The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy/Commendatory verse 1

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The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy
by John Webster
In the just Worth, of that well Deserver, Mr. John Webster, and upon this Maister-peece of Tragœdy by Thomas Middleton
3684452The Tragedy of the Dutchesse of Malfy — In the just Worth, of that well Deserver, Mr. John Webster, and upon this Maister-peece of TragœdyThomas Middleton
Fleuron from first edition of 'The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy' by John Webster (1623)
Fleuron from first edition of 'The Tragedy of the Duchesse of Malfy' by John Webster (1623)


In the just Worth, of that well Deserver,
Mr. 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.

Poëta & Chron:

Londinensis.