[from Collected Works, T.E.Brown]

PREPARATION

HAST thou a cunning instrument of play,
'Tis well ; but see thou keep it bright,
And tuned to primal chords, so that it may
Be ready day and night.
For when He comes thou know'st not, who shall say:-
" virginals are apt " ; and try a note,
And sit, and make sweet solace of delight,
That men shall stand to listen on the way,
And all the room with heavenly music float.