Whilst by the High-way-side, the _Flint-stone_ lies, Drie, cold, and hardnesse, are the properties We then perceive: But, when we prove it nigher, We finde, that, _Coldnesse_ doth inclose a _Fire_; And, that, though _Raine_, nor _cloudie-skie_ appeares, It will be (many times) bedew’d with _teares_. From hence, I mind, that many wronged are, By being judg’d, as they, at first, appeare; And, that, some should bee prais’d, whom wee despise, If _inward-Grace_, were seene with _outward-Eyes_. But, this is not that _Morall_ (wee confesse) Which this our _Emblem_, seemeth to expresse: For (if the _Motto_ speake the meaning right) It shewes, that, _hard-afflictions_ first must smite Our hardned hearts, before it will bee seene, That any _light_ of _Grace_, in them, hath beene. _Before the =Flint= will send forth shining Rayes, It must bee strucken, by the =Steele=, (it sayes.)_ Another _Morall_, adde we may to this, (Which, to the _Figure_, sutes not much amisse.) The _Steele_, and _Flint_, may fitly represent _Hard-hearted men_, whose mindes will not relent: For, when in _opposition_, such become, The _fire_ of _Malice_, flames and sparkles from Their threatning Eyes; which else, close hidden rests, Within the closets of their flintie brests: And, flame out-right it will not, (though it smokes) Till _Strife_ breake passage, for it, by her _strokes_. If any of these _Moralls_ may doe good, The purpose of my paines is understood. _My _Wit_ got _Wings_, and, high had flowne; But, _Povertie_ did keepe mee downe._ [Illustration: PAUPERTATE PREMOR SUBLEUOR INGENIO. ILLVSTR. XLII. _Book. 3_]