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Illvstr. III. Book. 1.

WHen God-Almighty first engrav'd in stone

His holy Law; He did not give the same

As if some common Act had then beene done;

For, arm'd with Fires and Thunders, forth it came.

By which, that great Law-maker, might inferre

What dreadfull Vengeance would on those attend,

Who did against those holy Precepts erre;

And, that, his Power, well-doers could defend.

Thereto, this Emblem, also doth agree;

For, loe, before the Tables of the Lawe,

A naked Sword is borne, whose use may bee

As well to keepe in Safety, as in Awe.

Whence, Princes (if they please) this note may take,

(And it shall make them happily to raigne)

That, many good and wholsome Lawes to make

Without an Executioner, is vaine.

It likewise intimates, that such as are

In Soveraigne place, as well obliged be

Their zeale for true Religion to declare,

As, what concerneth Manners, to foresee.

It, lastly, showes that Princes should affect

Not onely, over others to Command,

But Swords to weare, their Subjects to protect;

And, for their Guard, extend a willing hand.

For, Lawes, or Peace to boast of; and, the whiles,

The Publique-weale, to weaken or disarme,

Is nor the way to hinder Civill-Broyles,

Nor to secure it from a Forraigne-harme.

For, As by Lawes a Land is kept in frame;

So, Armes is that, which must protect the same.