The cheifest good, (ah would so good it were)

THE cheifest good, (ah would so good it were)
That most imagine Honours bring with them,
We pick from others praises here and there,
So patch herewith an Indian Diadem
Of Parrats feathers, vocall favours light,
And Plumes indeede, whereto we haue no right.

He is not honourd that Discents can show,
Nor he that can commaund a numerous traine,
Nor he to whome the vulgar lout so low,
Nor he that followes Fashion light and vaine,
Saluting windowes, and around doth wheele,
Like VRSA MAIOR, starres from head to heele.

We honour him, whose Actions not deface,
The Glories which his Ancestors haue wonne,
By Cowardise, or vicious liuing base,
Ne wrong for Passion, or Affect hath done:
In whome at once, Artes, Bountie, Valour, dwell.
Contending each which other should excell.