CXXXII MAN
Of some mean things which here below reside,
Where birds, like watchful clocks, the noiseless date
And intercourse of times divide;
Where bees at night get home and hive; and flowers,
Early as well as late,
Rise with the sun, and set in the same bowers; --
I would (said I) my GOD would give
The staidness of these things to Man! For these
To His divine appointments ever cleave,
And no new business breaks their peace;
The birds nor sow nor reap, yet sup and dine;
The flowers without clothes live;
Yet Solomon was never drest so fine.
Man hath still either toys, or care;
He hath no root, nor to one place is tied,
But ever restless and irregular
About this Earth doth run and ride.
He knows he hath a home, but scarce knows where;
He says it is so far [152] ,
That he hath quite forgot how to go[1**above line] there.
He knocks at all doors, strays and roams,
Nay hath not so much wit as some stones [153] have,
Which in the darkest nights point to their homes,
By some hid sense their Maker gave;
Man is the shuttle, to whose winding quest
And passage[1**above line] through these looms
GOD order'd motion, but ordain'd no rest.