University of Virginia Library

An vnworthie Knight. 15.

The foule Refuse, and the defect of Nature,
To Fortitude, and Honour true, a Traytor.
When to advance, his Valour it occurs,
His Blade is blunt, and hee wants ravell'd Spurres.
A Cypher in Court, a Sheepe in the Campe,
Yet lyke Tytides in the streetes will stampe.
Hee is amongst Men, lyke Owles amongst Birds,
Shaming the Sword, to his side that hee girds.
Hee counts for no Promise, nor Honour, nor Fayth
(Gaine once hee his point) that hee plighted hath.
A Friend, or a Foe, hee finely can faine,
Grace thee even now, and gloome on thee againe.
Hee's worshipt for his Wealth, not for his Wit,
Neyther was Valour the worker of it.
Where Courage for Honour doth enterpryse,
Th'vnworthie Knight lyke to a Lubbard lyes.
When Magnanimitie with Courage strong,
Through Perill passes to repare a Wrong.
Hee faintly feares, and Couragelesse hee quakes,
And to heare these Attempts such Terrour takes,
That all his Sprites, they post from him apace,
And Lead lyke, Liue-lesse, hee lookes in the Face.
Hee is the Chylde of Pryde, that doth despise,
The truelie Worthie, that through Vertue ryse.
Hee's Follies Fav'rite, full of Ostentation,
And onlie mightie in Imagination.
In Honours Court, yet there bee no such Apes,
Knights bot in Cloathes, and Cavelliers in Shapes.
Vnto the Mould whereon they moue, bot Masses,
And God forbid our Countrey breed such Asses.