To Sir John Radcliffe

How, like a column, Radcliffe, left alone
For the great mark of virtue, those being gone
Who did, alike with thee, thy house up-bear,
Stand'st thou, to shew the times what you all were?
Two bravely in the battle fell and died,"
Upbraiding rebels' arms, and barbarous pride:
And two that would have fall'n as great as they,
The Belgic fever ravished away.
Thou, that art all their valour, all their spirit,
And thine own goodness to encrease thy merit,
Than whose I do not know a whiter soul,
Nor could I, had I seen all nature's roll,
Thou yet remain'st, unhurt in peace or war,
Though not unprov'd; which shews thy fortunes are
Willing to expiate the fault in thee,
Wherewith, against thy blood, they' offenders be.