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 30. That wise men, to speak properly, are the most powerfull men in the world
2. Epigrams. The Third Booke. ¹ 27. We should not be sorry, to be destitute of any thing: so long as we have judgments to perswade vs, that we may minister to our selves, what we have not, by not longing for it
3. Epigrams. The First Booke. ¹ 17. The expression of a contented mind in povertie
4. Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 25. That vertue is of greater worth, then knowledge. to a speculative Philosopher
5. Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 43. That inconveniences ought to be regarded to before hand

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