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Edward Farr, ed. Select Poetry of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. 1845.

“Here is the spring where waters flowe”

XCVIII. Thomas Gressop

HERE is the spring where waters flowe,

To quench our heate of sinne;

Here is the tree where trueth doth grow,

To leade our liues therein.

Here is the Judge that stintes the strife,

When men’s deuices faile;

Here is the bread that feedes the life

That death cannot assaile.

The tidings of saluation deare

Comes to our eares from hence;

The fortresse of our faith is here,

And shield of our defence.

Then be not like the hogge, that hath

A pearle at his desire;

And takes more pleasure of the trough,

And wallowing in the myre.

Reade not this booke in any case

But with a single eye;

Reade not, but first desire God’s grace,

To vnderstand thereby.

Praye still in faith with this respect,

To fructifie therein;

That knowledge may bring this effect,

To mortifie thy sinne.

Then happie thou in all thy life,

Whatso to the befalles:

Yea, double happie shalt thou be,

When God by death thee calles.