In Death, No Difference Is Made, Betweene the Scepter, and the Spade
LEt no man be so sottish as to dreame,
Though all Men in their Death made equall are,
That, therfore, they may gather by this Theame,
That, Parity, in Life-time, fitting were.
For, as the Bodies Members (which in Death
Have all the like esteeme) had their Degrees,
And Honours, differing in time of breath;
The same (in States) Discretion comely sees.
Nor, should we hence inferre, that it were just
To disesteeme the breathlesse Carcasses
Of Kings and Princes, when they sleepe in Dust;
For, Civill-Reverence is due to these.
Nor, ought we, in their Life-time, to apply
The Truth, which by this Emblem is declar’d,
The Dignities of Men to vilifie;
Or, bring upon their Persons lesse regard.
That, which from hence, I rather wish to preach,
Is this; that ev’ry Man of each degree,
Would marke it so, that he, himselfe might teach
What thoughts and deeds, to him most proper be.
If he be great; let him remember, then,
That (since, nor Wealth, nor Title, can procure him
Exemption from the Doomes of other Men)
He ought to seeke, how Vertue may secure him.
If he be Poore; let him this Comfort take,
That, though, awhile, he be afflicted here,
Yet, Death may him as fully happy make,
As he, that doth a Crowne Imperiall weare.
For, when his Fatall-blow, Death comes to strike,
He, makes the Beggar, and the King, alike.