The merry World did on a day With his train-bands [64] and mates agree To meet together where I lay, And all in sport to jeer at me. First Beauty crept into a rose; Which when I pluck'd not, 'Sir,' said she, 'Tell me, I pray, whose hands are those?' But Thou shalt answer, LORD, for me. Then Money came, and chinking still, 'What tune is this, poor man?' said he; 'I heard in music you had skill:' But Thou shalt answer, LORD, for me. Then came brave Glory puffing by In silks that whistled, who but he! He scarce allow'd me half an eye: But Thou shalt answer, LORD, for me. Then came quick Wit and Conversation, And he would needs a comfort be, And, to be short, make an oration: But Thou shalt answer, LORD, for me. Yet when the hour of Thy design To answer these fine things shall come, Speak not at large; say, 'I am Thine,' And then they have their answer home. Footnotes: [63] Quip, smart turn, repartee [64] train-bands, militia |