Past and Present - part two

I am away for a short break and will be back on 9 January. All will be remembered in my prayers.


2nd January

The time hath been men would live chaste,

And so could maid that vows had passed;

The time is now the gift is gone,

New gospellers such gifts have none.

Sweet Jesu, with Thy mother mild,

Sweet Virgin Mother with Thy Child;

Angels and Saints of each degree

Redress our country's misery.

The time hath been that Saints could see,

Could hear and help our misery;

The time is now that fiends alone

Have leave to range - Saints must be gone.

The time hath been fear made us quake

To sin, less God should us forsake;

The time is now the vilest knave

Is sure (he'll say) God will him save.

The time hath been to fast and pray,

And do alms' deeds was thought the way;

The time is now, men say indeed,

Such stuff with God hath little meed.

The time hath been, within this land,

One's word as good was his bond;

The time is now, all men may see,

New faiths haved killed old honesty.

          William Blundell 1600

William Blundell (of  Crosby, Lancashire) was an English Catholic gentleman; the 'first' religious poet of his time and known as a "stout Recusant".