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.