Edward Farr, ed. Select Poetry of the Reign of King James the First. 1847. Stanzas from “A Prince’s Looking-glasse” XL. William Willymat
ON 1 God depend, to him be constant true, To blesse you in your office to him sue; By the externe vse whereof let all men see How the inward heart is fraught with pietie; In things indiferent let your gesture shew 5 An image plain of uertue’s decent hew. Remember well your passions to digest Before you seeke great sutes to set at rest; For wrath short madnes is: doe nothing mad, Th’ effects whereof haue alwaies proued bad; 10 The Apostles’ rule chuse rather to obserue, Let anger none from God’s lawes make you swarue. Gladly aduance the good and uertuous, With royall giftes that are most glorious; Yet see that none, though noble, too high growe, 15 Least stately kingdome thereby be brought lowe: Due punishment let wicked men still haue, For own desertes, not other’s right doth craue.
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