University of Virginia Library

Of thy lyfe, Thomas

Praise of meane and constant estate.

Of thy lyfe, Thomas, this compasse well mark:
Not aye with full sayles the hye seas to beat:
Ne by coward dred, in shonning stormes dark,
On shalow shores thy keel in perill freat.
Who so gladly halseth the golden meane,
Voyde of dangers aduisdly hath his home
Not with lothsom muck, as a den vncleane:
Nor palacelyke, wherat disdayn may glome.
The lofty pyne the great winde often riues:
With violenter swey falne turrets stepe:
Lightninges assault the hye mountains, and cliues,
A hart well stayd, in ouerthwartes depe,
Hopeth amendes: in swete, doth feare the sowre.
God, that sendeth, withdraweth winter sharp.
Now ill, not aye thus: once Phebus to lowre
With bow vnbent shall cesse, and frame to harp.
His voyce. In straite estate appere thou stout:
And so wisely, when lucky gale of winde

---

D2r

All thy puft sailes shall fil, loke well about:
Take in a ryft: hast is wast, profe doth finde.