Still fixt, and with triumphant _Laurell_ crown’d, Is truest _Wisdome_; whom, expressed thus, Among the old _Impresa’s_, we have found; And, much, this _Emblem_ hath instructed us. For, hence we learne; that, _Wisdome_ doth not flow From those unconstant men, whom ev’ry _Blast_, Or small _Occasion_, turneth to and fro; But, from a _Settled head_ that standeth _fast_. Who’ever shoulders, him, he gives no place; What _Storme_ soe’re, his _Times_ or _Fortunes_, breath, He neither hides his _Brow_, nor turnes his _Face_; But, keepes his Lookes undaunted, ev’n in _Death_. The _Laureat head_, upon the _Pillar_ set, Thus signifies; And that _Bay-wreath_ doth show That constant _Wisdome_ will the conquest get, When giddy _Policie_ prevailes not so. If, therefore, thou desirest to be taught, Propose good _Ends_ with honest _Meanes_ thereto, And therein _Constant_ be, till thou hast brought To perfect _end_, that _Worke_, thou hast to doe. Let neither flatt’ring _Pleasures_, nor _Disgrace_, Nor scoffing _Censures_, nor the cunning _Sleights_ Of glozing _Sycophants_, divert that _Race_ To which, a harmelesse _Prudence_, thee invites. Though others plot, conspire, and undermine, Keepe thou a plaine right _Path_; and let their _Course_, For no advantage, make thee change from _thine_, Although it (for the present) seemes the worse. He, thus that workes, puts _Policie_ to Schoole, And makes the _Machavilian_ prove a foole. _The =Law= is given to =direct=; The =Sword=, to =punish= and =protect=._ [Illustration: LEX REGIT ET ARMA TVENTVR. ILLVSTR. III. _Book. 1._]