Such is the course that natures kind hath wrought

Such is the course that natures kind hath wrought
That snakes have time to cast away their stynges ;
'Gainst chainde prisoners what nede defence be sought ?
The fierce lyon will hurt no yelden thinges.

Why shoulde such spite be nursed in thy thought,
Sith all these powers are prest under thy winges;
And thou seest and reason thee hath taught
What mischief malice many waies it bringes.

Consider eke that spight availeth naught;
Therefore this song thy fault to thee it singes ;
Displease thee not, for saiyng thus, me thought,

Nor hate thou him from whom no hate forth springes ;
For furies that in hell be execrable.
For that they hate are made most miserable.