5. Sonnets in praise of Eminency or a publike Life, 15

IF Nature cannot make Desire to cease
In Compasse of the Meane, let Grace thy Guest
Giue head, where Excesse is the meane to peace,
And the Extreame the midst of endlesse rest.
For, Grace hath Passion giu'n for Natures aide
While they in Vertues Compasse walke the Round:
And moue to Goodnesse when themselues are staid:
But otherwise, they do their Stay confound:
For, as excesse of Vertue is but Vice,
And, too much of the best, becomes the worst:
So, extream Passion doth much preiudice
And make them who haue most, the most accurst:
Then if thou would be passionate, and blest
Passion must stir thee, but in peace, to rest.