Clemency In Kings.

For punishment in war it will suffice
If the chief author of the faction dies;
Let but few smart, but strike a fear through all;
Where the fault springs there let the judgment fall.

Kings must be dauntless; subjects will contemn
Those who want hearts and wear a diadem.

'Tis but a dog-like madness in bad kings,
For to delight in wounds and murderings:
As some plants prosper best by cuts and blows,
So kings by killing do increase their foes.

Evil no nature hath; the loss of good
Is that which gives to sin a livelihood.

In things a moderation keep:
Kings ought to shear, not skin their sheep.

Look how our foul days do exceed our fair;
And as our bad, more than our good works are,
E'en so those lines, pen'd by my wanton wit,
Treble the number of these good I've writ.
Things precious are least numerous: men are prone
To do ten bad for one good action.