Gratis servire libertas

THE gentle Merlion, wearied long with flight,
While on the spray in shadie groue she sleepes,
With tender foote, a Larke she holdeth light,
Which till the morning carefully she keepes,
Then lets it goe, and least she should that day
Praeie on the same, she flies another way.

Such thankfullnes in bird and beast we find,
By Natures first instinct obserued still,
When worser, man in benefits is blind,
Nay oftentimes, for good will render ill:
And rather seeke ingratefully his blood,
That sau'd his life, or daily gaue him foode.