Vertue triumphant, or A liuely description of the foure vertues cardinall dedicated to the Kings Maiestie.

VERTVE TRIVMphant to the Kings Maiestie . 1 NOw that Hyperion with his chearefull beames , Prooemium . Hath cleer'd the troubled skie of cloudie state ; Since little springs do runne to largest streames , And mutuall faith determins feare of hate ; Oh happie land who such a King do'st gaine , By whom are dri'd the teares of sorowes raine . 2 Our earth esteem'd halfe dead through Winters spight , Grones vnderneath the burden of her spring : The fields with natures Tapistrie are dight , For ioy whereof the winged consort sing . Ech vegetable Plant late nipt with frost , Vowes treble hope for all the fruit we lost . 3 Our memorable Phoenix now takes rest , Mors Reginae Elizabethae . Her ashes doth a mightie Monarch raise , Whom best men loue and God himselfe hath blest , For all our good , and his eternall praise . Chosen by him on highest throne to sit , For Wisdome , Temperance , Iustice , Power & Wit. 4 Our cleerest skies with darke clouds ouer-cast , In splendent brightnesse shew their wonted hue ; Our doubts of death are turn'd to life at last , All wounds are cur'd , and we reuiu'd anew . Twixt present hope , ioy past , and former feare , We scarse know what we are , or late we were . 5 Elizaes losse made wet the driest eies , And spred sad sorow through our state and land : But present blisse shone from the glorious skies , For mightie Ioue stretcht forth his holy hand . In one sad morne by death our hearts were slaine , Which at midmorow were reuiu'd againe . 6 As Pharoes heart most deeply * * Exod. 7. v. 14. hard'ned was , And would not let Gods chosen people goe , Nor suffer them from yoking bondage passe , But sought their liues and hopes to ouerthrow : Through raging Sea without thought of despaire , Exod. 14. v. 21. & 22. God made their passage easie , drie and faire . 7 Yet he with might and maine did still pursue Our Gods elected Nation to confound , Till in that Sea himselfe he ouerthrew , And all his host were in an instant drou'nd . Exod. 14. v. 28. The like , God works to those whose hate would bring Death to his elect , or his anointed King . 8 Our state that liu'd so many months and yeeres , Odde weeks and daies , with fearfull thoughts of death , See how Gods power and mightinesse appeares , To giue vs life that gron'd and gaspt for breath ! And doth defend our countrey , state and land ( As those he loues ) from 1 1 A seditione & gladio vindice ac dissipante . cruell Pharoes hand ! 9 Yet some may seeke by enuie and debate To sow sedition in our fields of peace , But they shall reape the sheaues of Pharoes hate That sunke in Seas , when they sought to increase . God grant all those that grudge our Regall power , The Sea may drowne , or earth may quicke deuower . 10 Our ships of care on dangerous Seas were tost , Our hopes of life the waues of death sanke downe , Like Ionas in the fishes bellie lost , Ionae 1. v. 17. matt. 12. v. 40. Till God gaue grace , where first he gan to frowne : Now doe our storm-beat-ships their full sailes spread , And we like Ionas liue ; ere-while thought dead . 11 As Sidrach , Misach , Dan. 3. v. 27. and Abednego Did safely walke amids the burning heat , And in the flames aliue themselues did show , That force of fire could not them ill intreat : So we beset about with flames of fire , God quencht the rage , and sent our hearts desire . 12 What people liu'd more fit for mourning cheere ? What countrey left in greater griefe and scorne ? Our fall lookt for by Neighbours far and neere , Drownd in despaire we held our selues forlorne . Yet see the worke of Mightie Ioue his hand , That sent such comfort to a wofull land ! 13 Our Kingdome cast in dreadfull desolation , Our mindes seduc'st with spight and proud sedition , Our factions fraught with secret expedition To take our liues , and worke vs all perdition . How great a debt owe we to him aboue , That sends a King to worke vnited loue ? 14 Pardon ( dread Lord ) these harsh and ruder times Vnfitting obiects for a Princes eies : The thunder-scorning bird of Ioue sometimes , Makes a lowe pitch to earth from loftie skies . Enough is me , if but your Highnesse daine The smallest approbation of my paine . 15 To Maiestie alone belongs my Theame , The sure foundation of a Royall state , Breaking the boistrous surge of fortunes streame , Held vp by Prouidence the Curbe of fate . In this , as in a Crystall thou shalt see , What best befitteth Rule and Emperie . 16 Vertue that labours like heauens golden eie , To light the world with her admired raies , Comes to salute your sacred Maiestie , Sapient . 8. 4. morall vertues the subiect of this booke . Tendring her ofspring to your happie daies : First Prudence , next to her comes Temperance ; Then Fortitude , whom Iustice doth aduance . 17 Sage Prudence busied in foresight of things , De 4. virtutibus ingenere vsque ad paragr. 63. And moderate Temperance with her golden squire , True manly Fortitude ( the heart of Kings ) Ioin'd with impartiall Iustice , all desire , For their more safetie and securer rest , A sacred mansion in your Princely brest . 18 Now Vertue lookes more debonaire and sweet , And darts strange flames * * Plato in Phaedro . of loue in euery place , T' is so ; Cic. 1. offic. c. 5. when she and Princely greatnesse meet , Accept the good that Vertue giues your Grace . A double ease then shall your Highnesse finde , Making these Vertues Squires of your minde . 19 What comfort comes by such a gracious King , In whom the foure rare morall vertues raigne ! A Prince that wants of these in anything , Can not serue God , nor subiects well maintaine . All which great gifts his Princely minde must beare , That will Th' emperiall Crowne of honour weare . 20 These foure , Currus quatuor virtutum . a Chariot of foure wheeles haue fram'd , Which whoso mounts shall great and mightie be ; And for this merit shall as much be fain'd , As if the Conquerer of the world were he . Few Kings this goodly Chariot haue driuen ; For vnto few these Cardinals are giuen . 21 Which vertues are fast knit and ioin'd together , Virtutes connexae . Arist. 6. Aethic . cap. 17. & . 18. Yet proper and distinct in qualitie , Like Riuers flowing in a stormie weather Out of the fountaine of pure honestie . August . 7. Thus all are one , Trinit. c. 3. and one esteemed all : Who wanteth one , Cic. 1. offic. cap 6. possesseth none at all . 22 There is one only wise and Soueraigne king , 1. Tim. 6. v. 15. Who sitteth on his high and holy throne , And by his word created euery thing , Genes. 1. Ioan. 1. v. 3. From whom true * * Iaco. 1. v. 5. wisdome doth proceed alone , Which teacheth vs his holy word to know , And in abundance doth his mercy show . 23 These Morall vertues , Quadrupliciter Cardinales à cardine , vel stabilitate dictae . lsidorus . Cardinall are nam'd , A cardine , as ancient writers say ; Which is a hindge , on which the doore is fram'd , By which it shuts , and opens euery way . All Monarchs , kingdoms , commonwealths & Kings , Guided by these , possesse mostblessed things . 24 By these , they are made open vnto God , And to all goodnesse in their land and state ; Preseru'd from Sathan and his wicked rod , And from those vices which these vertues hate . Who rules by these , shall haue eternall blisse , And raigne with God where vertues glory is . 25 Further , they call them Card'nall , as I gesse , By reason of their firme stabilitie ; Both in themselues and persons they possesse , Where they inhere with perfect constancie . When doores are mou'd the hindges fixt remaine , And yet not chang'd returne the same againe . 26 The third cause is , for that our conuersation And course of life supported ought to be , Causa in nobi● ad cardinem disposita . By these foure vertues without alteration , As doores borne vp on hindges which we see : Though to and fro the doore do dayly passe ; Yet borne on hindges , is the same it was . 27 Fourth reason , why we do them Card'nall proue , Is praeminence and power aboue the rest ; The Cardin's are the chiefest parts aboue , Of Heauen , of Earth and Sea which God hath blest : Alluding vnto man compos'd by nature Of elements , Homo qualrata figura . or els no perfect creature . 28 These vertues do exceed all others farre , By them are noble acts and deeds begunne : The least of them shines bright as any starre , And all in one as glorious as the Sunne . The soule who striues the greatest works t' effect , By these foure vertues doth herselfe direct . 