This _Emblem_, forth unto your view hath set, A _Sword_, together with a _Coronet_; To shew the prudent _Reader_, what Reward For _ill_, and for _well doing_, is prepar’d; That they, who heretofore, amisse have done, May learne, their threatned punishments to shun: That they, whose _Actions_ warrantable were, May, in their honest _Courses_, persevere: And, that those men, who great and pow’rfull bee, Should punish and reward, as cause they see. Men are of diff’ring tempers: Some, are wonne By promises, and gentle meanes alone: Some, moved are by shame; and, some through dread, To bee in purse, or bodie punished. And, some, their duties are allur’d to doe, No way, but by a mixture of these two. They, therefore, neither _Wise_, nor _Honest_ bee, Who dandle all Offenders on their knee; Or, punish onely with a _God-forbid_; Or, _Doe not so, my sonnes_, as _Ely_ did. Nor wiser ought, are they, nor honester, Who alwayes fright, and threaten those that erre; No mercie joyning, to the chastisement Of them, whose faults are worthy to bee shent. Nor are they lesse to blame, who carry _Swords_, To punish errors; but, nor lookes, nor words, To cherish well deservings: And, in this, Most men, that punish others, doe amisse. Sure, if the _Sword misdoing_, may pursue, For _doing-well_, the _Coronet_ is due. _The =Tongue=, which every secret speakes, Is like a =Barrell= full of leakes._ [Illustration: HAC ATQUE ILLAC PERFLUIT. ILLVSTR. XXXVIII. _Book. 4_]