Du Bartas His Divine Weekes And Workes with A Compleate Collectio[n] of all the other most delight-full Workes: Translated and written by yt famous Philomusus: Iosvah Sylvester |
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Sonnet 23.
[You graue assembly of sage Senators]
You graue assembly of sage Senators,Right Oracles, yee Ephori of France;
Who, for the States and Iustice maintenance,
Of Sword and Balance are the Arbitrers:
That from hence-forth (against all enemies)
Our Peace may seat her in a settled Throne;
Represse the malice of all mutinies,
Which through th'aduantage of these times haue growne.
At a lowe tyde 'tis best to mend a breach,
Before the flood returne with violence:
'Tis good in health to counsaile with a Leach:
So, while a People's calme from insolence,
'Tis best that Rulers bridle them with awe;
And (for the future) curbe the lewd with law.
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