University of Virginia Library

SCENE I.

Enter Liberalitie.
How seldome is it seene, that Vertue is regarded,
Or men of vertuous sort, for vertuous deeds rewarded?
So wonts the world to pamper those that nought deserue,
Whiles such as merit best, without reliefe do sterue.
Great imperfections are in some of greatest skill,
That colours can discerne, white from blacke, good from ill.
O blind affects of men, how are you led awry,
To leaue assured good, to like frayle Vanity!
If some of Vertues traine, for Prince and Countries good,
To shew their faithfull hearts, shall hazard life and blood,
And guerdonlesse depart, without their due reward,
Small is th'encouragement, th'example verie hard.
Where any well deserue, and are rewarded well,
There Prince and people both, in safety sure do dwell.
Where he that truly serues, hath nothing for his paine,
More hearts are lost, then pecks of gold can ransome home agayne.
Let States therefore that wish to maintayne stately dignity,
Seeke to acquaint themselues with Liberalitie:
For that is it which winnes the subiects faithfull loue,
Which faithfull loue, all harmes from them and theirs remoue.
Liberalitie am I, Vertues Steward heere,
Who for the vertuous sort, do nothing hold too deere.
But few to Vertue seeke, all sorts to Fortune flye,
There seeking to maintaine their chiefe prosperity.
But who so markes the end, shall be enforst to say,
O Fortune, thou art blind: let Vertue lead the way.
But who comes here? It seemeth old Tenacitie.
I must away; for contraries cannot agree.

Exit.