29 The fifth cause , Haec quinta causa est superaddita defectui tertiae . is their principalitie , For vnto them all vertues are inclin'de ; They leade the motions , power and qualitie Of heart , of soule , of bodie and of minde : They teach , they rule , they gouerne and they guide The minde and soule that is to wisdome tide . 30 Prudence the act of Reason still doth sway , Officia quatuor virtutum . Which vertues is from vices to discerne , Twixt good and bad , which is the perfect way , To take or leaue it teacheth vs to learne . It makes vs see , and know the good from ill , And hauing choise to take the better still . 31 Temperance the act doth rule , leade and direct Of the concupiscible facultie : Cic. 1. rhetoric . August . lib. 83. quaest. q. 31. Which is , things good and pleasing to elect , To comfort man , and with Gods word agree . It doth dispose all actions which delight Mans humane good , and highest God of might . 32 Fortitude rules the actions , will and power Irascible , Macrob. in hearts and mindes of all That manage valourous actions at each stower , Cic. 1. Rheto. & lib. 1. offic. Aug. lib. 83. quaest. q. 31. And to indure what perils can befall : Rather than faint in any fearefull guise , They shew themselues both valiant , stout and wise . 33 These * * Fine & obiecto distinguuntur . former vertues do themselues dispose , With seuerall actions in their proper places ; But Iustice doth direct and leade all those To all good works indu'de with heauenly graces , And by her vnderstanding power controule The outward acts , August . lib. 2. de Genesi contra Manich●os . cap. 10. and inward thoughts of soule . 34 In number foure these choisest vertues are , Which learned men in books define to be A * * Corpus Morale . bodie knit with substance firme and rare , Sound without change , from all corruption free . Yet haue they obiects in a diff'rent kinde , To euery wicked thought and worke inclin'd . 35 Gainst Prudence warreth senselesse Ignorance ; Foure obiects contrarie to foure vertues . Infirmitie with Fortitude doth fight : Vnbridled Lust defieth Temperance : And hatefull wrong gainst Iustice bends his might . Thus euery vertue findes a vicious foe , The one doth good , the other doth not so . 36 The Church , Bene disponitur Ecclesia per has virtutes . which is of Christ the Spouse and mate , By these foure vertues is adorn'd and wrought , As of foure precious stones of highest rate ; Not to be match't , if all the world were sought : Which do protect and keepe on euery side , Gods Word and Trueth so often purified . 37 Prudence before ,

The properties of Prudence , Iustice , Temperance , Fortitude .

doth teach her to foresee All future mischiefes like to come at last : Iustice behinde , will alwayes witnesse be To euery thing before is gone and past . For what 's to come , the first doth her defend : For matters done , the latter helpe doth send . 38 But Temperance the right hand doth attend , Lest it be puft vp with prosperitie ; And Fortitude the left hand doth defend , For feare it fall into aduersitie . These former vertues doe the Church vpholde , In Gods true feare , that cannot be controlde . 39 Next , wise men do these Cardinalls compare To the foure Riuers pure of Paradise , Foure vertues compared to foure Riuers of Paradise , in the first comparison . Which water that faire garden Eden rare , The place of all delights and high deuise . For as they moisten earth in euery place , So those bedew the soule of man with grace . 40 By these , men coole the heat of carnall lust , And wicked passions which oppresse the minde : By these , our hearts are mou'd to do what 's iust , From ill to good they make vs still inclin'd : By these , the Lord his blessings still imparts Vnto the sonnes of men , to glad their harts . 41 They are compar'd to those faire colours pure , In whose cleere hue those Curtaines were discern'd , Of Moyses Tabernacle built most sure , From whom are all good acts and precepts learn'd ; Which seuerally the vertues do define , And shew Christs Church on high to be diuine . 42 The first , the Iacinth is , of heauenly hue ; Whose rarenesse doth to Prudence appertaine ; Foure vertues compared to foure colours in the second comparison . Whereby we imitate our Sauiour true , And with his Angels hope in blisse to raigne . This colour doth so bright in glory shine , That mortall hearts by faith see things diuine . 43 The second , pure white * * Sanctorum iustificationes intellige . Apoc. 19. v. 8. silke doth signifie , And vnto Temperance of right belongs : It doth the soule both clense and purifie , Diuinely freeing it from offering wrongs : To worke , to speake , to thinke , the heart it moues To all those things the highest God approues . 44 The third is Purple of a ruddie show , Which doth on noble Fortitude attend , Purpura . i. verbum Dei . Apoc. 19. v. 13 To venture life and bloud at eu'ry blow , The spotlesse truth of Iesus to defend . No dangerous aduenture , labour , toile , In Gods iust cause can make her once recoile . 45 The fourth is Crimsen of a fierie red , Resembling iustice in her scarlet tires ; Imperatores , Reges , Pontifices Coceineis vestibus iudicant . To censure humane causes as their head , Whose burning zeale Christs glory still desires . And as this colour lasteth without staine , So shall the conscience cleere from touch remaine . 46 These vertues natures liuely we may proue In spices foure from whence that vnction wrought , Exod. 30. v. 23. &c. T' anoint the place , Foure vertues compared to foure spices . Comparat . 3. and Priests of highest Ioue , And vessels all , that to Gods house were brought . Which stately Throne perfum'd with heauenly sweet Affoords these vertues place , as roome most meet . 47 First , weeping Myrrhe which Temperance signifies , With actions gouern'd in our time of youth ; This doth the wicked thoughts of men surprise , From iudgements rash , to see and know the trueth ; And makes vs in our courses oft incline From damned plots , to muse on things diuine . 48 The second , is the sweetest Cynamon , Whose colour is for darkish browne allow'd ; This being pounded , sendeth foorth anon A pleasing breath , that mounteth like a cloud : Which doth present to vs * * Per humilitatem , omnem iustitiam intelligimus . Matth. 3. v. 15. eten●m humilitas quod suum est Deo verè attribuit . Humilitie , As well the booke of books can verifie . 49 From whence all prayers do ascend and rise Of faithfull people , like the morning dew , As incense sweet , Apoc. 8. v. 4. whose smoke doth clense the skies , Which in the euening like a mist doth shew . As this spice , broke , doth make sweet smell ech where , So humble prayers pierce our Sauiours eare . 50 What spice so sweet , as when this same is bruis'd ? What sacrifice so pleasing in Gods sight , As prayers which in broken heart are vs'd , Which * * Vid. Seraphim . flame and burne , and shine like glittring light , Which mildly draw the Maiestie diuine , With humble humane creatures to combine ? Pro. 8. v. 31. 51 To whom shall I send downe my holy Spirit , But vnto those that are of contrite hart ? Isai. 66. v. 2. Who shall my holy land of blisse inherit , But those from whom true meeknesse doth not part ? Whose hearts do quake and tremble at my word , Which wounds them more than men or mortal sword . 52 The third is Cassia , which in * * Peraldus . Tomo 1. cap. 2. tract. 1. de virt. Cardi. waters growes , Resembling Prudence ; and doth comfort take , From purest streames where perfect doctrine flowes : And of small Springs a Riuer great do make . From will to wit our senses it increaseth , And by experience perfect wisdome teacheth . 53 The fourth , is Calamus , Calamus contusus re●ert ecclesiam , passa , floret : oppressa , crescit : contempta , proficit : laesa , vincit . &c. Hilarius lib. 7. de Trinit. a fragrant Plant That beares the branches of true Fortitude , Which in extreames no patience doth want . This driues away contagious sent and rude . The more these spices we do beat and bruise , The sweeter smell and sauour still ensues . 54 Ioine vnto these a godly feare and Loue , And all the heauenly works of Charitie , Coniunction of foure in one . Which with the grace proceeding from aboue Doth make this ointment smell in puritie . For , Eccles. 7. v. 3. better is a good and honest name , Than any wealth or precious ointments fame . Prou. 22. v. 1. 