Emblem II.36: Even as the Smoke doth passe away

Even as the Smoke doth passe away;
So, shall all Worldly-pompe decay.

SOme better Arguments, then yet I see,
I must perceive; and, better causes, why,
To those gay things, I should addicted bee,
To which, the Vulgar their Affections tye.
I have consider'd, Scepters, Miters, Crownes,
With each appurtenance to them belonging;
My heart, hath search'd their Glories, and Renownes;
And, all the pleasant things about them thronging:
My Soule, hath truely weigh'd, and, tooke the measure,
Of Riches (which the most have so desired)
I have distill'd the Quintessence of Pleasure,
And, seene those Objects, that are most admired.
I, likewise feele all Passions, and Affections,
That helpe to cheat the Reason, and perswade
That those poore Vanities, have some perfections,
Whereby their Owners, happy might be made.
Yet, when that I have rouz'd my Vnderstanding,
And cleans'd my Heart from some of that Corruption,
Which hinders in me Reasons free commanding,
And, shewes, things, without vailes, or interruption;
Then, they, me thinkes, as fruitlesse doe appeare,
As Bubbles (wherewithall young-children play)
Or, as the Smoke, which, in our Emblem, here,
Now, makes a show, and, straight, consumes away.
Be pleas'd, Oh God, my value may be such
Of every Outward-blessing, here below,
That, I may neither love them overmuch,
Nor underprise the Gifts, thou shalt bestow:
But, know the use, of all these fading Smokes;
And, be refresht, by that, which others chokes.