Poem by Thomas Urquhart

Epigrams. The Third Booke. ¹ 5. A certaine ancient philosopher did hereby insi∣nuate, how necessary a thing the administrati∣on of iustice was: and to be alwaies vigilant in the judicious di∣stribution of punishment, and recompence

SEeing by the multitude of those offend,
The shame of sin's diminish'd now in such
A measure, that a common crime, in end
Will cease to be accounted a reproach:
I am affrayd, that (if iniquitie
Be suffer'd thus to propagate) it will
With bad example safer be to stray,
Then to prove singular in doing well:
Nor is this grievous inconvenience (tho
Pernicious to the state) to be withstood,
If any the least care be wanting to
Chastise the wicked, and reward the good:
Which Law each Prince should in his bosome nou∣rish;
That Vice may be supprest: and vertue flourish.

1. Epigrams. The First Booke. ¹ 41. Concerning those, who marry for beauty, and wealth without regard of vertue
2. Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 13. What the subject of your conference ought to be with men of judgment, and account
3. Epigrams. The First Booke. ¹ 42. The speech of a noble spirit to his adversary, whom af∣ter he had defeated, he acknowledgeth to be nothing in∣feriour to himselfe in worth, wit, or valour, thereby insinuating that a wise man cannot properly bee subdued: though he be orthrown in body, and worldly commodities
4. Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 19. What is not vertuously acquired, if acquired by vs, is not properly ours
5. Epigrams. The Third Booke. ¹ 17. VVhy we must all dye

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