When wee should use a _Ruler_, or a _Square_, Or such like _Instruments_, as usefull are, In forming other things; we prize not so The carving, or the colourable show (Which makes them beautifull in outward sight) As when, for _Vsefulnesse_, we finde them right. A warped _Bowe_, though strung with silken threads, And, crooked _Arrowes_, tipt with Golden heads, Delight not _Archers_; tyet, such uselesse Toyes Be fit enough for Bunglers, and for Boyes. A skilfull _Artist_ (in what Art soe’re, He seekes, to make his ablenesse appeare) Will give large Prices, with much more content, To buy a plaine (if perfect) _Instrument_; Then, take for nothing (or, for thankes alone) An uselesse _Toole_, though, gay to looke upon. From whence, observe; that, if there must be sought, When meere _Mechanick-workes_ are to be wrought, Such _Instruments_, as rather have esteeme For their _true-being_, then for what they seeme. Much more, should all those _Rules_ be such, whereby Wee goe about, our selves to rectify; And, build up, what in _Body_, or in _minde_, We may defective, or impaired finde. Else, peradventure, that we thinke to mend, More faulty may become, at later end. But, hence, I chiefly learne, to take a care, My _Life_, and _Actions_, rather be _sincere_, Then _seeming_ such: And, yet, Ile thinke no shame, To _seeme_, to be as honest, as _I am_. _My =Substance=, and my =Light=, are spent, In seeking other mens content._ [Illustration: ALIIS INSERVIENDO CONSUMOR. ILLVSTR. XXXI. _Book. 3_]