Classic Poem

What action wouldst thou wish to haue in hand,
If sodain death shold come for his command?
I would be doing good to most good men
That most did need, or to their childeren,
And in aduice (to make them their true heires)
I would be giuing vp my soule to theirs.
To which effect if Death should find me giuen,
I would with both my hands held vp to heauen,
Make these my last words to my deitie:
Those faculties thou hast bestowd on me
To vnderstand thy gouernment and will
I haue, in all fit actions offerd still
To thy diuine acceptance, and as farre
As I had influence from thy bounties starre,
I haue made good thy forme infusde in me:
Th'anticipations giuen me naturally,
I haue with all my studie, art, and prayre
Fitted to euerie obiect, and affaire
My life presented, and my knowledge taught.
My poore saile, as it hath bene euer fraught
With thy free goodnesse, hath bene ballast to
With all my gratitude. What is to do,
Supply it sacred Sauiour: thy high grace
In my poore gifts, receiue againe, and place
Where it shall please thee: thy gifts neuer die
But, hauing brought one to felicitie,
Descend againe, and helpe another vp, &c.