Preface to the Psalmes (MS. Fairfax 40, The Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford)

Transcription

Vaine Fancy whether now darst thou aspire
W^th smoky Coales to light the holy Fire
Could thou indeed as w^th the Phenix burne
In perfum'd flames & into Ashes turne
Thou might'st hope (vaine hope) yet once againe
To rise w^th purer notions in thy Braine
But t'would nott serue for they would still be darke
Till from thyn Alter Lord I take a sparke
I need not then assend up any higher
In offring this to fetch another fire
Inspired thus may on my Muse distill
Dewes nott from Parnass but Herman's sweet showry fragr Hill.

Modernized Text

Vain Fancy, whither now darest thou aspire
With smoky coals to light the holy fire?
Could thou indeed as with the phoenix burn
In perfumed flames and into ashes turn,
Thou mightest hope (vain hope) yet once again
To rise with purer notions in thy brain;
But t'would not serve for they would still be dark
Till from thine altar, Lord, I take a spark.
I need not, then, ascend up any higher
In offering this to fetch another fire.
Inspired thus, may on my muse distil
Dews not from Parnasus but Herman's sweet Hill.