University of Virginia Library

The good Maister VVilliam Holstocks Epitaph, Controller of the Queenes Maiesties Nauie.

Mvse not to see this man in Tombe, all flesh to graue must goe,
Death calls for life (ere day of doome) to pay the debt we owe.
[illeg.] went from world when worlds good wil, embrast him eu'ry where,
For whom his friends sits wayling still, and sheds full many a teare.
What taketh breath and life must die, the best and worst takes leaue,
What comes from earth in earth must lie, els we our selues deceaue.
Then worldlings waile the dead no more, he liues & dwels in skye,
For Holstocke did but goe before, to learne vs all to die.
In youth this forward Martiall man, was still in seruice great,
Where he much fame and credite wan, through many a warlike feate.
In age his care of Country such, as he lou'd nothing more,
Whereon he could not talke too much, if cause fel out therefore.
Hys courage alwaies him prefard, (whiles he in world did hue,
To worthy place of great regard, which Prince did freely giue,
As he increast to wished wealth, or worship through desart,
He shewd in sicknes and in health, a cheerefull librall hart.
Held house and plentious table still, full long and many a yeere,
Did welcome guests with great good wil, that came to tast his cheere.
Made much of all good vertuous men, and what so ere befell,
Was glad and pleasant now and then, with those he liked well.
Full wise in deede and waer of word, and carefull of his charge,
And alwaies free and francke at boord, where his expence was large.
Belou'd and praisd of poore and rich, and prayd for sundry waies,
Good Holstocke shall be missed much, in these hard needy daies.
A conscience cleere, a fayth most fearme, a currant stampe of truth,
Kept touch and promise, time and tearme, fearde God in age & youth.
A mighty minde in stature meane, that ventred life full oft,
On sea or land among the best, that looked most aloft.
Good writers haue in seueral bookes, set forth his value throw,
That those which on the seruice lookes, should honor Holstocke now.
As lyfe got laude, so he at death, to friends and children said,
O babes before I yeeld vp breath, and Pilgrims part be plaid,
I blesse you all, and giue my goods among you as I may,
Then in the bed shrunke downe his head, and went like blaze away.
The good he did in his accounts, where soule now pleading is,
He feeles, where heauenly ioy surmounts, all kind of earthly blis.