Of FEAR

SEe you this Passion here, that follows next, That shakes, and looks as with a Feaver vext: Such is the nature of it, that I've seen Fear cause those Evils that else had not been. To some it Sickness brings, and some beside Even with the very fear of Death have died. The fear of Evil more tormenteth some, Then doth the thing they feared, when 'tis come. Men fear what is, what will be, and [alas] Many a thing that shall ne'er come to pass. Sure, 'tis a plague the Devil did invent To work in man a lasting discontent, And taught it Adam, whereupon he said, I saw my Nakedness, and was afraid. Come, let us joy, and be as cheerful still, With hope of good, as sad with fear of ill. There is an honest Fear, that hinders Sin, Which hath of all good men allowed bin. Those therefore that are wise enough to tell, When they do any thing amiss or well, Still in this Passion do observe a mean, And not to fear, or to presumption lean.