Poems and Dramas of Fulke Greville :: :: University of Virginia Library

Malice and Loue in their waies opposite,
The one to hurt it selfe for others good;
The other, to haue good by others spite,
Both raging most, when they be most withstood;
Though enemies, yet doe in this agree,
That both still breake the hearts where in they be.

Malice a habit is, wrought in the spirit,
By intricate opinions information;
Of scornefull wrong or of suppressing merit,
Which either wounds mens states or reputation;
And Tyrant-like, though shew of strength it beare,
Yet is but weakenesse growne, enrag'd by feare.

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Loue is the true or false report of sense,
Who sent as spies, returning newes of worth,
With over-wonder breed the hearts offence,
Not bringing in, but carrying pleasure forth,
And child-like must have all things that they see,
So much lesse louers, than things loued be.

Malice, like ruine, with it selfe ouerthrowes
Mankinde, and therefore plaies a diuels part;
Loue puls it selfe downe, but to build vp those
It loues, and therefore beares an Angels heart.
Tyrants through feare and malice feed on blood,
Good Kings secure at home, seeke all mens good.