Rome , while thy Senate gouernours did choose,
Your Souldiers florish'd, Citizens were free,
Thy State by Change of Consuls did not loose,
They honour'd were that seru'd or ruled thee:

But after thy proud Legions gave thee Lawes,
That their bought voices Empire did bestow,
Worthinesse no more was of election cause,
Authority her owners did not know.

Sweet Myra , while good will your friends did choose,
Passions were dainty, sweet desires free,
By one friend marriage did no honour loose,
They were esteem'd, that seru'd or ruled thee:

But after flattring Change did giue thee lawes,
That her false voices did thy faith bestow,
Worthinesse no more was of affection cause,
Desire did many heads like monsters show;
Thus Rome and Myra acting many parts,
By often changes lost commanding arts.