University of Virginia Library

These are your wonders, Heav'n, and not so much
Favours, (although the Favour too be such,
That it does pose our gratitude, and so
Onely proclaimes that we are made to owe
Our proverty of merit) to be short,
Th'are not so much your Favours, as your Sport.
You in an instant rayse, whom we would sweare,
Nayl'd to the Earth, him that had left to feare
More then he suffer'd, that had beene so long
Acquainted with ill lucke, with such a throng
Of misadventures, that he does not know
VVhat it is to be free from them, and so
This courteous intermission he expounds
Rather a Change then Cure of his neer wounds:
You in an unthought Minute can depresse,
VVhom we beleeve in league with Happinesse.
And as upon the Stage we oft have seene,
Him act a Beggar, who a King hath beene:
For no default, but that the Poets art
Thought at that time he best would fit that part:
So in our serious Theaters, when you please
Kings are as varying persons as are these,
Onely in this their disadvantage lyes;
That they may fall, but cannot hope to rise.
They, whom the bands that make a kingdome strong;
Succession to the Crowne both right and long
From worthy Ancestors, obedience
At home, and lastly sure intelligence
Abroad hath fortifyed, those that suppos'd
True joy to be wholly in them inclos'd:
If you but please to frowne, in one short day
(When they not thinke their Enemies on their way)
Are conquer'd by them, and at last retaine
This comfort onely to allay their paine
That their misfortune (if the heavens decree)
May be the portion of their Enemy.