1

Thou art indeed just, Lord, if I contend

2

With thee; but, sir, so what I plead is just.

3

Why do sinners' ways prosper? and why must

4

Disappointment all I endeavour end?

5

Wert thou my enemy, O thou my friend,

6

How wouldst thou worse, I wonder, than thou dost

7

Defeat, thwart me? Oh, the sots and thralls of lust

8

Do in spare hours more thrive than I that spend,

9

Sir, life upon thy cause. See, banks and brakes

10

Now, leavèd how thick! lacèd they are again

11

With fretty chervil, look, and fresh wind shakes

12

Them; birds build--but not I build; no, but strain,

13

Time's eunuch, and not breed one work that wakes.

14

Mine, O thou lord of life, send my roots rain.