Caelica, Sonnet XXIX

ROme, while thy Senate gouernours did chose,
Your Souldiers florish'd, Citizens were free,
Thy State by change of Consuls did not loose,
They honour'd were that seru'd or ruled thee:

But after thy proud Legions gaue thee Lawes,
That their bought voices Empire did bestow,
Worthinesse no more was of election cause,
Authority her owners did not know.

Sweet Myra, while good will your friends did choose,
Passions were dainty, sweet desires free,
By one friend marriage did no honour loose,
They were esteem'd, that seru'd or ruled thee:

But after flattring Change did giue thee lawes,
That her false voices did thy faith bestow,
Worthinesse no more was of affection cause,
Desire did many heads like monsters show;
Thus Rome and Myra acting many parts,
By often changes lost commanding arts.