84
GONDIBERT,
10.
There sat the King, on whose consid'rate Brow
Sixtie experienc'd Summers he discern'd,
Which made him ripe, and all of Conduct know
That from success is own'd, from losses learn'd.
There sat the King, on whose consid'rate Brow
Sixtie experienc'd Summers he discern'd,
Which made him ripe, and all of Conduct know
That from success is own'd, from losses learn'd.
11.
Near him the Empire's strict Surveyors sate;
Whose universal fight no object lose;
Who see not crimes too soon, nor worth too late;
Find dangers seed, and choke it ere it grows.
Near him the Empire's strict Surveyors sate;
Whose universal fight no object lose;
Who see not crimes too soon, nor worth too late;
Find dangers seed, and choke it ere it grows.
12.
He wealth nor birth preferr'd to Councels place;
For Counsel is for use, not ornament;
Souls are alike, of rich and ancient Race;
Though Bodies claim distinctions by descent.
He wealth nor birth preferr'd to Councels place;
For Counsel is for use, not ornament;
Souls are alike, of rich and ancient Race;
Though Bodies claim distinctions by descent.
13.
Here boyling Youth, nor frozen Age can sit:
It would in Subjects scorn of ruling Breed,
If that great work should such small ayds admit,
And make them hope that they no rulers need.
Here boyling Youth, nor frozen Age can sit:
It would in Subjects scorn of ruling Breed,
If that great work should such small ayds admit,
And make them hope that they no rulers need.
14.
Nature too oft by birth-right does prefer
Less perfect Monarchs to a busie Throne;
Yet more than her, Courts by weak Counc'lers err,
In adding Cyphers where she made but one.
Nature too oft by birth-right does prefer
Less perfect Monarchs to a busie Throne;
Yet more than her, Courts by weak Counc'lers err,
In adding Cyphers where she made but one.
15.
To this wise King, sage Tybalt did relate
The Combats cause, with truth's severe extent;
Reveals that fire which kindl'd Oswald's hate:
For which such precious valour was misspent.
To this wise King, sage Tybalt did relate
The Combats cause, with truth's severe extent;
Reveals that fire which kindl'd Oswald's hate:
For which such precious valour was misspent.
16.
Gives Gondibert a just record of praise;
First how unwilling, then how bold in fight;
And crowns the Conquer'd with the Victor's Baies,
When Manhood bids him do their valour right:
Gives Gondibert a just record of praise;
First how unwilling, then how bold in fight;
And crowns the Conquer'd with the Victor's Baies,
When Manhood bids him do their valour right:
A
