University of Virginia Library

V.—John Melton.

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From ‘A Sixe-Folde Politician. Together with a Sixefolde Precept of Policy. London Printed by E. A. for Iohn Busby, and are to be solde at his Shop in Saint Dunstans Churchyard. 1609’ (8vo.)

In due praise of the Author.

These speaking pictures of those counterfets
That would be statesmen, rather men of State,
Are such as doe their life delineate
By which the Drawer's fame still life begets.
But where he paints in colours (rarely rich)
The picture of a perfect statesman, hee
Transcends himselfe and makes each eye to see
His darkest vaines with iudgement's clearest touch.
O nere could words (though wayèd in Wisdome's scoles,
And measured by the square of art, by Wit)
But these alone, so right the spirit fit
Of statesmen that (obeying) all controlles;
Passe on viue image, make all times admire
How earthly hands came by such heauenly fire.
Io. Dauis, Gent.