Classic Poem

Of person rare, strong limbs, and manly shape;
Of nature framed to serve on sea or land;
Of friendship firm in good state and ill hap;
In peace, head wise; in war, skill great, bold hand;
On horse, on foot, in peril or in play,
None could excel, though many did assay;
A subject true to king, and servant great;
Friend to God's truth, en'my to Rome's deceit;
Sumptuous abroad, for honour of the land;
Temp'rate at home, yet kept great state with stay
And noble house, and gave moe mouths more meat
Than some advanced on higher steps to stand.
Yet against Nature, Reason, and just Laws,
His blood was spilt, guiltless, without just cause.