Ben Jonson(1572–1637)
To Sir Henry Cary
That neither fame nor love might wanting be
To greatness, Cary, I sing that and thee;
W h o s e h o u s e , 1 i f i t n o o t h e r h o n o r had,
I n o n l y t h e e m i g h t b e b o t h great a n d glad;
Who, to upbraid 0 the sloth of this our time,chastise
Durst valor make almost, but not, a crime; 2
Which deed I know not, whether were more high,
Or thou more happy, it to justify
A g a i n s t thy f o r t u n e : w h e n n o f o e , that day,
Could conquer thee but chance, who did betray.
L o v e thy great loss, w h i c h a r e n o w n h a t h w o n ,
T o live w h e n B r o i c k n o t stands, n o r R u h r d o t h run.3
L o v e h o n o r s , w h i c h o f b e s t e x a m p l e b e
W h e n they cost dearest and are done most free;
Though every fortitude deserves applause,
I t m a y b e m u c h o r little i n t h e c a u s e .
He's valiant'st that dares fight, and not for pay;
That virtuous is, when the reward's away.