Heaven is above all yet; there sits a judge
That no king can corrupt.

Heaven is above all yet; there sits a judge
That no king can corrupt.

The hungry judges soon the sentence sign,
And wretches hang that jurymen may dine.

The hungry judges soon the sentence sign,
And wretches hang that jurymen may dine.

To offend and judge are distinct offices,
And of opposed natures.

To offend and judge are distinct offices,
And of opposed natures.

A corrupt judge does not carefully search for the truth.
[Lat., Male verum examinat omnis
Corruptus judex.]

A corrupt judge does not carefully search for the truth.
[Lat., Male verum examinat omnis
Corruptus judex.]

It doth appear you are a worthy judge;
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most read more

It doth appear you are a worthy judge;
You know the law, your exposition
Hath been most sound.

So wise, so grave, of so perplex'd a tongue,
And loud withal, that would not wag, not scarce
read more

So wise, so grave, of so perplex'd a tongue,
And loud withal, that would not wag, not scarce
Lie still without a fee.

A justice with grave justices shall sit;
He praise their wisdom, they admire his wit.

A justice with grave justices shall sit;
He praise their wisdom, they admire his wit.

Half as sober as a judge.

Half as sober as a judge.

He who the sword of heaven will bear
Should be as holy as severe;
Pattern in himself read more

He who the sword of heaven will bear
Should be as holy as severe;
Pattern in himself to know,
Grace to stand, and virtue go;
More nor less to others paying
Than by self-offenses weighing.
Shame to him whose cruel striking
Kills for faults of his own liking.