As light to shade, or hell to highest heaven.

Then suffer not, thou best of queens, this lord,

This valiant lord, to fall a sacrifice

To treachery and base designs; who now

Engages death in all his horrid shapes,

Amidst a hardy race, inured to danger;

But let him, face to face, this charge encounter,

And every falsehood, like his foes, shall fly.

Qu. Eliz. To me you seem to recommend strict justice,

In all her pomp of power. But are you sure

No subtle vice conceal'd assumes her garb!

Take heed, that malice does not wear the mask,

Nor envy deck her in the borrow'd guise.

Rancour has often darken'd reason's eye,

And judgment winks, when passion holds the scale.

Impeach the very man to whom I owe

My brightest rays of glory! Look to it, lords;

Take care, be cautious on what ground you tread;

Let honest means alone secure your footing.

Raleigh and you withdraw, and wait our leisure.

 Prev. P 20/87 next