55 Fourthly , Foure vertues are compared to 4 wheeles in the fourth comparison . these vertues are esteemed fit To the foure wheeles of that same firie coach , Wherein Elias and Gods seruants sit , Being lifted vp the heauens to approach . Which firie Chariot to vs knowledge giues Of their true zeale that in our Sauiour liues . 4. Reg 2. v. 11. 56 Fifthly , Foure vertues compared to foure liuing creatures in the fifth comparison . the number of these vertues can Be well alluded to foure liuing creatures , The Aegle , Calfe , a Lion , and a Man ; Which do describe their perfect seuerall natures . These foure do sundry kindes decide , De his quatuor Apoc. 4. How these rare vertues do themselues diuide . 57 The first doth vs a perfect figure giue Of Prudence in her secret propertie : Aegle . 1. To watch , obserue and note the age we liue , And with quicke sight all diffrent things to see . Visus aquilinus ▪ acutissimus . Whose prouident praescience doth preuent All future acts might come to ill euent . Plin. de aquila , & Barthol . Arist. &c. 58 The second shewes true Temperance to appeare , Calfe . ● . Which makes vs giue our bodies vnto God , With true oblation to our Sauiour deare , As sacrifice , not fearing scourge of rod : But still to hazzard liuing , life and all For Gods true cause , what euer should befall . 59 The third of these doth Fortitude containe , Lion . 3. Which is the Lion , of all beasts the king : As he aboue them all doth rule and raigne , So this rare vertue rules aboue each thing . As th' one no man , Prou. 30. v. 30. nor creature can dismay , So th' other will from all the rest beare sway . 60 Man being the fourth , Man . 4. doth Iustice comprehend , Which is the band of true societie . This doth all right , Pro. 13. v. 6. and causes iust defend In faith , in truth and lawfull equitie : And doth preferre with care the poore mans right , Before rewards , or greater men of might . 61 Lastly to note , the number still persists Of these chiefe vertues whereof we intreat , How God appointed foure Euangelists As blessed Gospels to confirme their seat . Which shewes that those who teach the truth indeed , In these foure seu'rall vertues should exceed . 62 What euer honest is , Oic . 1. offic. c. 6. doth come from them : For they of honestie the fountaines beene ; And from graue Reason draw their sacred stem , All vnto vertue bowing as their Queene . These thus discoursed of in generall , Thus farre in generall . I haste to shew their powers seuerall . De Prudentia in particulari , quae est prior naturaliter vt regula dirigens ; caeterae prae●edunt in esse perfecto , quatenus diriguntur . 63 From Wisdome daughter of immortall loue , And sacred Science of Diuiner things , Belonging to the Deitie aboue , The birth of well aduised Prudence springs . This the first fountaine is , that purely runnes From Reasons head whereas true vertue wonnes . Fons primus . 64 No mortall man can perfect good attaine , That wants this vertue in her heauenly kinde : Nor can his life from actions vile refraine , Nor yet controule the wicked thoughts of minde . Of Prudence therefore this is vnderstood : Men wanting her , are not accounted good . 65 She is the nurse of true and holy feare , Pro. 2. v. 4. 5. Both to loue God , and to obey our King : She is the Ancient , doth the colours beare Into those fields , where fairest blessings spring . She makes vs know our selues , and feare the Lord ; To loue the king , and in one faith accord . 66 A prudent King , Rex prudens , prudentia & sensu regit Israel . 1. Paral. 22. a firme assurance is Vnto his people ouer whom he raignes , Vpholds the right , and mends the faults amisse , He roots out vice , and vertue still maintaines . Clap hands for ioy , Vid. Pro. 29. v. 14. when such a King we crowne , That raiseth good , and pulles the wicked downe . 67 This vertue sprung from wisdome most diuine , With knowledge got , and by Gods goodnesse had , Doth rule mens actions and their hearts encline , For to discerne and chuse the good from bad . Whose office doth consist by skill to chuse , What vertue bids , and all the rest refuse . 68 She is a beame proceeds from that true sunne , Which giues not only vnderstanding light ; But kindles our affection still to shunne What should offend the God of power and might . She is the quicke , the cleere and purest light , Which doth direct all other vertues right . 69 As sight amongst our numbred senses fiue , Arist. de sensu & sensato . Accounted is as fairest and most cleare : So other vertues must their light deriue , And brightest splendor from her glorious Spheare . By her direction all good works are wrought , And mens minds cloth'd with mild & constant thought . 70 This vertue doth containe three other parts ; Prudentiae tres partessen potentiae . As Vnderstanding , Memory , Foresight , Esteemed Eyes by learned men of Arts , Which makes her iudge and censure times aright . Cic. 1. offic. Gabriel . 3. sent. dist. 33. q. vnica conclus . 2. Time present , first : and past , the second showes : The last of these , doth future times disclose . 71 Nor may we here exclude the Canonists , Nor Schoole-men , Vid. Scholast. lib. 3. sent. which auouch fiue needfull parts , Which in this Princely vertues power consists , Liuely described in the liberall Arts. Arist. 6. Ethic. & in Politic. These do attend , obserue and keepe their place , For humane good and heauenly works of grace . 72 The first of them they terme Didacticall , Which teacheth vs our selues to know and guide . The second they holde Oeconomicall , To rule ones house , De his 5. vide Angelum de Clauasio in sua Summa . verbo , Prudentia . and maintenance prouide . By this , our selues , our house and people learne , Twixt good and euill rightly to discerne . 73 The third is taken for a warlike Spirit , By which an Armie 's marshal'd , rul'd and led ; To yeeld reward to valiant men of merit , To cure the hurt , and care to burie dead . Which giues ech one his office and his place , Pleasing the best , and giuing none disgrace . 74 The fourth is deem'd for Politicke estate , Which , Haec pars dicitur Legis positiua , qua ciuitas vel Regnum administratur . Architecton , men of wisdome name ; Ordaining lawes the trueth for to debate , As right falles out to censure of the same . Establish such Decrees as may vs leade , To know the path of perfect good to treade . 75 The last is pure and simple Policie ; By which the subiects do their fortunes shroud Vnder the King in their extremitie , As skies ou'rcast within a mighty cloud . Which Prince for peace , sets downe , and keeps good lawes : And with iust care doth heare the poore mans cause . 76 Prudence doth manage , Prudentia , principatum in dirigendo caeteras virtutes , obtinet . exercise and trie The secret acts and functions of the rest , Respecting parts of true Philosophie , Wherewith so many vertues are possest . Aethicke and Oeconomicke those they call , And Politicke they terme the last of all . 77 The first , true maners in it selfe doth frame ; The second , Ab etimologia . families doth rightly guide ; The third doth gouerne cities of great fame , And mightie kingdomes where good lawes abide . So that our selues , our houshold-state and lands What best becomes , are brought to vnderstand . 78 This vertue is threefold in secret skill : Ioan de Combis . lib. 5. cap. 34. Whereof the first is taken from the hart , Disposing things that are in present still , And noteth all what 's past on eu'ry part . Triplex prudentia . It doth prouide for future times euent , Deut. 23. v. 29. That , Had I wist , prouoke not to repent . 79 The second , from the mouth doth aye proceed , Which doth consist in mod'rature of speech ; Pro. 10. v. 31. 32. This is the badge of wisdome pure indeed , As proofe and eke experience doe teach . For fooles that holde from prattle and vaine talke , Shall in account of perfect wise men walke . 80 The third is of the worke and true effect , Which in this place as proper doth consist ; To shew good actions , and the bad reiect ; And from the works of faith not to desist : But meat such measure vnto all we should , As euery one to giue to vs we would . 81 Well may we further note , Adhuc Prudentia triplex ? mundana , diuina & humana . and so obserue The worlds Prudence ; and next thereto humane ; The third diuine , which doth the soule preserue : All call'd alike , but not in worke the same . Yet two do seeme from vertue to proceed In outward shew ; but not in worke or deed . 