What thing soever some will have exprest, As typified by this _Halcyons-nest_, I shall not thinke this _Emblem_ ill-appli’d, If, by the same, the _Church_ bee signifi’d. For, as it is (by some) affirm’d of these, That, whilst they breed, the fury of the seas Is through the world alayd; and, that their _Brood_ Remaines in safetie, then, amidst the flood: So, when the Christian _Church_ was in her birth, There was a generall _Peace_ throughout the earth; And, those tumultuous _Waves_, which after that Began to rise, and bee enrag’d thereat, Were calmed so, that _Hee_ was borne in peace, From whom, the faithfull _Off-spring_ did encrease. They, likewise, on a _Rocke_, their dwellings have, As here you see; and, though the raging _Wave_, Of dreadfull _Seas_, hath beaten, ever since, Against the _Fortresse_ of their strong defence, Yet, still it stands; and, safe, it shall abide, Ev’n in the midst of all their foming pride. Vpon this _Rocke_ so place me, oh my God! That, whatsoever _Tempests_ bee abroad, I may not feare the fury of my Foe; Nor bee in danger of an overthrow. My life is full of _Stormes_; the _Waters_ roule, As if they meant to swallow up my soule. The _Tides_ oppose; the furious winds doe roare; My _Cable’s_ weake, my _tacklings_, Lord, are poore, And, my fraile _vessell_ cannot long endure; Yet, reach to mee thy hand, and I’m secure. _That’s =Friendship=, and =true-love=, indeed, Which firme abides, in time of need._ [Illustration: BONA FIDE. ILLVSTR. XXIX. _Book. 4_]