Edmund Spenser

Like as a feareful partridge, that is fledd
From the sharpe hauke which her attacked neare,
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Like as a feareful partridge, that is fledd
From the sharpe hauke which her attacked neare,
And falls to ground to seeke for succor theare,
Whereas the hungry spaniells she does spye,
With greedy jawes her ready for to teare.

For take thy ballaunce if thou be so wise,
And weigh the winds that under heaven doth blow;
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For take thy ballaunce if thou be so wise,
And weigh the winds that under heaven doth blow;
Or weigh the light that in the east doth rise;
Or weigh the thought that from man's mind doth flow.

Entire affection hateth nicer hands.

Entire affection hateth nicer hands.

And with unwearied fingers drawing out
The lines of life, from living knowledge hid.

And with unwearied fingers drawing out
The lines of life, from living knowledge hid.

It is an honourable thing to be merciful to the vanquished.

It is an honourable thing to be merciful to the vanquished.