William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling

Despair and confidence both banish fear.

The world's chief idol, nurse of fretting cares, Dumb trafficker, yet understood o'er all.

That fatal sergeant, Death, spares no degree.

Words but direct, example must allure.

Lo, one who loved true honour more than fame, A real goodness, not a studied name.

Vile avarice and pride, from Heaven accurst, In all are ill, but in a church-man worst.

That generous plainness proves the better way.

That queen of nations, absolutely great.

His birthright sold, some pottage so to gain.

Pride hated stands, and doth unpitied fall.

Of all things that are feared, the least is death.

I sing the sabbath of eternal rest.

Though I was long in coming to the light, Yet may I mount to fortune's highest height.

I hope, I fear, resolved, and yet I doubt, I'm cold as ice, and yet I burn as fire; I wot not what, and yet I much desire, And trembling too, am desperately stout.

Times daily change and we likewise in them; Things out of sight do straight forgotten die.

To love and be beloved, this is the good, Which for most sovereign all the world will prove.

Although my hap be hard, my heart is high.

Of all the tyrants that the world affords, Our own affections are the fiercest lords.

What thing so good which not some harm may bring? Even to be happy is a dangerous thing.

Death is the port where all may refuge find, The end of labour, entry unto rest.

What life refused, to gain by death he thought: For life and death are but indifferent things, And of themselves not to be shunned nor sought, But for the good or ill that either brings.

The weaker sex, to piety more prone

O if thou knew’st how thou thyself dost harm, And dost prejudge thy bliss, and spoil my rest; Then thou would’st melt the ice out of thy breast And thy relenting heart would kindly warm. L. E. Kastner & H. B. Charlton, eds., The Poetical …