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 | The Workes of Benjamin Jonson |  |
To Kenelme, Iohn, George.
Boast not these Titles of your Ancestors;(Brave Youths) th'are their possessions, none of yours:
When your owne Vertues, equall'd have their Names,
'Twill be but faire, to leane upon their Fames;
For they are strong Supporters: But, till then,
The greatest are but growing Gentlemen.
It is a wretched thing to trust to reedes;
Which all men doe, that urge not their owne deeds
Up to their Ancestors; the rivers side,
By which yo'are planted, shew's your fruit shall bide:
Hang all your roomes, with one large Pedigree:
'Tis Vertue alone, is true Nobilitie.
Which Vertue from your Father, ripe, will fall;
Study illustrious Him, and you have all.
| The Workes of Benjamin Jonson | |