Page:The muses threnodie (Adamson, 1638).djvu/71
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The fifth muse
51
Should lose, and whosoever should presume
To turn away that cord should be his doome.
Hence of Saint Iohnstoun riband came the word
In such a frequent use, when with a cord
They threaten rogues; though now all in contempt
It speak, yet brave and resolute attempt,
And full of courage, worthie imitation,
Deserving of all ages commendation
Made these men put it on, symbole to be,
They readie were for Christ to do or die.
For they were Martyrs all in their affection
And like to Davids Worthies in their action;
Therefore this cord should have beene made a badge
And signe of honour to the after age.
Even as we see things in themselves despised,
By such rare accidents are highlie prised,
And in brave skutsheons honourablie born,
With mottoes rare these symbols to adorn.
Thus some have vermine, and such loathsome swarmes,
Yet honourably borne are in their armes,
And some have myce, some frogs, some filthie rats,
And some have wolfs, and foxes; some have cats;
Yet honourable respect in all his had,
Though in themselves they loathsome be and bad,
Thus Millaine glories in the bainfull viper,
As none more honour misterie none deeper;
The auncient Gaules in toads, in lillies now
Metamorphosde: The Phrygians in their sow.
Athens their owle with th'Eagle will not barter,
And Honi soit who thinks ill of the garter.
To turn away that cord should be his doome.
Hence of Saint Iohnstoun riband came the word
In such a frequent use, when with a cord
They threaten rogues; though now all in contempt
It speak, yet brave and resolute attempt,
And full of courage, worthie imitation,
Deserving of all ages commendation
Made these men put it on, symbole to be,
They readie were for Christ to do or die.
For they were Martyrs all in their affection
And like to Davids Worthies in their action;
Therefore this cord should have beene made a badge
And signe of honour to the after age.
Even as we see things in themselves despised,
By such rare accidents are highlie prised,
And in brave skutsheons honourablie born,
With mottoes rare these symbols to adorn.
Thus some have vermine, and such loathsome swarmes,
Yet honourably borne are in their armes,
And some have myce, some frogs, some filthie rats,
And some have wolfs, and foxes; some have cats;
Yet honourable respect in all his had,
Though in themselves they loathsome be and bad,
Thus Millaine glories in the bainfull viper,
As none more honour misterie none deeper;
The auncient Gaules in toads, in lillies now
Metamorphosde: The Phrygians in their sow.
Athens their owle with th'Eagle will not barter,
And Honi soit who thinks ill of the garter.