82 The first is busied dayly to procure All temp'rall things , which most mens humor feed ; The second neuer ceaseth to allure Carnall desires , which soules confusion breed : The third with zeale indeuours Christ to please , And craues his helpe , Gods anger to appease . 83 Against this vertue there are opposit Foure vices couer'd vnderneath a vaile : Quatuor vitia Prudentiae opposita . Resembling in some sort true signes of merit ; But not abiding touch , their purpose faile . Yet do they striue , and worke , and labour still , With goodly shew to worke the course of ill . 84 The first , Prudentia carnis we do name ; Astutia the second , we may call ; The third , Dolus , a branch is of the same ; And Fraus , the last , though not the least of all . Which euer in their actions do agree , With vertues cloke to worke all villanie . 85 Yet finde they in themselues a different course , ( Though in vile plots and purposes , one head . ) For Craft we may of these account the worst , Which first , the path to wickednesse , doth tread . These with their subtill , false and slie deceits , In shew like honest , lay soule-trapping baits . 86 Next , Dole and Fraud do cunningly defend , And still excuse the damned works of euill : But Dolus to deceit is surest friend , And couching close doth seeke the soule to spill . Yet Fraud most properly doth rest in facts , Not in the words of such deceitfull acts . 87 This vertue did with orient brightnesse shine In Salomon , Examples . that matchlesse king of praise , Who left with fame his Prouerbs most diuine , To be true Prudence guide for vs alwaies . Whose holy wisdome all the world bereft , 3 ▪ Reg. 3. v. 12. That since his death the like was neuer left . 88 Who did true wisdome in his censure show Betwixt two women striuing for a childe : 1. Reg. 3. An inward prudence wrought the trueth to know , That the true mother should not be beguilde . In offring them the infant to diuide , He both the trueth of loue and nature tri'de . 89 The lawfull mother did lament and crie , She would not any such diuision make , But rather seem'd her right cleane to denie , And bid the mother false the whole to take . By which the King in wisdome vnderstood The mother right , whose loue preseru'd the blood . 90 I rightly may of Iesus Sirach speake , And famous Esdras , Extant libri in ret●ri testamento . who did both designe Such prudent rules they neuer meant to breake , But all mens faults by vertue to refine ; And by their light , and holy works , to moue Mens mortall hearts to honour God aboue . 91 By Prudence , Vid. Herodot . lib. 8. & 9. & Plutarc . in vita Alexand. Alexander did obtaine Two battels of Darius , Persians King : Which time twelue hundred thousand men were slaine , And fifteene Nations did to bondage bring . Fiue thousand Townes and Cities he that day , Milites in vno praelio 1000000. By wisdome , power , and rule did ouersway . 92 Did not this vertue Iulius Caesar show , Plutarc . in Pompeio . In reconciling Senators of Rome , By whome he learn'd the perfect way to know For Consulship , to haue the peoples dome ? Then Prudence ioyn'd with bounty , worth and wit , Brought him in Rome an Emperour great to sit . 93 The worthie fame of Solons prudence springs With branches great of endlesse memorie ; Plutarc . in Solone . Which the Athenian iarres to concord brings , And all to liue in loue and vnitie . This he obtain'd in taking part with none , Yet made them chuse him Ruler all alone . 94 Lycurgus worthy maker of sharpe lawes , Plutarc . in Liturgo . Who did reforme the Lacedemons state ; Fiue hundred yeeres of peace he was the cause , And setled loue'mongst those that swel'd with hate . So that they liu'd in gouernment and peace , Vntill his lawes and ordinance did cease . 95 Well may we note , Plutarc . in Phocione . how Phocion spake his minde Against th' Athenians enterprise in warre , And sith they tooke his counsell to vnkinde , He spake aloud that men might heare him farre : You force me do the things I ought not thinke , Nay yet from speech , nor counsell for to shrinke . 96 Demosthenes , a woman poore preseru'd ; Who had ingag'd herselfe vpon receit To them of whom from faith the one was sweru'd , And got the money from her by deceit . Her cause by prudence he did well defend , And for the paiment made her foes attend . 97 Here strike we saile , Cor Principis domicilium virtutis . and now the anker cast Of our bifronted Prudence in the bay Of sacred royaltie , there remaining fast , Till her faire sister Temp'rance bring we may . O that she finde such quiet harbour there , As may the date of datelesse time outweare . 98 This Cardinall doth wicked wayes subdue , De Temperantia in particulari . Chacing bad motions which misleade the minde ; Preseruing man in meane and measure true , Gods lawes to keepe which are to vs assign'de . And to contend by all the meanes we can , To beat downe sinne ; and raise the inward man . 99 This Temp'rance is describ'd three parts to haue : Tres partes Temperantia . First , Continence doth rightly challenge one . The second office , Clemencie doth craue . And Modestie , the third doth holde alone . Ech one of these sits in his proper place , August . lib. 83. To build Gods house ; quaest. q. 31. and Sathans to deface . 100 The first , August . lib. de continentia . cap. 13. the minde and appetite doth leade With inclination to good works of light . The other , Probatur exemplo mulierum Syrarum . August . lib. 2. cap. 20. de adulterinis coniugijs . carnall motions downe doth treade , And all externall euils pardon quite . The third , distinctly measur'd with suspence , Doth iudge the cause and maner of offence . 101 From Continence two other branches spring : One drawes our hearts from pleasures to refraine , And those corrupt desires of eu'ry thing , That should procure our euerlasting paine . The other works to bridle that desire of golde and wealth , which sets the heart on fire . Sapient . 8. 102 By Continence the appetite is taught , Continentiâ Demonium superatur . And gouern'd by the square of graue aduise , Vertue to loue , and vices set at nought , And for the best all courses to deuise . Whereby is prou'd , that vile intents contain'd , Are chang'd to good ; and wicked acts refrain'd 103 Clemencie is a Temp'rance of the minde , When iust Reuenge may take his time and power ; Esther 13. v. 2. Or Lenitie in noble hearts most kinde , Which might afflict inferiours euery hower , And to impose vpon them punishment For all offences done with ill intent . 104 Though this for all men be expedient , Misericordia & veritas custodiunt Regem , & roboratur clementiâ thronus eius . Pro. 20. v. 28. Yet vnto Princes chiefly it belongs ; Whose care to punish faults conuenient , Giues vs example to desist from wrongs . Which is confirm'd and prou'd in ech respect , When God made Moyses Iudge of his elect . 105 Who was the * * Num. 12. v. 3 meek'st and temperat'st Prince aliue , That liu'd obedient in Gods feare and loue , And would no man of his due right depriue , Nor once his foot from that was trueth remoue . Then England Ioy : God hath a Moyses sent His right to keepe , and all our harmes preuent . 106 Well may we note in Isr'el many Kings , That were most gentle in their toilsome raigne , Which did in mercie censure doubtfull things , 3. Reg. 20. v. 31 And with attention heare the poore complaine : And hauing heard the truth on both parts tri'de , In temp'rate iudgement did the cause decide . 107 I would in no wise wrong my Regall power , Esther 13. v. 2. Nor once abuse the greatnesse of my place ; But rule my subiects eu'ry day and hower , With pitie , mercie , lenitie and grace : This Esther writes renowmed Queene of fame , That following Princes might obserue the same . 108 Beholde , Matth. 21. v. 5. the King doth come vnto the milde , And with the gentle maketh his abode ; But from th' obdurate he will be exilde , And shun the path where wicked people trode . From Clemencie this knowledge still doth spring , To know a Tyrant from a gracious King . 109 A shamefast wise regard is Modestie , Modestiae descriptio . Of honest things inhabiting the minde ; And the reward hath of authoritie , Pro. 22. v. 4. The which doth pure and stable actions binde : And teacheth vs in compasse how to liue , Of precepts , such as Temperance doth giue . 110 This sheweth man himselfe how to behaue , Seneca . lib. de 4. virtutibus . In laughter , words , and gesture decently ; In ord'ring well those parts which God vs gaue , In comly habits of Ciuilitie . 