Of Merit, and Demerit

A Knight, and valiant seruitor of late,
Playn'd to a Lord and Councellor of State,
That Captaines in these dayes were not regarded,
That onely Carpet Knights were well rewarded:
For I, saith he, with all my hurts and maimes,
Get not the recompence my merit claimes.
Good Cousin (said the Lord) the fault is yours,
Which you impute vnto the higher Powers,
or where you should in Pater noster pray,
Giue vnto vs our daily bread to day;
Your misdemeanors this petition needs,
Our trespasses forgiue vs, and misdeeds.