The Quip

The merry World did on a day

   With his train-bands and mates agree

   To meet together where I lay,

   And all in sport to jeer at me.

    First Beauty crept into a rose,

   Which when I pluck'd not, "Sir," said she,

   "Tell me, I pray, whose hands are those?"

   But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

    Then Money came, and chinking still,

  "What tune is this, poor man?" said he;

  "I heard in music you had skill:"

  But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

   Then came brave Glory puffing by

  In silks that whistled, who but he?

  He scarce allow'd me half an eye:

  But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

   Then came quick Wit and Conversation,

  And he would needs a comfort be,

  And, to be short, make an oration:

  But Thou shalt answer, Lord, for me.

   Yet when the hour of Thy design

  To answer these fine things shall come,

  Speak not at large, say, I am Thine;

  And then they have their answer home.