proof,
The senators, down tumbling with the roof,
Would into prais'd, but pitied, ruins fall,
Leaving no show where stood the capitol.
But thou art just and itchless, and dost please
Thy Genius with two strengthening buttresses,
Faith and affection, which will never slip
To weaken this thy great dictatorship.

_Progermination_, budding out.
_Itchless_, _i.e._, with no itch for bribes.

746. TO ELECTRA. LOVE LOOKS FOR LOVE.

Love love begets, then never be
Unsoft to him who's smooth to thee.
Tigers and bears, I've heard some say,
For proffer'd love will love repay:
None are so harsh, but if they find
Softness in others, will be kind;
Affection will affection move,
Then you must like because I love.

747. REGRESSION SPOILS RESOLUTION.

Hast thou attempted greatness? then go on:
Back-turning slackens resolution.

748. CONTENTION.

Discreet and prudent we that discord call
That either profits, or not hurts at all.

749. CONSULTATION.

Consult ere thou begin'st; that done, go on
With all wise speed for execution.

_Consult_, take counsel. The word and the epigram are suggested by
Sallust's "Nam et, prius quam incipias, consulto, et ubi
consulueris, mature facto opus est," Cat. i.

750. LOVE DISLIKES NOTHING.

Whatsoever thing I see,
Rich or poor although it be;
'Tis a mistress unto me.

Be my girl or fair or brown,
Does she smile or does she frown,
Still I write a sweetheart down.

Be she rough or smooth of skin;
When I touch I then begin
For to let affection in.

Be she bald, or does she wear
Locks incurl'd of other hair,
I shall find enchantment there.

Be she whole, or be she rent,
So my fancy be content,
She's to me most excellent.

Be she fat, or be she lean,
Be she sluttish, be she clean,
I'm a man for ev'ry scene.

751. OUR OWN SINS UNSEEN.

Other men's sins we ever bear in mind;
_None sees the fardell of his faults behind_.

_Fardell_, bundle.

752. NO PAINS, NO GAINS.

If little labour, little are our gains:
Man's fortunes are according to his pains.

754. VIRTUE BEST UNITED.

By so much, virtue is the less,
By how much, near to singleness.

755. THE EYE.

A wanton and lascivious eye
Betrays the heart's adultery.

756. TO PRINCE CHARLES UPON H