1. Tim. 2. v. 5. All these Sobrietie doth still obserue , And neuer from true modest actions swerue . 101 Temperance doth guide the seasons of the yeare , The properties of Temperance . And their coniunctions firme and mutuall makes , Of elements whose temp'rate times appeare ; In ord'ring things that Prudence vndertakes . It is the compasse of the wide worlds frame , And perfect ornament to decke the same . 102 It is the ground-worke of mans happie life , And preseruation of his inward soule ; It is the curbe and bridle of all strife , Drawing the raines which choler do controule . It doth containe the inward thoughts of minde , By which all actions mod'rate passage finde . 103 From Prudence rightfully she drawes her line , Species diuersae ab alijs deriuari possunt per modum dirigentis ▪ Sic Bonauent . lib. 2. & 3. sentent . Withouten which we cannot Temp'rance gaine ; Nor any can to Fortitude incline , Vnlesse the mod'rate vertue he attaine . For courage will be rash and heady still , And wanting Temp'rance , followes rages will . 114 This vertue knit and ioyn'd with all the rest , Doth worke perfection in their true effects : Gabriel . lib. 3. sent. dist. 36. q. vnica . Without the which , no vertue is possest With that true good that Wisdome most respects . Oecham . lib. 3. sent. q. 11. iuxta finem . In Noble mindes where temp'rate motions faile , Presumptuous thoughts do euermore preuaile . 115 The ornament that best beseemes all Kings , Inuesture is with robes of Temperance ; Quatuor virtutes ornamenta Regum . That makes their fame so high to flie with wings , And to the heauens their Scepters doth inhance . In right and trueth a King we may him call , Ab etimologia . That his desires and pleasures masters all . 116 This vertue is the light that banisheth Obscuritie of passions round about , A double vertuous qualitie she hath , For she preseru's vs both within and out . With priuate , publike , and humane respect , Shee frees the soule , which vice did so infect . 117 She is a stedfast mod'rate rule of reason , Ouer the passions of Concupiscence : She keepes the motions of the minde in season ; And to the soule is still a sure defence . Nothing so rare on earth can be espi'de , As she , which both the soule and minde doth guide . 118 It joines and fastens bodie to the soule , As firme and fast as surest driuen naile : A definition . It roots out lust , and doth bad facts controule ; And makes perfections in our minds preuaile . That man who entertaines not such a guest , True reason wants ; and liueth like a beast . 119 It is the pillar of true Fortitude , The helme and shield against luxuriousnesse ; It is the eye by which our works are view'd , And draw'n and kept to lore of happinesse . It good preseru's ; the obstinate denies ; And hates the soules disordred enemies . 120 Rare Scipio the noble African , Plutarch . King Cyrus stout , and Alexander great , Wasting the world with fire and sword outran , Yet conquer'd were by Continence intreat . Prou'd by the beautie of Darius dames , Plutarc . in Alexandro . When they subdu'd the heat of wicked flames . 121 Architas was with this rare gift indu'd , Isaeus , a a Vid. Plutarc . in vit. Pompei . Pompey , and b b Plutar. in Pho●ione & Demetrio . Zenocrates , Antigonus and Gracchus all eschu'd , Such youthly motions might their fancies please . And when such sparks their hearts do set on fire , Their Temp'rance rules the heat of lusts desire . 122 We reade of Charles that Emp'rour of great fame , Lysimmachus , In vi●● eorum . Fabritius , and the rest , Rodulphus , Cato , Socrates by name , All which this vertue pure and rare possest . By her they did their course of life direct , And strongest passions of the minde reiect . 123 Sith golden meane doth temperance out measure , Happy the man that can the same attaine ; Neither to melt in th' hot desire of pleasure ; Nor frie in heart-breake , griefe , and hardest paine . The greatest enemie that she doth finde , Is stubburne perturbation of the minde . 124 Now seat thee Temp'rance by thy sisters side ; Humbly deuoluing all thy vertuous power , To him that in his chaste thoughts doth prouide , Anima Principis , Temperantiae sedes . His Princely minde to be your trustie tower . Stout Fortitude is my next morall theame , The fountaine third of reasons sacred streame . 125 This Fortitude is th' earnest appetite , Fortitudinis descriptio . And strong desire of great and mightie things , That in contempt of actions base will fight , Deut. 20. And seruile causes to subiection brings , Eleazar . With constant suffring in an honest cause , 2. Mach. 6. v. 19. 20. &c. And humble labour to defend good lawes . 126 It is the strength and valour of the minde , Dan. 3. Against the tedious troubles of our age , Martyres . Which doth with setled resolution binde , Matth. 19. v. 28. 29. Our liues and lands for Gods trueth to ingage ; And to defend with courage bolde and stout , Christs chosen Church the vniuers throughout . 127 Twelue helps to this rare vertue do belong . Duodecim brachia fortitudinis . The first , is Counsell of the graue and wise ; When they adrayne a battell great and strong , The Priest stands in the vantguard to aduise , Pro. 2. v. 10. 11 And with loud voice the people doth exhort , Deut. 20. v. 2. 3 They should not faint to lose the towne or fort . 128 And bids them hearken when he calles and cries , To fight the battell with vndaunted hearts , And march on stoutly gainst their enemies , Not fearing death , nor his relentlesse darts . This shewes , that courage which doth counsell lacke , Runnes on at first , but in the end turnes backe . 129 Let vs obserue that wise and holy King , Dauid , Reges Iuda & Israel . That arm'd his souldiers not with speare and shield , Exhorting them courageous hearts to bring , With policie and strength , to winne the field . Which doth most plaine and perfectly declare , Warr's little worth , where graue aduise is rare . 130 The fame which the olde Herôes did atchieue By their braue deaths ; and did the same commend To datelesse memory and time to liue , 2. Mach. vlt. Was fortitude and courage without end : As Eleazars death hath left behinde , 2. Mach. 6. v. 18. 24. A worthie proiect for ech Noble minde . 131 Another helpe is dayly exercise , Whereby the bodie 's kept in perfect vse , Hoc d●lectantur Scithae , Turci , Arabes , &c. Without the which it hourely droups and dies , And made a subiect to most vile abuse . Which shewes that vse and exercise doth make The partie apt and prompt all good to take . 132 Hard sinews and strong armes the rusticks haue , Bernard . ad fratres de monte Dei. Which exercise and dayly vse hath wrought Whose perfect actions dayly custome gaue , And earnest labour readinesse hath taught . Vse therefore exercise which giueth strength , And brings effect to all our works at length . 133 The fourth is Faith , which euer doth subdue , And conquer all the world with victorie . 1. Ioan. 5. v 4. Faith is to Fortitude a Captaine true , Hebrae . 11. v. 32. 33. &c. Fit for to march in deeds of dignitie . She is the hope of things not had in sight , Hebrae . 11. v. 1. The ioy whereof doth giue the heart delight . 134 The fifth is Feare , which often helpe doth bring To Fortitude in matters of import , Timor filialis . Of eu'ry sinne it doth abate the sting , Prou. 1. v. 7. And to cleane hands this vertue doth exhort . Psal. 111. v. 10. The feare of God the true beginning is Of perfect wisdome and eternall blisse . Non seruilis ; quia non habet charitatem . 1. Ioan. 4. v. 18. 135 The sixth is Hope , which euer appertaines , In perfect silence , Isa. 30. v. 15. to this vertue pure : And so inabled , * * Phil. 4. v. 13. mightie things it gaines , In him that doth sweet comfort still assure . Sap. 3. v. 4. So Secresie and Hope true solace bring To Fortitudes attempt in eu'ry thing . 136 The seuenth , pure and perfect Charitie , By which , we may two waies obserue and take : First , Matth. 25. v. 35. &c. how we should in need relieued be , And of our neighbours helpe good vse to make . Which doth instruct vs in our deeds , Iaco. 2. v. 15. to do To others , Luc. 6. v. 31. as we would be done vnto . 137 A brother , which his brother doth vpholde , Is like a goodly citie of great strength : Prou. 18. v. 19. If one do fall , the other waxeth bolde Him to support , and raise againe at length . What with Gods blessed Word doth more agree , Psal. 133. Than brethrens loue , Eccles. 25. v. 1. and neighbours charitie ? 