The Rape of Lucrece.
83
And wilt thou be the school where lust shall learn?
Must he in thee read Lectures of such shame?
Wilt thou be glasse wherein it shall discern
Authority for sin, warrant for blame?
To privilege dishonour in thy name.
Thou back'st reproch against long living laud,
And mak'st fair Reputation but a baud.
Must he in thee read Lectures of such shame?
Wilt thou be glasse wherein it shall discern
Authority for sin, warrant for blame?
To privilege dishonour in thy name.
Thou back'st reproch against long living laud,
And mak'st fair Reputation but a baud.
Hast thou commanded? by him that gave it thee,
From a pure heart command thy rebel will:
Draw not thy sword to guard iniquity,
For it was lent thee all that brood to kill.
Thy princely office how can'st thou fulfill
When patternd by thy fault, foul sin may say,
He learn'd to sin, and thou didst teach the way?
From a pure heart command thy rebel will:
Draw not thy sword to guard iniquity,
For it was lent thee all that brood to kill.
Thy princely office how can'st thou fulfill
When patternd by thy fault, foul sin may say,
He learn'd to sin, and thou didst teach the way?
Think but how vile a spectacle it were,
To view thy present trespasse in another:
Mens faults do seldom to themselves appear,
Their own transgressions partially they smother;
This guilt would seem death-worthy in thy brother.
O how are they wrapt in with infamies,
That from their own misdeeds askaunce their eyes.
To view thy present trespasse in another:
Mens faults do seldom to themselves appear,
Their own transgressions partially they smother;
This guilt would seem death-worthy in thy brother.
O how are they wrapt in with infamies,
That from their own misdeeds askaunce their eyes.
To thee, to thee, my heav'd-up hands appeal,
Not to seducing lust, thy rash reply:
I sue for exil'd majesties repeal,
Let him return, and flattering thoughts retire.
His true respect will prison false desire,
Not to seducing lust, thy rash reply:
I sue for exil'd majesties repeal,
Let him return, and flattering thoughts retire.
His true respect will prison false desire,
And
