The Pulley

When God at first made Man,

Having a glass of blessings standing by—

Let us (said He) pour on him all we can;

Let the world's riches, which disperséd lie,

Contract into a span.

So strength first made a way,

Then beauty flow'd, then wisdom, honour, pleasure:

When almost all was out, God made a stay,

Perceiving that, alone of all His treasure,

Rest in the bottom lay.

For if I should (said He)

Bestow this jewel also on My creature,

He would adore My gifts instead of Me,

And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature:

So both should losers be.