Chapter 32

_Enter_ LIBERALITY.

How seldom is it seen, that Virtue is regarded, Or men of virtuous sort for virtuous deeds rewarded! So wonts the world to pamper those that nought deserve, Whiles such as merit best, without relief do starve. Great imperfections are in some of greatest skill, That colours can discern [not], white from black, good from ill. O blind affects of men, how are you led awry, To leave assured good, to like frail Vanity! If some of Virtue's train, for prince and country's good, To show their faithful hearts, shall hazard life and blood, And guerdonless depart, without their due reward, Small is th'encouragement, the example very hard. Where any well deserve, and are rewarded well, Where prince and people both in safety sure do dwell, Where he that truly serves, hath nothing for his pain, More hearts are lost, than pecks of gold can ransom home again. Let states therefore, that wish to maintain stately dignity, Seek to acquaint themselves with Liberality; For that is it which wins the subjects' faithful love, Which faithful love all harms from them and theirs remove. Liberality am I, Virtue's steward here, Who for the virtuous sort do nothing hold too dear. But few to Virtue seek: all sorts to Fortune fly, There seeking to maintain their chief prosperity. But whoso marks the end, shall be enforc'd to say: O Fortune, thou art blind! let Virtue lead the way. But who comes here? It seemeth, old Tenacity. I must away; for contraries cannot agree. [_Exit_.