The Temple: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations/Humilitie
¶ Humilitie.
I Saw the Vertues sitting hand in handIn sev'rall ranks upon an azure throne,Where all the beasts and fowls by their commandPresented tokens of submission.Humilitie, who sat the lowest thereTo execute their call,When by the beasts the presents tendred were,Gave them about to all.
The angrie Lion did present his paw,Which by consent was giv'n to Mansuetude.The fearfull Hare her eares, which by their lawHumilitie did reach to Fortitude.The jealous Turkie brought his corall-chain;That went to Temperance.On Justice was bestow'd the Foxes brain,Kill'd in the way by chance.
At length the Crow bringing the Peacocks plume,(For he would not) as they beheld the graceOf that brave gift, each one began to fume,And challenge it, as proper to his place,Till they fell out: which when the beasts espied,They leapt upon the throne;And if the Fox had liv'd to rule their side,They had depos'd each one.
Humilitie, who held the plume, at thisDid weep so fast, that the tears trickling downSpoil'd all the train: then saying, Here it isFor which ye wrangle, made them turn their frownAgainst the beasts: so joyntly bandying,They drive them soon away;And then amerc'd them, double gifts to bringAt the next Session-day.