Iii. The Husbandmen

Though God, as one that is an householder, Called these to labour in his vine-yard first, Before the husk of darkness was well burst Bidding them grope their way out and bestir, (Who, questioned of their wages, answered, 'Sir, Unto each man a penny:') though the worst Burthen of heat was theirs and the dry thirst: Though God hath since found none such as these were To do their work like them:--Because of this Stand not ye idle in the market-place. Which of ye knoweth he is not that last Who may be first by faith and will?--yea, his The hand which after the appointed days And hours shall give a Future to their Past?