Thomas Urquhart


Epigrams. The Third Booke. ¹ 41. To one, who was grieved within himselfe, that he was not endewed with such force, and vi∣gour of body, as many others were


THough you be not so strong, as other men,
Jf you have health, the matter is but small;
You being reserv'd for tasks, more noble, then
The labours of the body: therefore all
Page  58 You can complaine of, is not of defect,
But of imparitie: Nature did grant
Milo great strength, in whose regard you're weake:
So was he weaker then an Elephant:
His strength decay'd: but Solons lasted longer,
And wise men love not, what's not durable:
Care not for strength; seeing sicknesse will be stronger:
But with your soule, as with a Sword of steele,
Within a sheath of Wooll, subdue temptations;
For the true strength of Man, being in the mind,
He is much stronger, overcomes his passions,
Then who can with main force a Lyon bind;
And who himselfe thus in subjection brings,
Surmounts the power of all Earthly Kings.






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