14. This was the work I was about
When hands on me they laid,
’Twas this from which they pluck’d me out,
And vilely to me said,
15. You heretic, deceiver, come,
To prison you must go;
You preach abroad, and keep not home,
You are the church’s foe.
16. But having peace within my soul,
And truth on every side,
I could with comfort them control,
And at their charge deride.
17. Wherefore to prison they me sent,
Where to this day I lie,
And can with very much content
For my profession die.
18. The prison very sweet to me
Hath been since I came here,
And so would also hanging be,
If God would there appear.
19. Here dwells good conscience, also peace
Here be my garments white;
Here, though in bonds, I have release
From guilt, which else would bite.
20. When they do talk of banishment,
Of death, or such-like things;
Then to me God sends heart’s content,
That like a fountain springs.
21. Alas! they little think what peace
They help me to, for by
Their rage my comforts do increase;
Bless God therefore do I.
22. If they do give me gall to drink,
Then God doth sweetn’ning cast
So much thereto, that they can’t think
How bravely it doth taste.
23. For, as the devil sets before
Me heaviness and grief,
So God sets Christ and grace much more,
Whereby I take relief.