IX <br /> <br />Lady that in the prime of earliest youth, <br />Wisely hath shun'd the broad way and the green, <br />And with those few art eminently seen, <br />That labour up the Hill of heav'nly Truth, <br />The better part with Mary and with Ruth, <br />Chosen thou hast, and they that overween, <br />And at thy growing vertues fret their spleen, <br />No anger find in thee, but pity and ruth. <br />Thy care is fixt and zealously attends <br />To fill thy odorous Lamp with deeds of light, <br />And Hope that reaps not shame. Therefore be sure <br />Thou, when the Bridegroom with his feastfull friends <br />Passes to bliss at the mid hour of night, <br />Hast gain'd thy entrance, Virgin wise and pure. <br /> <br />Note: 5 with Ruth] the Ruth 1645.<br /><br />John Milton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-09/
