Cxxx. [112]

Others plead Others argue, and not a few,   “Is not God graci-ous? His Equity and Clemency,   are they not marvellous? Thus we believ’d; are we deceiv’d?   Cannot his Mercy great, (As hath been told to us of old,)   assuage his anger’s heat?

CXXXI.

“How can it be that God should see   his Creatures’ endless pain. Or hear their groans and rueful moans,   and still his wrath retain? Can it agree with Equity,   can Mercy have the heart. To recompense few years’ offense   with everlasting smart?