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From the Andover Manuscript
- University of Wisconsin Press
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56 Anne Bradstreet With dreadful awe before Him let's be mute, Such was His will, but why, let's not dispute, With humble hearts and mouths put in the dust, Let's say He's merciful as well as just. He will return and make up all our losses, And smile again after our bitter crosses Go pretty babe, go rest with sisters twain; Among the blest in endless joys remain. (1669; 1678) From the Andover Manuscript MEDITATION May 13, 1657 As spring the winter doth succeed And leaves the naked trees do dress, The earth all black is clothed in green. At sunshine each their joy express. My sun's returned with healing wings, My soul and body doth rejoice, My heart exults and praises sings To Him that heard my wailing voice. My winter's past, my storms are gone, And former clouds seem now all fled, But if they must eclipse again, I'll run where I was succored. I have a shelter from the storm, A shadow from the fainting heat, 5 10 5 10 The Andover Manuscript 57 I have access unto His throne, Who is a God so wondrous great. o hath Thou made my pilgrimage Thus pleasant, fair, and good, Blessed me in youth and elder age, My Baca 1 made a springing flood. o studious am what I shall do To show my duty with delight; All I can give is but Thine own And at the most a simple mite. (1657; 1867) 1. A barren place made fertile by grace (Ps. 84:6). UPON MY DEAR AND LOVING HUSBAND HIS GOING INTO ENGLAND JAN. 16, 1661 1 o thou Most High who rulest all And hear'st the prayers of thine, o hearken, Lord, unto my suit And my petition sign. Into Thy everlasting arms Of mercy I commend Thy servant, Lord. Keep and preserve My husband, my dear friend. At Thy command, 0 Lord, he went, Nor nought could keep him back. Then let Thy promise joy his heart, o help and be not slack. 15 20 5 10 1. Simon Bradstreet and John Norton represented Massachusetts at the time of the Restoration, when King Charles II raised questions about the colony's charter and its increasingly independent habits of governance. [44.211.116.163] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 14:19 GMT) 58 Anne Bradstreet Uphold my heart in Thee, 0 God. Thou art my strength and stay, Thou see'st how weak and frail I am, Hide not Thy face away. I in obedience to Thy will Thou knowest did submit. It was my duty so to do; o Lord, accept of it. Unthankfulness for mercies past Impute Thou not to me. o Lord, Thou know'st my weak desire Was to sing praise to Thee. Lord, be Thou pilot to the ship And send them prosperous gales. In storms and sickness, Lord, preserve. Thy goodness never fails. Unto Thy work he hath in hand Lord, grant Thou good success And favour in their eyes to whom He shall make his address. Remember, Lord, Thy folk whom Thou To wilderness hast brought; Let not Thine own inheritance Be sold away for nought. But tokens of Thy favour give, With joy send back my dear That I and all Thy servants may Rejoice with heavenly cheer. Lord, let my eyes see once again Him whom Thou gavest me That we together may sing praise Forever unto Thee. 15 20 25 30 35 40 The Andover Manuscript 59 And the remainder of our days Shall consecrated be With an engaged heart to sing All praises unto Thee. (1661; 1867) HERE FOLLOWS SOME VERSES UPON THE BURNING OF OUR HOUSE JULY 10TH, 1666. COPIED OUT OF A LOOSE PAPER In silent night when rest I took For sorrow near I did not look I wakened was with thund'ring noise And piteous shrieks of dreadful voice. That fearful sound of "Fire!" and "Fire!" Let no man know is my desire. I, starting up, the light did spy, And to my God my heart did cry To strengthen me in my distress And not to leave me succorless. Then, coming out, beheld a space The flame consume my dwelling place. And when I could no longer look, I blest His name that gave and took, That laid my goods now in the dust. Yea, so it was, and so 'twas just. It was His own, it was not mine, Far be...