 | The Workes of Benjamin Jonson |  |
198
An Epigram On Willam Lord Burl: Lo: high %Treasurer of England.
If thou wouldst know the vertues of Man-kindRead here in one, what thou in all canst find,
And goe no farther: let this Circle be
Thy Universe, though his Epitome
Cecill, the grave, the wise, the great, the good,
What is there more that can ennoble blood?
The Orphans Pillar, the true Subjects shield,
The poores full Store-house, and just servants field.
The only faithfull Watchman for the Realme,
That in all tempests, never quit the helme,
But stood unshaken in his Deeds, and Name,
And labour'd in the worke; not with the fame:
That still was good for goodnesse sake, nor thought
Upon reward, till the reward him sought.
Whose Offices, and honours did surprize,
Rather than meet him: And, before his eyes
Clos'd to their peace, he saw his branches shoot,
And in the noblest Families tooke root
Of all the Land, who now at such a Rate,
Of divine blessing, would not serve a State?
| The Workes of Benjamin Jonson | |