Classic Poem

To praise thee (noble Lord ) were but to doo
What all the world doth; and to doo the same,
Were to offend, and that extreamly too;
And al extreame offence incurrs defame .
Praise is not seemely in a wicked mouth ,
The World is wicked, and her mouth is worse;
Ful of detraction, false-praise , and vntruth ,
Then, should I praise according to her course?
O no! thy vertue merits more regard;
Let Vertue praise thee, as thou her dost praise;
For, sacred vertue is her owne reward ,
And Crowns her selfe, in spight of Fortune's Nayes:
She is thy guide , and Glory her attends,
Which, her in thee , and thee in her commends.