Hymne XXIII: Of her Iustice

Exil'd Astraea is come againe,
Lo here she doth all things maintaine
In number, waight, and measure:
She rules vs with delightfull paine,
And we obey with pleasure.

By Loue shee rules more then by Law,
Euen her great mercy breedeth awe:
This is her Sword and Scepter,
Herewith she hearts did euer draw,
And this Guard euer kept her.

Reward doth sit in her right hand:
Each Vertue thence takes her Garland
Gather'd in Honors garden:
In her left hand (wherein should be
Nought but the Sword) sits Clemencie,
And conquers Vice with pardon.