138 The second is , adhaering to the trueth , Psal. 73. v. 28. & Psal. 119. v. 31. To which , whose mindes and hearts do euer cleaue , Shall still controule foolish wayes of youth , And not let worldly vanities deceaue . Qui veritati inhaeret , vanitati nullo modo succumbit . Gregor in Moral . For those that are to constant trueth inclin'de , Will not admit vaine thoughts to vexe the minde . 139 The eighth , is Wisdome , which we may esteeme A fitting helpe and comfort in this place : Pro. 24. v. 5. A wise man , Valdè fortitude destituitur nisi per consilium fulciatur . Gregor. in Moral . stout and valiant we should deeme : A strong man learned , giues his learning grace . Thus Valour should to Wisdome still be tied , And learned men with strength be beautified . 140 The ninth , is Temperance which most pursue , The steps and paths of true prosperitie , Gregor. in Moral . And doth sinister accidents subdue . Nulla aduersitas deijcit , quem prosperitas nulla corrumpit . For being downe cast in aduersitie , No losse of goods can change or grieue that minde , Whom all the gifts of Fortune can not blinde . 141 He that doth liue and naught desires at all , 1. Tim. 6. v. 7. 8 Of wealth or riches in his course of life ; Iob. 1. v. 21. Needs not to feare the force of Fortunes fall , Prou. 27. 26. Nor to molest his minde with care and strife . Matth. 6. v. 25. Sweet is the time , Ecclesiastis . 5. v. 17. 18. &c. the yeeres and dayes well spent , Where , that one hath , doth giue the heart content . 142 The tenth , is pure and perfect discipline , Of these our bodies in corrupt estate , 1. Cor. 9. v. 27. Which makes vs from our fleshly foes decline , 2. Cor. 12. 7. & v. 8. 9. T' imbrace good things , which we by nature hate . And being conquer'd , works in vs more strength For to attaine true vertues goale at length . 143 Another helpe , is Almes and good reliefe Vnto the poore and them which stand in need ; Psal. 41. v. 1. & 112. 4. 9. To clothe the naked , Eccles. 11. 1. and to ease the griefe Of those for whom our Sauiour Christ did bleed . Dan. 4. v. 24. Which Almes with honour shall obtaine the field , Tob. 4. 7. cap. 12. v. 9. &c. And rule the mighty Monarchs , Matth 25. 35. speare and shield . 144 The last , is prayer of most great auaile , With Fortitude conioyn'd , doth high ascend . Iaco. 5. v. 15. & 17. When Moyses did by prayers God assaile , Exod. 17. To Israel the conquest he did lend . Which shewes , that prayer with true vertue knit , Doth pierce the very Throne where God doth sit . 145 This vertue doth foure other parts dispose : Quatuor partes fortitudinis . Magnificence the first , I take to be ; The next , sure Trust , which nothing will disclose ; The third , is Patience in extremitie ; The fourth , Perseu'rance in one purpose still , And not to rest vntill she worke her will . 146 It hath besides , Effectus fortitudinis . 6. a number of effects : The first , triumpheth ouer all her foes ; The second , keeps to each her true respects ; The third , enricheth with the ware it showes . For valiant hand doth gather wealth and store ; Pro. 10. 4. And still increaseth riches more and more . 147 The fourth , it doth expugne the highest seat , And heauens kingdome , Fortitudo fidei . wherein God doth raigne ; With violence it suffreth to intreat That glorious state where holy Saints remaine . Hebrae . 11. The fift adornes the bodie and the minde With comly robes , which Fortitude doth finde . 148 The sixt , doth make mens hearts to be secure , And arm'd with care in all extreme designes ; With strong defence all danger to endure , At no dysast'rous chance it once repines . Securitie it breeds to all good hap , And nothing doubts malignant thund'ring clap . 149 True Fortitude fiue offices doth holde : Fortitudinis officia 5. in quibus consistit . The first attempteth matters of great doubt , And in strange obiects , difficults most bolde , Still to effect the worke she goes about . Do manfully with comfort and good cheare ; Daunt not your hearts with any kinde of feare . 150 The second is contempt of things terrene ; And from the loue of earthly ioyes to runne : The trueth whereof by Moyses plaine was seene , Deny'ng to be Kings Pharos daughters sonne . Hebr. 11. v. 24. The third , is the induring tribulations With loue ; Cantic. 8. v. 6. as strong as death in alterations . 151 The fourth , is * * Iaco. 4. v 7. 1. Pet. 5. v. 8. & 9. filthie Temptor to withstand , And foule suggesting which the minde offends . * * 2. Tim. 2. v. 5 None shall be crown'd , or holde that blessed land , But he that curbeth sinne , and life amends ; Appeasing so the wrath of God , he giues The world adue : Surmounting Sathan ; liues . 152 Mans life is like a warfare on the earth , Whose time is spent with troubles , Iob 7. 1. toile and cares , Subiect to all temptations from his birth , In woe he liues , and dies at vnwares . The surest signe true fortitude to show , Is in this life , all vice to ouerthrowe . 153 The Romanes Monarch Iulius Caesar great , Vid. Caesaris Commentar. & Plutarc . in Iul. Caesar. Being sickly , tender , subiect to much griefe , Did still the weaknes of his state intreat , With warlike labour for his healths reliefe . He made a med'cine of his daily toile , And exercise to be his sicknes foile . 154 Of Marcus Sergius we may likewise note , Whose right hand from his body was bereft : Yet by continuall vse and practise gote Such perfect skill in th' other hand was left , As he did call fower seu'rall men in sight , And ouercame them one by one in fight . 155 Fabius Cunctator cometh to my minde , Plut. Whose mod'rate courage mixt with valour still , Did shew himselfe of true and noble kinde , When Hanniball his souldiers all did kill : He rusheth foorth and puls from him his crowne , Wounded to death , there dies with great renowne . 156 Pompey the great and mightie Prince of power Prepar'de to sea , Plutar. in Pompei● . his ships hoist vnder saile , There rose a stormie tempest and a shower , That all his mariners began to quaile . He puts to sea , spreds saile , and speech doth giue : It 's good I goe ; not fit I stay to liue . 157 Agys the Lacedêmons worthie king , Vid. virtutem bellicam . Agis in Plutarch . in vit. Agis & Cleomenis . Resolu'd to fight , though oft his counsell tolde , His enemies , then ten for one would bring ; Which made his warlike sp'rite to speake more bolde : It needs must be , whose power commandeth many , Should not be fear'd with multitude of any . 158 We may not slip with silence in this place Themistocles , Plutar. in Themistocle . in whom true woorth appear'd , Whom Xerxes mightie fleete could not disgrace , Nor whole twelue hundreth ships once make affeard . Three hundreth saile he brought with skill to fight , Which in that conflict put the twelue to flight . 159 Damyndas answer'd , being often tolde The danger great the Graecians should endure , Vnlesse they did with Phillip concord holde Who had prepar'd an armie strong and sure : Plutarc . in Paulo AEmilio What euill can he cause vs for to take , That no account of death it selfe do'th make ? 160 Dercyllides from Sparta being sent To Pyrrhus stout , De fortitudins Pyrris . vid. Plutarch . in Pyrro . his meaning foorth to sound , Wherefore he march't , and what was his intent , To bring his men on borders of their ground ? If thou be God , our faults deserue no care : If thou be man , thou art but as we are . 161 Thundring , Plato . saith Plato , terrifi'th a childe ; And threatnings are but scar-babes vnto fooles , It daunteth none but those are base and vilde , And neuer learn'd in this rare vertues schooles . They feare not death , where fortitude is found ; Nor care to rot aboue , or in the ground . 162 A man of wisdome once demaunded was , Why he for shame such actions would commit That should his death procure , or bring to passe , Or end his daies at seasons so vnfit ? He answer'd : Good men put in life no trust , But in those things , were honest good and iust . 163 True proofe by Marcus Crassus we may finde ; Plutar. he Crasso . Who shew'd his valour in his later age ; And lost his dearest sonne to grieue his minde , And all his men in furie , fight and rage : Yet shew'd himselfe more valiant then before , And neuer seem'd his losses to deplore . 164 Let vs obserue stout Machabaeus fame , De diuiso exercitu 40000. & 7000. equitum sub Ptolom . Nicanore & Gorgia . vid. 1. mach. 3. & 4. When fortie thousand men appear'd in sight , And being aduis'de not to abide the same But flie away , and not endure the fight : * * 1. Machab. 