To Ben. Iohnson, 9. Novembris, 1603.
If great men wrong me, I will spare my selfe;
If meane, I will spare them, I know the pelfe.
Which is ill got the Owner doth upbraide,
It may corrupt a Iudge, make me afraid
And a Iury. But 'twill revenge in this,
That, though himselfe be judge, hee guilty is.
What care I though of weaknesse men taxe me,
I had rather sufferer than doer be.
That I did trust it was my Natures praise,
For breach of word I knew but as a phrase.
That judgement is, that surely can comprise
The world in precepts, most happy and most wise.
What though? Though lesse, yet some of both have we,
Who have learn'd it by use and misery.
Poore I, whom every pety crosse doth trouble,
Who apprehend each hurt thats done me, double,
Am of this (though it should sinke me) carelesse,
It would but force me to a stricter goodnesse
They have great gaine of me, who gaine doe winne,
(If such gaine be not losse) from every sinne.
The standing of great mens lives would afford
A pretty summe, if God would sell his Word.
He cannot; they can theirs, and breake them too.
How unlike they are that they are likened to?
Yet I conclude, they are amidst my evils,
If good, like Gods, the naught are so like devils.

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