The Soul’s Garment

1

Great Nature clothes the soul, which is but thin,2
With3 fleshly garments,4 which the Fates do spin.
And when these garments are grown old and bare,
With sickness torn, Death takes them off with care,
And folds5 them up in6 peace, and quiet rest,                       5
So7 lays them safe within an earthly chest.
Then scours them,8 and makes them sweet and clean,
Fit for the soul to wear those clothes again.

  1. The Soul’s Garment] Soule, and Body. 1653
  2. clothes the soul, which is but thin,] She doth cloath the Soule within, 1653
  3. With] A 1653
  4. garments,] Garment 1653
  5. And folds] Doth Fold 1664; Doth fold 1668
  6. up in] in 1668
  7. So] And 1664, 1668
  8. them,] them well, 1664, 1668