3. v. 59. He thus resolu'd much better was to die Then lose his name , and from his foes to flie . 165 But stay my Muse : And now braue fortitude , Which art the part of honestie that reares The minde to heauen : and solely do'st include The soule and spirit , daunting abiect feares : Make haste , and to thy reu'rend sisters hie , Borne on the wings of sacred Poesie . 166 Iustice giues right to whom it appertaines : De Iustitia in particulari . First vnto God ; next vnto eu'ry man : It is a habit in the minde remaines , Which doth with care the course of profit scan : Preseruing and maintaining common good , Which makes true Iustice to be vnderstood . 167 It giues to eu'ry one his proper place And dignitie , Proprietas Iustitie . with honour , woorth and praise : It yeelds desert his true and perfect grace , And censures iudgement to the right alwaies : It is the vertue that doth comfort bring To all true subiects from a godly king . 168 Sixe things to vpright Iustice do pertaine : Sex pertin●nt ad Iustitiam . The first , Religion , which Gods word hath taught . The second place doth Piëtie obtaine ; 1. Religi● . By which true works of Charitie are wrought . 2. Pie●as . The third is Grace or fauour , 3. Gratia . which proceeds From God aboue , whose sp'rite works holy deeds . 169 The fourth , Reuenge of things which are vniust And contrary to Gods most holy will ; 4. Vindicta mali . Not in the strength of man or horse to trust , But in his word , Iudith . 9. v. 16. whose truth continues still , Which shall not change , but rest the same it was , Though all the world , the earth and heauens passe . 170 The fift doth holde a Reuerend respect And due regard of those that best deserue . 5. Reuerentia . The last doth well the works of truth effect , 6. Veritas . And from good lawes and praeceps neuer swarue . But still maintaine what euer 's good and iust , And not to vaine deceitfull toies to trust . 171 Religion is the worship pure of God , Religionis definitio . Obseruing of his iust and holy lawes , To visit those that suffer scourge of rod , Iacob . 1. v. 27. And to relieue when want doth offer cause . It keeps our minds vnstain'd and vndefilde From all infection of the world so vilde . 172 But pietie is a bountifull regard , Pietus quid . Whose care respects aswell the bond of bloud As duties or priorities reward , Or great obedience to the meane and good . In all degrees it makes an equall show , To yeeld true measure to the high and low . 173 Fauour or grace a vertue we may call , Gratiae descriptio . Wherein the true and perfect friendship shines , With memorie of subiects duties all , Whose bounds and limits grace to vs defines . It doth containe will to remunerate The gifts and qualities of ech estate . 174 Reuenge of things vniust a vertue is , Vindicta mali describitur . That doth subdue oppression , force , and wrong ; All obscure acts which leade men farre amisse , She doth repell ; be neuer they so strong . It doth defend the pure and innocent ; And chastice those that in transgression went . 175 Much holinesse dread reuerence behights , Reuerentia describitur . For iust obseruance of the merit due To those , on whom all perfect honour lights , Whose worth makes their deseruings good and true . It giues renowme and honour in her kinde , Praemium virtutis , honos . To men of note , and of a Noble minde . 176 Trueth is a practicke habit , Veritas quid . as I weene , Or veritie , which doth the minde possesse , Inspir'd into the soule of man , not seene , By God himselfe , whose sp'rit brings happinesse . This maketh difference twixt the good and euill , To chuse her selfe , and hate her foe the deuill . 177 Iustice is term'd the simple poore mans treasure , Sedes Iustitiae conscientia pura . Lockt in the chest of soule and conscience : It yeelds to them the trueth of great mens measure , And keepes it swept from eating-moths offence . All precious stones whose vertues breed no doubt , It doth reserue , and cast all other out . 178 He is not iust , Vigor & synceritas Iustitiae . that dreadeth death or paine , Or feares exile , or stings of pouertie : No conscience cleere , whose eyes do looke for gaine , Or heart prefers the foes to equitie . No man for good or honest we regard , Whose minde doth measure iustice with reward . 179 Iustice hath wrought to vs most happie things : Iustice by right hath taught our land to know A royall , H. 7. & Iacobus primus , Reges . lawfull , true descent of Kings , Whose vaines the bloud of Henrie seuenth show . It brought him in ; he will not shut her out : Let none for Iustice therefore feare or doubt . 180 This Princely branch from that pure roote now springs Of Brute that mightie monarch of great fame ; Brutus . Whose buddes the fruit of perfect Iustice brings , And to his people auncient Britans name : Which he adorns with vnitie and peace , Throughout the world for euer to increase . 181 We see the buds of that same stately tree , Whose blossoms yeeld our hearts and eies delight : We reape the fruit of Iustice equally As moats still subiect to the Sunne of light . Iustice diuine , chiefe vertue of renowne , Commands with loue our sacred King to crowne . 182 Prudence with Iustice did coniunction make , Vniting so foure kingdomes into one : Heau'ns in the change did all our troubles slake In giuing pow'r and right to Ieames alone . He is the first that ouer all did raigne , Or could with loue and peace the crowne obtaine . 183 He with his Iustice doth all strife debate , And makes vs loue one onely God and king : He ioineth loue twixt those that iarr'd with hate , And doth our hearts to true religion bring . He makes vs liue in peace and vnitie With kingdoms great , and haue our trafficke free . 184 Blest be his name , that made vs Iustice know , By such a Prince , whose heart intends no wrong . Blest be his power that such a tree did show From that true stocke of Brutus , graft so long . Blessed be heau'n , a Princely Britaine raignes , And that so goodly plants of Brute remaines . 185 Iustice brings peace and concord to our land ; And breeds not warres by off'ring others wrong : Pace & concordia stabiliuntur Regna , & sanguini Christiano optimè consulitur . It knits men fast like faggots in a band , In faith and loue , that to one state belong . Religion , loue , and vnitie increase Vnder the King whose heart desireth peace . 186 Iustice extreme is neuer to be vs'd With crueltie , Summum iu● est summa iniuria . or rigorous intent : It may with ouer-wresting be abus'd , And turne to wrong the good which vertuement . The summe of Iustice which is in rigor seene , To iniurie is chang'd and alt'red cleene . 187 True Iustice , riches neuer can infect , Nor gaine of kingdomes cut off course of right : Probatio Iustitiae . No priuate whisper shall the cause detect , Till both be heard ; and trueth be brought to light . Where Iustice flies with flatt'ring wings to th' eare , The King●s abus'd , and subiects buy it deare . 188 Most pitifull that land and people's left , Regnum sive iustitia est latrocinium . Where perfect iustice is not vnderstood : They are of all true happinesse bereft , And sure to sinke , Insignia iniustitiae . let cause be ne'er so good : But still to labour , striue , consume and spend All that they haue , yet neuer make an end . 189 What greater plague or viler punishment , Reprehensio malorum siqui sint , non taxatio bonorum , quorum synceritatem nouimus Than liue in hope of right from day to day ? What greater torment to a state is sent , Than Iudges to sell Iustice with delay ? Who rule the cause with coine vnto their will , And keepe true Iustice from the iudgement still . 190 They that abuse this image pure of God , Impiorum fraus & finis . And sell the trueth for pictures of a King , Are made the meanes to vse the deuils rod , And all good causes to confusion bring : They neuer care how matters come about , So that the purse the golde be powring out . 191 Paulus the Pythagorian doth direct , Omnes virtutes in vna Iustitia comprehensae . Vid. Plutarc . in Agesilao . How all men should this gift diuine embrace : As nurse and mother truely to effect The works of all the rest with heauenly grace , Gods prouidence to Iustice is appli'de , Which doth the world both gouerne , rule and guide . 192 In Townes and Cities it is rightly thought The perfect path to equitie and peace . In priuate homes twixt man and wife is wrought , True vnitie and concord to increase . It makes men serue their masters with regard , And masters kinde good seruants to reward . 