While, these two _Champions_ for the _Conquest_ fight, Betwixt them both _Victoria_ takes her flight, On doubtfull wings; and, till the _fray_ bee past, None knowe, to whether, shee the _Wreath_ will cast. Which _Emblem_ serves, not onely, to expresse The danger, and the issues doubtfulnesse, In all _Contentions_; but, may warne us too, That, wee no strivings rashly undergoe; Since they, who long with painfull skill have striv’d, Of likely _Conquests_, are at length depriv’d. _Force_, much prevailes; but _Sleight_ and _Wit_ hath pow’r, Sometime, to hurle downe _Strength_ upon the floore. Sometimes againe, our _Ingineeres_ doe faile; And, _Blowes_, doe more than _Stratagems_, prevaile. Though, I, upon mine _honest-Cause_ depend, Another may o’rethrow it, by his _Friend_: And, hee that boasteth of his _Patrons_ grace, May lose his hopes, if Bribing come in place. To say the Truth, in whatsoever Cause, Wee by the _Sword_ contend, or by the _Lawes_, There’s no event or issue more assured, Than this, that, losse to both shall bee procured: And, that, sometime, as well an _innocent_, As _guilty-cause_, may finde an ill event. Let, therefore, our endeavours be, to strive, Who, shall hereafter, least occasion give Of those _contentions_, and of those _debates_, Which hurt our honor, safetie, or estates: That, we, a _Conquest_, may be sure to gaine, And, none repine, at that which we obtaine. _Why should I feare the want of =Bread=? If =God= so please, I shall bee =fed=._ [Illustration: SI DEUS VOLUERIT. ILLVSTR. XLVII. _Book. 4_]