The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy/Commendatory verse 1

by Thomas Middleton

Fleuron from first edition of 'The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy' by John Webster (1623)

In the just Worth, of that well Deserver,
M^r. John Webster, and Upon this
Maister-peece of Tragœdy.

 

In this thou imitat'st one Rich and Wise,
That sees His Good Deedes done before he dies;
As He by Workes, Thou by this Worke of Fame,
Ha'st well provided for thy Living Name;
To trust to others Honorings, is Worth's Crime,
Thy Monument is rais'd in thy Life Time;
And 'tis most just; for every Worthy Man
Is his owne Marble; and his Merit can
Cut him to any Figure, and expresse
More Art, then Deaths Cathedrall Pallaces,
Where Royall Ashes keepe their Court: thy Note
Be ever plainnes, 'tis the Richest Coate:
Thy Epitaph onely the Title bee,
Write, Dutchesse, that will fetch a teare for thee,
For who e're saw this Dutchesse live, and dye,
That could get off under a Bleeding Eye?

In Tragædiam.

Ut Lux ex Tenebris ictu percussa Tonantis,
Illa, (Ruina Malis) claris fit Vita Poetis.

Thomas Middletonus,

Poëta & Chron:

Londinensis.