And still the sex will needs be stealing in. Those joys are full of dross, and thicker far; These, without matter, clear and liquid are. Such sacred love does heaven's bright spirits fill, Where love is but to understand and will, With swift and unseen motions such as we Somewhat express in heighten'd charity. O ye bless'd One! whose love on earth became So pure, that still in heaven 'tis but the same! There now ye sit, and with mix'd souls embrace, Gazing upon great Love's mysterious face, And pity this base world, where friendship's made A bait for sin, or else at best a trade. Ah, wondrous prince! who a true friend couldst be When a crown flatter'd, and Saul threaten'd thee! Who held'st him dear whose stars thy birth did cross, And bought'st him nobly at a kingdom's loss! Israel's bright sceptre far less glory brings, There have been fewer friends on earth than kings. To this strong pitch their high affections flew, Till Nature's self scarce looked on them as two. Hither flies David for advice and aid, As swift as love and danger could persuade; As safe in Jonathan's trust his thoughts remain, As when himself but dreams them o'er again. 'My dearest lord! farewell,' said he, 'farewell; Heaven bless the King; may no misfortune tell The injustice of his hate when I am dead: They're coming now; perhaps my guiltless head Here, in your sight, must then a-bleeding lie, And scarce your own stand safe for being nigh. Think me not scared with death, howe'er 't appear; I know thou canst not think so: it is a fear From which thy love and Dammin speaks me free; I've met him face to face, and ne'er could see One terror in his looks to make me fly When virtue bids me stand; but I would die So as becomes my life, so as may prove Saul's malice, and at least excuse your love.'