193 It is commanded by Gods holy spirit , Deut. 1. v. 16. All Magistrates should Iustice dayly vse ; Ioan. 7. v. 24. And that their hearts should iudgement pure inherit , Iere. 21. v. 12. & 22. v. 3. And not Gods holy lawes for to abuse . For whoso doth infringe and breake the same , Can not auoid the curse of endlesse shame . 194 It doth to Iustice duely appertaine , To entertaine the pure and innocent , Prou. 13. v. 6. Them to protect till they be free againe , So sent away full safe to their content . Iudgement resists bold deeds of wickednesse , And doth with punishment all faults redresse . 195 By Solon this was truely taught , Plutarc . in Solone . as meane For great preseruance of all common good ; In which consist two things , whereby are seene The works of right , and Iustice vnderstood : First , Leges Solonis . to regard the good with true respect ; Then , punishment for wicked men effect . 196 Th' Aegyptians makers of the ancient lawes , Menethon . Diodor . Siculus . Were very carefull duly to obserue With diligence and iustice eu'ry cause , And from their setled precepts neuer swerue . The Greeks and Romanes were in zeale precise , To yeeld true iustice to their enemies . 197 The olde Aegyptians euer vs'd to paint Their Iudges pictures wanting both their hands ; Their President draw'n blindfolde they appoint , Pausanias . To teach them how true Iustice habits stands : No bribes must there respect of persons make , Nor fauour iudge ; or any thing so take . 198 Cleon the Lacedaemon , bent to deale In publicke actions and most great affaires , To all his friends together doth reueale , That for their loue or friendship he nought cares ; Because affection caus'd men to decline , And step aside from iudgement most diuine . 199 To Iustice Aristides shew'd his loue , Plutarc . in Aristide . Who had his foe of hainous crimes accus'd , Which did the Iudge with great impression moue Him to condemne , his answere quite refus'd : He kneeled downe , and crau'd to be prepar'd , That they the trueth of both might haue declar'd . 200 We may iust Iunius Brutus call to minde , Titus Liuius . Whom Titus and Tyberius iudg'd to die His sonnes whom he so false to Rome did finde , Who sought Tarquinius race to amplifie : A rare example and of great effect , How iustice should with fauour none respect . 201 Phocion refus'd to helpe his sonne in law , Plutar. in Phocione . Chariles sitting in his iudgement place ; When he in fraud his money taken saw , He said : Alliance gaue bad cause no grace ; He was alli'de to him in things were iust , But not in faults for fauour once to trust . 202 Great Alexander , more his fame doth reare , When as he sat to iudge in iustice place , And that th' accuser spake , Plutar. in Alexand. he stopt one eare , To keepe him pure and vpright in the case : So that he would not right preiudicate , But with sincerity the truth debate . 203 Augustus knew Aspren as was accus'd , A friend of his , where he in iudgement sate ; And fearing how the matter might be vs'd , Pulchrum exemplum Iustitiae . To iudge aright , and free himselfe from hate : He sits in place , heard censure of his frend , And neuer spake till iustice made an end . 204 Agesilaus fame deserued praise : Reiecit Regis Persa●●m literas , ne iustitiam violaret . vid. Plutar. in Agesila● . Although he were assured to his frend , Whose gentle nature would imploy alwaies In their behalfe to worke a happy end ; Yet did his promise to his friend refuse In matter where he might not iustice vse . 205 Philip the Macedonian mightie king That had a poore old womans sute deni'd , ( His leisure seru'd him not for any thing : ) [ Then be no longer king ] aloud she cri'd : Libera vox foeminae . Who did with meekenesse lend to her his grace , And chose the title of a meaner place . 206 It further wrought impression and desire , The heart and conscience of Philip pierced with a womans word . And toucht his heart to doe things iust and true ; That he vnto his pallace did retire , To heare the plaints of all that came to sue . Where he remain'd all causes set aside , Both to doe right , and see men satisfied . 207 Another time , being ouer-mou'd to sleepe , Not hearing well Machetas iust defence , Condemned him ; and gaue him daies to keepe , For sums of money without all suspence : He crau'd new hearing when the king did wake , Which being obtain'd , did vpright censure make . 208 Traianus rightly writers doe commend , Regale exemplum . Who bent to warre , did from his horse alight , The poore complaint onely for to attend By woman brought , beseeching him for right : Which did so much this mightie Emp'rour grace , That he was held most iust in euery place . 209 Nothing more proper to a Prince belongs , Homo iustus vera Dei imago . That is of mild , and good , and gentle nature ; Then exercise of iustice without wrongs , In equall right to eu'ry liuing creature , Preferring none but such as walke vpright , Resembling God , resplendent in his light . 210 Iustice it is that through Gods holy grace Erecteth Monarchies and kingdomes great , Aproprietate . To shine and flourish in their proper place , And to make trueth and equitie their seat . What was of Lacedaemons glory cause , But setting downe and keeping of good lawes ? 211 God is the author that doth justice moue , Which he doth vse and euer exercise Amongst vs all , as tokens of his loue , Till it vs bring to period of the wise . Such as are deckt with iustice high renowne , Are fit to weare the high Imperiall crowne . 212 Iustice diuine kings ought not for to leaue , Nor they whoeuer will it on them take , Which may the state and subiects much deceaue , And millions of poore people beggars make . Iustice should not as marchandize be sold : Therefore most fit the king himselfe it hold . 213 The speech of famous Alexander was , And after him of Lodwicke wise and graue : By way of prophecie should come to passe When money made great offices her slaue , Where men ingrosse great offices in sale And after sell them deerely by retale . 214 They that make sale of office or estates , Doe likewise sell the secret'st thing of price , Salerata sanguinis effusio . The which is iustice that all bribing hates ; And would subdue true godlinesse with vice . They sell the lawes , and take the subiects blood , That draw reward vnto their priuate good . 215 I touch not good men which doe office hold , But those this lucrous Hydra doe imbrace , Which would haue iustice with their bribes controld , And damned vice to sit in vertues place . Those of good zeale , are toucht with iust desire : Those that are ill , extortion sets on fire . 216 Aurelian was of most respectiue feare How he did place men in their Iudgement seate , The paterne of Iustice . Vnlesse desert and vertue did appeare That they all trueth with Iustice would intreat : Hee ne're prefer'd one to the Senate place , Except the whole consent gaue praise and grace . 217 Now compast is the circle of my Theame , Conclusio . Ariuing at the long desired point . Asttaea with her sword and fixed beame Firmely vnites vertues dissundered ioint : By whom ( O King ) thy greatnesse bounded stands With wide seas limits and the spacious lands . 218 Vertues first resience in Assiria was : Virtus , id est , vigor militaris & monarchicus . From thence shee tooke her flight to Persia : This left shee straight to Macedon did passe : Then neuer wearied in her toile some way , She came to dwell at Rome , olde ages pride ; And planted peace through all the world so wide . 219 But since the Romaine Empire came to waine , Rom● Bizantij . sub Carolo Magno , & cius ●●●nis quinto , in Saxonia & Bohemia . For her abode finding no constant place , In thee shee setleth great Augustus raigne , Confirming it to thy successfull race . Vertue triumphant now we may her call , Seated by heauen in so high a stall . 220 Thus hath my lowly and submissiue Muse , With her dimme Ospray eyes dar'd to beholde The Sunne of Maiestie ; Oh then what excuse , For a designe so venturous and much bolde ? This is my hope : where vertue rules the minde , Attempts of dutie gracious pardon finde . 221 As from the highest region of the aire No stormes do come , Arist. in Meteoris . but all is calme and still : So from a Princes count'nance debonaire No gust of hardest censure issue will , To doome the wracked of turmoiled barke , That in her sailing made a King her marke .