
My Bowels boyle like wine that hath no vent;
Ready to breake the swelling Continent.
Words therefore must my toiling thoughts relieve;
And to restrained Truth inlargement give.
No personall Respects my thoughts shall move;
Nor will I Man with flattering titles smooth.
Should I so prostitute my servile Breath;
My Maker soone would cut me of by Death.