To Thomas, Earl of Suffolk

Since men have left to do praiseworthy things,
Most think all praises flatteries: but truth brings
That sound and that authority with her name,
As, to be raised by her, is only fame.
Stand high, then, Howard, high in eyes of men,
High in thy blood, thy place; but highest then,
When, in men's wishes, so thy virtues wrought,
As all thy honours were by them first sought:
And though design'd to be the same thou art,
Before thou wert it, in each good man's heart.
Which, by no less confirm'd, than thy king's choice,
Proves that is God's, which was the people's voice.