XIV. Sir Nicholas Breton. A Prayer for Gentlewomen and Other to Use. Edward Farr, ed. 1845. Select Poetry, Chiefly Devotional, of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth

Edward Farr, ed. Select Poetry of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth. 1845.

A Prayer for Gentlewomen and Other to Use

XIV. Sir Nicholas Breton

Whereby, through the helpe of the devine grace, they may attayne the right sente of this Posie of Godly Flowres.

VOUCHSAFE, O Lord! to be our guide;
The Spirit of grace into us powre!
Defende our cause on every side,
That we may pass into the bowre,
Where as those heavenly flowres do growe	5
By Christ that garden first dyd sowe.

Illuminate our inwarde minde
To seeke to Thee continually;
From worldly errours that be blind
Preserve us for thy majestie.	10
Teach us, as we in wordes professe,
In deedes each one to do no lesse.

Assist us dayly to beginne
Spiritually to enter fight
Agaynst the worlde, the flesh, and sinne;	15
That we may shunne the duskie night,
In whiche our eneime, the devill,
Doth watche to worke each Christian evyll.

Arm us with fayth, to beare the shielde,
And sworde of heavenlie puritie;	20
Crowne us with helmet in the fielde
Of thy surpassing veritie.
Graunt this, O bounteous Jesu sweete,
That we with Thee at last may meete.