This is a well-knowne _Figure_, signifying, A man, whose _Vertues_ will abide the trying: For, by the nature of the _Diamond stone_, (Which _Violence_, can no way worke upon) That _Patience_, and _long-suffering_ is intended, Which will not bee with _Injuries_ offended; Nor yeeld to any base dejectednesse, Although some bruising _Pow’r_, the same oppresse; Or, such hard _streights_, as theirs, that hamm’rings feele, Betwixt an _Anvile_, and a _Sledge_ of Steele. None ever had a perfect _Vertue_, yet, But, that most _Pretious-stone_, which God hath set On his right hand, in _beaming-Majestie_, Vpon the _Ring_ of blest _ETERNITIE_. And, this, is that impenitrable _Stone_, The _Serpent_ could not leave impression on, (Nor signe of any _Path-way_) by temptations, Or, by the pow’r of sly insinuations: Which wondrous _Mysterie_ was of those _five_, Whose depth King _Solomon_ could never dive. Good _God_! vouchsafe, ev’n for that _Diamond_-sake, That, I may of his _pretiousnesse_, partake, In all my _Trialls_; make mee alwayes able To bide them, with a minde impenitrable, How hard, or oft so’ere, those _hamm’rings_ bee, Wherewith, _Afflictions_ must _new fashion_ mee. And, as the common _Diamonds_ polish’d are, By their owne dust; so, let my _errours_ weare Each other out; And, when that I am pure, Give mee the _Lustre_, _Lord_, that will endure. _=Truth=, oft =oppressed=, wee may see, But, quite =supprest= it cannot bee._ [Illustration: VERITAS PREMITUR NON OPPRIMITUR. ILLVSTR. XXXVIII. _Book. 3_]