Classic Poem

A valiant Captaine and a noble peere,
Like a rare gemme should be in vertue cleere.
Ever should he all other men excelling,
Xenophon-like have wisedome in him dwelling,
And so you rightly have, who lead so well,
None may your carriage in the Camp excell;
Doubtlesse a noble Alexanders spirit,
Ev'n you right noble Earle do well inherit.
Respecting whom, though you no fortune have,

Such conquests to obtaine as he did brave,
Ever his Manhood you may though retaine,
That teacheth nobly how to lend a traine,
On ward E'ne lead them then as a rare Iem ,
Never cease you to be admir'd of men,
E'ne so expresse you your true manlinesse.

And if that any thinking to expresse,
Looke sirenly big shoutly examining,
I let them do't, manhood, will soundnesse bring,
And you a captaine beaten to the warre,
Sutably will your manhood true declare.

Mount you then forward on en'e lead the men;
O let your fortitude be tried then,
Vertues rare Iemme that you may rarely be,
Notably leading with audacity,
That so your manhood may not feare the triall,
Great worth you then possesse without denyall.
O then your manhood being tri'd so well,
May excellent be said, and twill excell,
Ever as gold abiding the true touch,
Rightly it shall appeare that ther's no such,
You that may lead on as a most rare Iem ,
Examining abiding amongst men.