Honor in chief, our Oath is to uphold,
That by no trafficke it be bought or sold.
Else looke what brings that dainty Throne-worke downe,
Addes not, but still takes something from a Crowne.
Profit, and her true Mine, Frugality,
Incident likewise to our Office be:
As husbanding the Scepters spreading right,
To stretch itself, yet not grow infinite;
Or with Prerogative to Tyrannize,
Whose workes prove oft more absolute than wise.
Not mastering Lawes, which Freedom interrupt;
Nor moulding Pulpits, which is to corrupt,
And help Change in; whose vanity still tends
To worke immortal things to mortall ends.
But our part is to keep the Justice free,
As equall peising liberality;
Which both contents the People that receives,
And Princely giver more enabled leaves.
Likewise with forraigne States we keep respect
By diligence, which seldom findes neglect.
In Treaties still concluding mutuall good;
Since no one byas'd Contract ever stood.
In Complements we strive to hold such measure,
That outward forme consume not inward treasure.
For betwixt Man, and Man; twixt Kings and Kings
Our place should offer well-digested things.
Else as those Crudities, which doe remaine
Within the body, all Complexions staine:
So doth advantage betweene State and State,
Though finely got, yet prove unfortunate:
And oft Disorder-like in government,
Leave even those that prosper, discontent.