LXI. Leonard Stauely. Stanzas from "The Author's muse vpon this life in manner of a dittie." Edward Farr, ed. 1845. Select Poetry, Chiefly Devotional, of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth

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

Stanzas from “The Author’s muse vpon this life in manner of a dittie”

LXI. Leonard Stauely


I MUSING 1 in my carefull minde
Of this vaine fleeting life,
By perfect proofe this doo I finde—
’Tis nothing els but strife.

Which when I see the pinching pains	5
Wherewith poore men are prest,
I deeme him happiest that hath this gaine,
By Christe eternall rest.

For heer I see our cares abound
And sorrowes stil encrease,	10
And neuer until vnder ground
Our corps doo lye at ease.

Our labor then is ended sure;
And blessed is that wight,
The greatest greefs did here endure,	15
And led a life most right.

Note 1. LXI. Leonard Stauely.—This author, of whom no mention is made by Ritson, wrote “A Breef Discovrse wherein is declared of y^e trauailes and miseries of this painful life, and that death is the dissoluer of man’s miserie.” There is no date: but it is supposed to have been published about 1580. [back]

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