University of Virginia Library


32

Illvstr. XXXII.

[Right blest are they on whom God hath bestowne]

A Princes most ennobling Parts,
Are Skill in Armes, and Love to Arts.

Right blest are they on whom God hath bestowne
A King, whose Vertues have approved him
To be an Ornament unto his Throne,
And as a Lustre to his Diadem.
Hee seekes not onely how to keepe in awe
His People, by those meanes that rightfull are;
But, doth unto himselfe, become a Law,
And, by Example, Pious Wayes declare.
He, loveth Peace, and after it pursues;
Yet, if of Warre a just occasion come,
Doth nor Bellona's Challenges refuse,
Nor feare, to beat Defyance on his Drum;
He is as ready, also, to advance
The Lib'rall Arts, and from his Lands to drive
All false Religion, Schisme, and Ignorance,
As other publike profits to contrive.
And, such a Prince is not a Casuall-thing,
The Glories of a Throne, by Chance, possessing;
Nor meerely from his Parents, doth he spring,
But, he is rather Gods immediate Blessing.
If thou desirest such a Prince to be,
Or, to acquire that Worth which may allure
Such Princes to vouchsafe some Grace to thee;
Their Kingly Vertues, labour to procure.
In Military Practices delight,
Not for a wicked, or vaine-glorious end;
But, to maintaine the Cause that is upright,
Or thy distressed Countrey to defend.
And, strive that thou, as excellent mayst bee
In Knowledge, as, thou art in thy Degree.