My shorten’d staff still yielded as I prest

The prop on which my age must yet rely,

And all on which my hand or eye could rest

Gave sad and solemn warning that we die.

ARGENSOLA.

Father of all! unfold, since thou art just,

Why does thy providence all coldly see

Pale innocence enchain’d that would be free,

Whilst fraud ascends the judgment-seat august.