VI. Sir Philip Sidney and the Countess of Pembroke

Nisi Dominus.

THE HOUSE Jehova builds not

We vainly strive to build it;

The towne Jehova guards not

We vainly watch to guard it.

No use of early rising;

As uselesse is thy watching:

Not aught at all it helpes thee

To eate thy bread with anguish.

As unto weary sences

A sleepie rest unasked;

So bounty cometh uncaus’d

From him to his beloved.

Noe, not thy children hast thou

By choise, by chaunce, by nature;

They are, they are Jehova’s,

Rewardes from him rewarding.

The multitude of infantes,

A good man holdes, resembleth

The multitude of arrowes,

A mighty archer holdeth.

Hys happines triumpheth,

Who beares a quiver of them:

Noe countenance of haters

Shall unto him be dreadfull.