To King Dauid

THou Princes Prophet, and of Prophets King,
Growne from poore Pastoralls, and Shepheards fold,
To change the sheephooke to a Mace of gold,
Subduing sword and speare, with staffe and sling:
Thou that didst quell the Beare and dreadful Lyon,
With courage vnappald, and actiue lymmes;
Thou that didst praise in it, induring Himms
With Poetry diuine the God of Syon;
Thou sonne in Law to King & Prince appointed:
Yet, when that king by wrong did seek thy harme,
Didst helpe him with thy Harp, and sacred charme:
And taught, no not to touch the Lords Anointed.
Thou, thou great Prince, with so rare gifts replenished
Could'st not eschew blind Buzzard Cupids hookes,
apt in the bayt of Bersabees sweet lookes:
With which one fault, thy faultles life was blemished.
Yet hence we learne a document most ample,
Our flesh then strongest is, when weak'st our faith.
And that the sinne forgiuen, the penance staieth;
Of Grace and Iustice both a sweet example.
et no man then himselfe in sinne imbolden
By thee, but thy sharpe penance, bitter teares,
May strike into our harts such godly feares,
As we may be thereby from sin with-holden.
Sith we, for ours, no iust excuse can bring,
Thou hadst one great excuse, thou wert a King.