Classic Poem

The Lord not by the house must haue his grace;
But by the Lord the house: Nor is a man
Any thing betterd by his eminent place;
But his place, by his Merits. Neither can
Your last place here, make you lesse first in honor,
Then if you stood first. Perfect Honor euer-
Vertue distinguishes; and takes vpon her
Not place but worth; which place abaseth neuer.
So much you know of this; so much you show,
In constant gracing, for it selfe, each Good,
That all Forme, but the matter which I owe
To your deserts, I still leaue vnderstood.
And if this first of workes, your grace you giue,
It shall not be the last shall make you liue.