Fifth PART. To Planters

Rivers he turns to Desert Sands; And dries the Fountains Heads. Provok'd by daring Crimes, with Salt, The fruitful Soil he spreads. He turns the Desert into Pools; Dry Ground, a springing Well. The Hungry there he seats, who build. A City where they dwell. They sow their Fields, and Vineyards plant, Which bring encreased Stocks. His Blessing multiplies their Race; Nor lessens he their Flocks. But when they sin, they're greatly thinn'd, And soon brought low again; By foreign, and domestick Ills, Oppress'd, and fill'd with Pain. On Princes, who provoke his Wrath, He pours Contempt, and Scorn; He makes them traverse trackless Wastes, Unpity'd, and forlorn. The humble Poor he seats on high, And doth from Trouble keep; He makes his Families encrease, Like fruitful Flocks of Sheep. The Just shall see, and shall rejoice; But th' Impious silent grow. The Wise will these Events observe; And God's great Goodness know.