Classic Poem

Ivstly seveare seveare in Mercie's cause,
Sith it is mercie ; mercie-wanting men
To cut of with the razor of the lawes ,
That wounds the wounders of their brethren
To thee (graue Cato ) are these lines adrest,
As proofes of what respect they beare thy fame;
Which with these Worthies , shalbe here imprest
By my best Pen , in Honor of thy name
If best deseruers of the publike weale
Should not be memorized of the Muse ,
Shee should her proper vertue so conceale,
And so conceal'd, should that and them abuse:
To free her then, and thee , from so great wrong,
Liue lines with Popham's earned praises long