The _Spade_, for _Labour_ stands. The _Ball with wings_, Intendeth _flitting-rowling-wordly-things_. This _Altar-stone_, may serve in setting foorth, Things firmer, sollid, and of greater worth: In which, and by the _words_ inclosing these, You, there may read, your _Fortune_, if you please. If you, your _labour_, on those things bestow, Which _rowle_, and _flutter_, alwaies, to and fro; It cannot be, but, that which you obtaine, Must prove a _wavering_, and unconstant gaine: For, he that soweth _Vanitie_, shall finde, At _reaping-time_, no better fruit then _Winde_. Your houres, in serions matters, if you spend, Or, such, as to a lasting purpose tend, The purchase of your paines will ever last; And, bring you _Pleasure_, when the _Labour’s_ past. Yea, though in teares, your _Seed-time_, you imploy, Your _Harvest_ shall be fetched home, with ioy. If _much_ be wrought, much profit will ensue; If _little_, but a little meede is due. Of _nothing_, nothing comes: On _evill deedes_ An evill conscience, and, ill fame succeedes: An _honest-life_, still findes prepared for’t, Sweet _Hopes_ in Death; and, after, _good-report_. Of _Sexe_, or of _Degree_, there’s no regard: But, as the _Labour_, such is the _reward_. To _worke-aright_, oh _Lord_, instruct thou mee; And, ground my _Workes_, and _buildings_ all on thee: That, by the fiery _Test_, when they are tride, My _Worke_ may stand, and I may _safe_ abide. _Let none in troublous times repine; For, after =Stormes=, the =Sun= will shine._ [Illustration: POST NUBILA PHŒBUS. ILLVSTR. XXXII. _Book. 4_]