ABSTRACT
So steadily the Senate guides; If others, whom you make your theme, Are seconds in this glorious scheme; If every peer whom you commend To worth and learning be a friend; If this be truth, as you attest, What land was ever half so blessed? No falsehood now among the great, And tradesmen now no longer cheat; Now on the bench fair Justice shines; Her scale to neither side inclines. Now Pride and Cruelty are flown, And Mercy here exalts her throne; For such is good example’s power, It does its office every hour, Where governors are good and wise; Or else the truest maxim lies; For, so we find, all ancient sages Decree that ad exemplum regis,4
Ripening and kindling like the sun. If this be true, then how much more, When you have named at least a score Of courtiers, each in their degree, If possible, as good as he.
