III

But inward lusts do oft assail,

Temptations work us much annoy;

We'll therefore weep, and to prevail

Shall be a more celestial joy.

To have no other enemy

But one; and to that one to die:

To fight with that and conquer it,

Is better than in peace to sit.

'Tis better for a little time:

For he that all his lusts doth quell,

Shall find this life to be his prime,

And vanquish sin and conquer hell.

The next shall be his double joy,

And that which here seemed to destroy

Shall in the other life appear

A root of Bliss; a pearl each tear.