Classic Poem

Long may you lyue, and happy yeares enioye,
Among your friends, to staye in blisfull state
Deuoyde of Foes, safe shrowded from annoye.
In all your workes: God graunt you happy fate,
Kindle your care to compasse heauenly things:
Presse downe the worlde, let not his power preuayle.
Esteeme him not, a Syrens song he sings.
Most happy they, where most his flatteries fayle.
Beginne no acte, but fyrst foresee the ende:
Reache forth your hande to helpe the needie still,
Obserue such rules as may your state defende.
Offence forbeare: feare euer to doe ill.
Knowe God and seeke his holy hests to holde,
Example giue, to make the good more bolde.