Maitland Club > Works of Sir Thomas Urquhart

OF EPIGRAMS. 13
Thus, who have with unthankfulnefle beene met,
May from fuch dealing- this inilruction draw,
That if themfelves did ever prove ingrate,
They get but juftice from the Talion-Law,
To th' end they may from thoi'e their faults refraine,
Which they fo ugly fee in other men.
OF NEGATIVE, AND POSITIVE GOOD.
Not onely are they good, who vertuoufly
Employ their time, now vertue being fo rare,
But likewiie thofe, whom no neceffity,
Nor force can in the meanelt vice infnare ;
For fin's fo mainly furthered by the Devill,
That 'tis a fort of good, to doe no evill.
TO ONE BEWAILING THE DEATH OF ANOTHER.
You have no caufe to thinke it flrange, that he
Hath yeelded up his laft, and fatall breath ;
For 'tis no wonder for a man to dye,
Whofe life is but a journey into Death :
Nor is there any man of life deprived
For age, or ficknefle, but becauie he lived.
WHY COVETOUS, AND TOO AMBITIOUS MEN PROVE NOT SO
THANKFULL AS OTHERS FOR RECEIVED FAVOURS.
Whose mind with pride, and avarice doth flow,
Remember feldome of a courtefie,
So well, as humbler fpirits doe ; for who
Lean's moft on hope, yeelds lealt to memory ;
Their thoughts fo farre on future aimes being fet,
That by-pall things they purpofely forget.