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KNIGHTHOOD.
1664.
To my honoured Friend Sir Fran. Leek, being made Knight and Baronet.
This
Title aim'd for Merit, now the Stale
For Fools, since Honour is expos'd to Sale.
Whose Chapmen for the most part make it base:
As Cromwel's Lords brought Scarlet in disgrace.
'Twas Valour's badge; but now some new Knights know,
Nor see drawn Sword, but that which dubs 'em so.
This Glory was too bulkey, far too wide
For such slim Heroes in their upstart Pride.
The mighty Gyant Honour, vexing, shares
His Trophies to Pigwiggin-Souls like theirs.
Like Boys opprest, in Arms they idly sit:
Goliah's Sword would only David fit.
For Fools, since Honour is expos'd to Sale.
Whose Chapmen for the most part make it base:
As Cromwel's Lords brought Scarlet in disgrace.
'Twas Valour's badge; but now some new Knights know,
Nor see drawn Sword, but that which dubs 'em so.
This Glory was too bulkey, far too wide
For such slim Heroes in their upstart Pride.
The mighty Gyant Honour, vexing, shares
His Trophies to Pigwiggin-Souls like theirs.
Like Boys opprest, in Arms they idly sit:
Goliah's Sword would only David fit.
Nor was there any way left to redeem
It's credit, or create a new esteem,
But by your Name: so that which was thought fit
To honour others, you have honour'd it.
Your constant Soul stood firm in wicked times;
Which murder'd Loyalty, and favour'd Crimes.
Castles and Armies fell beneath their hand;
Yet you (more strong than either) nobly stand.
That thund'ring force, which made three Nations bow,
Stirr'd not the Lawrel on your warlike Brow.
Which did not there, as your Protection, sit;
Instead of guarding you, you guarded it.
So that which as the Guard of Valour stands,
Boasts that it took it's Safety from your hands;
And Fortune, that does trample on the World,
Yet trampled on, beneath your feet is hurl'd.
It's credit, or create a new esteem,
But by your Name: so that which was thought fit
To honour others, you have honour'd it.
89
Which murder'd Loyalty, and favour'd Crimes.
Castles and Armies fell beneath their hand;
Yet you (more strong than either) nobly stand.
That thund'ring force, which made three Nations bow,
Stirr'd not the Lawrel on your warlike Brow.
Which did not there, as your Protection, sit;
Instead of guarding you, you guarded it.
So that which as the Guard of Valour stands,
Boasts that it took it's Safety from your hands;
And Fortune, that does trample on the World,
Yet trampled on, beneath your feet is hurl'd.
This made you watch'd so by that jealous Crew;
Yet your Souls noble Motions you pursue.
To keep a standing Guard they were oblig'd;
And you did always eat, and sleep besieg'd.
They rated you an Army, could withstand
The Body eas'ly, when they held the hand.
And when their Crimes the Blessing them deny'd
To be of yours, they wish'd you of their side.
Thus did you force 'em both to Fear and Love;
As did become the Son of thund'ring Jove.
Thus them, without a Sword, you Pris'ners took;
Who slighted Cannons, trembled at your look.
Then he that without Arms did Conq'rour stand,
What will he do arm'd now with just command?
Yet your Souls noble Motions you pursue.
To keep a standing Guard they were oblig'd;
And you did always eat, and sleep besieg'd.
They rated you an Army, could withstand
The Body eas'ly, when they held the hand.
And when their Crimes the Blessing them deny'd
To be of yours, they wish'd you of their side.
Thus did you force 'em both to Fear and Love;
As did become the Son of thund'ring Jove.
Thus them, without a Sword, you Pris'ners took;
Who slighted Cannons, trembled at your look.
Then he that without Arms did Conq'rour stand,
What will he do arm'd now with just command?
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