John Davies of Hereford (c.1565-1618)

From The Holy Rood

From Wit's Pilgrimage

"Although we do not all the good we love"

Although we do not all the good we love,

But still, in love, desire to do the same;

Nor leave the sins we hate, but hating move

Our soul and body's powers their powers to tame;

The good we do God takes as done aright,

That we desire to do he takes as done;

The sin we shun he will with grace requite,

And not impute the sin we seek to shun.

But good desires produce no worser deeds,

For God doth both together lightly give,

Because he knows a righteous man must needs

By faith, that works by love, forever live.

Then to do nought but only in desire

Is love that burns, but burns like painted fire.

Some blaze the precious beauties of their loves

By precious stones, and other some by flowers,

Some by the planets and celestial powers,

Or by what else their fancy best approves;

Yet I by none of these will blazon mine,

But only say her self herself is like,

For those similitudes I much mislike

That are much used, though they be divine.

In saying she is like herself, I say

She hath no like, for she is past compare.

Then who aright commends this creature rare

Must say, "She is"; and there of force must stay,

Because by words she cannot be expressed;

So say, "She is," and wond'ring owe the rest.