Matthew Prior

Though bitter, good medicine cures illness. Though it may hurt,
loyal criticism will have beneficial effects.

Though bitter, good medicine cures illness. Though it may hurt,
loyal criticism will have beneficial effects.

To each man at his birth nature has given some fault.

To each man at his birth nature has given some fault.

Now fitted the halter, now travers'd the cart,
And often took leave; but was loth to part.

Now fitted the halter, now travers'd the cart,
And often took leave; but was loth to part.

Thy sum of duty let two words contain,
(O may they graven in thy heart remain!)
Be read more

Thy sum of duty let two words contain,
(O may they graven in thy heart remain!)
Be humble and be just.

What is a king? a man condemn'd to bear
The public burthen of the nation's care.

What is a king? a man condemn'd to bear
The public burthen of the nation's care.