University of Virginia Library


9

Stephen, King of England.

Stephen next usurps the throne, for when he drew
His Sword, he cut the Gordeon in two.
Valiant he was, but vitiously inclin'd:
He is too strong a man, Oaths cannot binde.
Maud had the Right, Stephen Power; Princes take
Any advantage when a Crowns at stake.
He made no Laws, he so in Wars did live;
He seemed rather to receive then give,
At last his Son dies; now all storms blow fair
Whilst Stephen adopts his enemy his heir.
What War could not, a happy peace hath done,
This has a Kingdome got, and that a Son.