A
B O O K E   O F
AYRES

P h i l i p   R o s s e t e r

1601

6. Let him that will be free.

       Let him that will be free and keep his hart from care,
           Retir'd alone remaine where no discomforts are,
       For when the eie doth view his griefe, or haplesse eare his sorrow heares,
           Th' impression still in him abides, and euer in one shape appeares. 

       Forget thy griefes betimes, long sorrow breedes long paine,
           For ioie farre fled from men will not returne againe,
       O happie is the soule which heauen ordained, to liue in endles peace,
           His life is a pleasing dreame, and euerie houre his ioyes encrease. 

       You heauie sprites that loue in seuer'd shades to dwell,
           That nurse despaire, and dreame of vnrelenting hell.
       Come sing this happie song, and learne of me the Arte of true content;
           Loade not your guiltie soules with wrong, and heauen then will soone relent.