Classic Poem

With teares in thought imprint, both frem and knowen frende,
Three speciall notes of much availe, by Notes untimely ende.
Note first his honest life of every sort was lov'd,
Learned hee was and vertuous both, his manhoode throughly prov'd.
A gallant witte hee had, the which hee governde so
As did content all sortes of men, when cause the use did show.
Hee had both health and wealth, his fortune was to hard,
And yet, in spite of froward chaunce, Fame shall his vertues gard.
His life would followed bee, his death forwarnes his friends
(A note of worth) of quarreling, that still with mischiefe endes;
And yet with such abuse I meane not him to tuch,
But this I say (hee prov'd it true) by once hee fought to much.
An other note hee leaves, the which to show I quake:
His speeding wound so rest his sense, as word hee never spake.
Gods pleasure in the cause I leave for to dispute:
Hee knewe his thoughts, wee knewe his life; then judge t'were better mute.
Yet learne you by his fate (if you examples feare)
You have no charter of your life; then best you do prepare
Your selves eche houre to die, least you be tarde tooke,
You are here warnd with over proofe: into your conscience looke.