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 Third Booke. ¹ 3. We ought always to thinke upon what we are to say, before we utter any thing; the speeches and talk of solid wits, being still pre∣meditated, and never using to forerunne the mind
2. Epigrams. The First Booke. ¹ 19. Ingratitude is such a common vice, that even those who exclame most against it, are not freest of it
3. Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 22. A very ready way to goodnesse, and true VVisedome
4. Epigrams. The Third Booke. ¹ 29. How magnanimous a thing it is, in adversity, patiently to endure, what cannot bee evited
5. Epigrams. The Second Booke. ¹ 29. A truely liberall man never bestoweth his gifts, in hope of recompence

Print

1736 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version