Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/574

 * Yet worse than worst, I say thou art a Thief! A thief! Now GOD forbid! A Thief! and of worst thieves, the chief. Thieves steal for need; and steal but goods, which pain recovers: But thou, rich in all joys, dost rob my joys from me; Which cannot be restored by time nor industry. Of foes, the spoil is evil: far worse of constant lovers'.

Yet gentle English thieves do rob, but will not slay. Thou English murdering thief! wilt have hearts for thy prey. The name of Murderer now on thy fair forehead sitteth. And even while I do speak, my death wounds bleeding be; Which, I protest, proceed from only cruel thee. Who may and will not save; murder in truth committeth.

But murder's private fault seems but a toy to thee. I lay then to thy charge unjustest Tyranny! If rule by force without all claim, a tyrant showeth. For thou dost lord my heart, who am not born thy slave; And which is worse, makes me most guiltless torments have. A rightful Prince by unright deeds a Tyrant groweth.

Lo! you grow proud with this! For tyrants make folk bow. Of foul Rebellion then I do appeach thee now! Rebel by Nature's laws, Rebel by law of reason. Thou sweetest subject wert born in the realm of Love; And yet against thy Prince, thy force dost daily prove. No virtue merits praise, once touched with blot of treason.