The Invitation. 1662

IT is a Sin to know where Vertues are,
Goodness, and Beauty, and not make a Pray'r
T' injoy 'em; since then, Madam, all can tell
In you these blessings with rich plenty dwell;
I should be impious, not to request
To see you, and then after to be blest.
Your absence is a Judgment, most men say
But little less than that at th' latter Day;
When we shall want by day the Sun's great light,
Nor must injoy the beauteous Queen of Night.
Black fate! and yet your absence makes each time
Mourn without light, as guilty of the crime.
'Tis true, these Planets may be seen, and are
When you are absent; but they then appear
Like dying Tapers, or (with truer sense)
Like things that want their prime Intelligence;
That's you! you gild their Orbs, and then refine
Their beams by yours, and teach 'em how to shine.
'Tis a religious point now to contend
T' injoy you; since you'r more than any friend.
You are a blessing, Madam, and a Crown;
For Vertue's so, and serves you as her own.
How great's your priviledge? since what the best
Of Saints did strive for, you find in your breast.
Your goodness will instruct you more at large;
We are your Creatures, Madam, and your charge;
You must be careful of us, and create,
By your rich presence, a more happy state.
Haste then, thou true Divinity, and give
These blessings, that we may be good, and live.