Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher Containing Salomons Sermons or Commentaries (as it may probably be collected) vpon the 49. Psalme of Dauid his father. Compendiously abridged, and also paraphrastically dilated in English poesie, according to the analogie of Scripture, and consent of the most approued writer thereof. Composed by H. L. Gentleman [i.e. Henry Lok]. Whereunto are annexed sundrie Sonets of Christian Passions heretofore printed, and now corrected and augmented, with other affectionate Sonets of a feeling conscience of the same Authors |
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 | [Chap. 4.] Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher |  |
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13. A poore wise child is better then an old fond king vntaught,
14. From prison to a crown he climbs, that poore king set at naught.
14. From prison to a crown he climbs, that poore king set at naught.
13.
The princely state of all most happie held,
And happiest sure (if worthie Prince haue place)
Hath not all common woes so well expeld,
But often times their crownes do cares imbrace,
(Though God as his owne deputies doth them grace)
For where in vertue and wisedome is defect,
Full hardly can that honour them perfect.
And happiest sure (if worthie Prince haue place)
Hath not all common woes so well expeld,
But often times their crownes do cares imbrace,
(Though God as his owne deputies doth them grace)
For where in vertue and wisedome is defect,
Full hardly can that honour them perfect.
For though best subiects bodies do obay,
The tyranny of most iniust behest,
Yet doth their minds obedience oft denay,
When they do find that powre hath right supprest,
And then the poore wise child is held more blest,
That yeeldeth to aduice the sage doth bring,
Then ill aduised head-strong aged King.
The tyranny of most iniust behest,
Yet doth their minds obedience oft denay,
When they do find that powre hath right supprest,
And then the poore wise child is held more blest,
That yeeldeth to aduice the sage doth bring,
Then ill aduised head-strong aged King.
14.
Such one there hath (not seldom times) bene seene,
Of base descent by pedegree of kin,
Abandon'd so of hope, that you would weene
He hardly should his liuing poorely win,
(Much lesse of captiue euer free haue beene:)
Yet so by vertue he hath raysd his state,
In th'end he wore a crowne that pynde of late.
Of base descent by pedegree of kin,
Abandon'd so of hope, that you would weene
He hardly should his liuing poorely win,
(Much lesse of captiue euer free haue beene:)
Yet so by vertue he hath raysd his state,
In th'end he wore a crowne that pynde of late.
Whereas contrariwise, you oft behold,
The worthlesse child of many a worthy king,
On predecessors vertues grow so bold,
And to their state so little honor bring,
That from them, natiue right some others wring,
And they vnto the common state of men,
Poore and reiected do returne as then.
The worthlesse child of many a worthy king,
On predecessors vertues grow so bold,
And to their state so little honor bring,
That from them, natiue right some others wring,
And they vnto the common state of men,
Poore and reiected do returne as then.
| [Chap. 4.] Ecclesiastes, otherwise called the Preacher | |