THEOLOGUS.
Alas! my friend, take in good part the chastisement of the Lord,
Who doth correct you in this world, that in the life to come
He might you save, for of the like the Scripture bears record.
PHILOLOGUS.
That is not God's intent with me, though it be so with some,
Who after body's punishment have into favour come:
But I, alas! in spirit and soul these grievous torments bear:
God hath condemned my conscience to perpetual grief and fear.
I would most gladly choose to live a thousand thousand year.
In all the torments and the grief that damned souls sustain;
So that at length I might have ease, it would me greatly cheer:
But I, alas! shall in this life in torments still remain,
While God's just anger upon me shall be revealed plain,
And I example made to all of God's just indignation.
O, that my body were at rest, and soul in condemnation!
EUSEBIUS.
I pray you, answer me herein: where you by deep despair
Say you are worse here in this life, than if you were in hell;
And for because to have death come you alway make your prayer,
As though your soul and body both in torments great did dwell,
If that a man should give to you a sword, I pray you tell,
Would you destroy yourself therewith, as do the desperate,
Which hang or kill, or into floods themselves precipitate?
PHILOLOGUS.
Give me a sword; then shall you know what is in mine intent.
EUSEBIUS.
Not so, my friend; I only ask what herein were your will?
PHILOLOGUS.
I cannot, neither will I tell, whereto I would be bent.
THEOLOGUS.
These words do nothing edify, but rather fancies fill,
Which we would gladly, if we could, endeavour for to kill.
Wherefore I once again request, together let us pray,
And so we will leave you to God, and send you hence away.
PHILOLOGUS.
I cannot pray; my spirit is dead, no faith in me remain.
THEOLOGUS.
Do as you can; no more than might we can ask at your hand.
PHILOLOGUS,
My prayer[61] turned is to sin; for God doth it disdain.