University of Virginia Library

An Epigram to the Councellour that pleaded, and carried the Cause.

That I hereafter, doe not thinke the Barre,
The Seat made of a more then civill warre;
Or the great Hall at Westminster, the field
Where mutuall frauds are fought, and no side yeild;
That henceforth, I beleeve nor bookes, nor men,
Who 'gainst the Law, weave Calumnies my—
But when I read or heare the names so rife
Of hirelings, wranglers, stitchers-to of strife,
Hook-handed Harpies, gowned Vultures, put
Upon the reverend Pleaders; doe now shut
All mouthes, that dare entitle them (from hence)
To the Wolves studie, or Dogs eloquence;
Thou art my Cause: whose manners since I knew,
Have made me to conceive a Lawyer new.
So dost thou studie matter, men, and times,
Mak'st it religion to grow rich by Crimes!
Dar'st not abuse thy wisdome, in the Lawes,
Or skill to carry out an evill cause!
But first dost vexe, and search it! If not sound,
Thou prov'st the gentler wayes, to clense the wound,
And make the Scarre faire; If that will not be,
Thou hast the brave scorne, to put back the fee!
But in a businesse, that will bide the Touch,
What use, what strength of reason! and how much
Of Bookes, of Presidents, hast thou at hand?
As if the generall store thou didst command
Of Argument, still drawing forth the best,
And not being borrowed by thee, but possest.
So comm'st thou like a Chiefe into the Court
Arm'd at all peeces, as to keepe a Fort
Against a multitude; and (with thy Stile
So brightly brandish'd) wound'st, defend'st! the while
Thy Adversaries fall, as not a word
They had, but were a Reed unto thy Sword.
Then com'st thou off with Victorie and Palme,
Thy Hearers Nectar, and thy Clients Balme,
The Courts just honour, and thy Judges love.
And (which doth all Atchievements get above)
Thy sincere practise, breeds not thee a fame
Alone, but all thy ranke a reverend Name.