_Pater Cœlestis._ For the wicked sin of filthy idolatry, Which the ten tribes did in the land of Samarie, In space of one day fifty thousand men I slew, Three of their cities also I overthrew, And left the people in such captivity, That in all the world they knew not whither to flee. The other two tribes, when they from me went back To idolatry, I left in the hand of Shishak, The king of Egypt, who took away their treasure, Conveyed their cattle, and slew them without measure. In time of Ahaz, a hundred thousand and twenty Were slain at one time for their idolatry. Two hundred thousand from thence were captive led, Their goods dispersed, and they with penury fed. Seldom they fail it, but either the Egyptians Have them in bondage, or else the Assyrians. _Esaias._ Well, yet blessed Lord, relieve them with thy mercy. Though they have been ill other princes' days, Yet good Hezekiah hath taught them goodly ways. When the prince is good, the people are the better; And as he is nought, their vices are the greater. Heavenly Lord, therefore send them the consolation, Which thou hast covenanted with every generation. Open thou the heavens, and let the lamb come hither, Who will deliver thy people altogether. Ye planets and clouds, cast down your dews and rain, That the earth may bear out healthful savour plain. _Pater Cœlestis._ May the wife forget the child of her own body? _Esaias._ Nay, that she can not in any wise verily. _Pater Cœlestis._ No more can I them who will do my commandments, But must preserve them from all inconvenience. _Esaias._ Blessed art thou, Lord, in all thy acts and judgments. _Pater Cœlestis._ Well, Esaias, for this thy fidelity, A covenant of health thou shalt have also of me. For Zion's sake now I will not hold my peace, And for Jerusalem, to speak will I not cease Till that righteous Lord become as a sunbeam bright, And their just saviour as a lamp extend his light. A rod shall shoot forth from the old stock of Jesse, And a bright blossom from that root will arise, Upon whom always the spir't of the Lord shall be, The spir't of wisdom, the spir't of heavenly practice, And the spir't that will all godliness devise. Take this for a sign, a maid of Israel Shall conceive and bear that Lord Emmanuel.