Ben Jonson


  E  P  I  G  R  A  M  S .  


LXIV. — TO THE SAME, UPON THE ACCESSION OF
THE TREASURERSHIP TO HIM.

[ROBERT CECIL, EARL OF SALISBURY]

Not glad, like those that have new hopes, or suits,
With thy new place, bring I these early fruits
Of love, and, what the golden age did hold
A treasure, art ; contemn'd in the age of gold.
Nor glad as those, that old dependents be,
To see thy father's rites new laid on thee.
Nor glad for fashion ; nor to shew a fit
Of flattery to thy titles ; nor of wit.
But I am glad to see that time survive,
Where merit is not sepulcher'd alive ;
Where good men's virtues them to honors bring,
And not to dangers ; when so wise a king
Contends to have worth enjoy, from his regard,
As her own conscience, still, the same reward.
These, noblest CECIL, labor'd in my thought,
Wherein what wonder see thy name hath wrought ?
That whilst I meant but thine to gratulate,
I have sung the greater fortunes of our state.

  
Source:
Jonson, Ben.  The Works of Ben Jonson.
Boston: Phillips, Sampson, and Co., 1853. 790.
Back to Works of Ben Jonson


Site copyright ©1996-2007 Anniina Jokinen. All Rights Reserved.
Created by Anniina Jokinen on September 10, 2003.