Let no man be so sottish as to dreame, Though all Men in their _Death_ made equall are, That, therfore, they may gather by this _Theame_, That, _Parity_, in Life-time, fitting were. For, as the _Bodies_ Members (which in _Death_ Have all the like esteeme) had their Degrees, And Honours, differing in time of _breath_; The same (in _States_) Discretion comely sees. Nor, should we hence inferre, that it were just To disesteeme the breathlesse _Carcasses_ Of _Kings_ and _Princes_, when they sleepe in Dust; For, _Civill-Reverence_ is due to these. Nor, ought we, in their Life-time, to apply The Truth, which by this _Emblem_ is declar’d, The _Dignities_ of Men to vilifie; Or, bring upon their _Persons_ lesse regard. That, which from hence, I rather wish to preach, Is this; that ev’ry Man of each degree, Would marke it so, that he, himselfe might teach What thoughts and deeds, to him most proper be. If he be great; let him remember, then, That (since, nor _Wealth_, nor _Title_, can procure him Exemption from the Doomes of other Men) He ought to seeke, how _Vertue_ may secure him. If he be _Poore_; let him this _Comfort_ take, That, though, awhile, he be afflicted here, Yet, _Death_ may him as fully happy make, As he, that doth a _Crowne Imperiall_ weare. For, when his Fatall-blow, _Death_ comes to strike, He, makes the _Beggar_, and the _King_, alike. _What cannot be by =Force= attain’d, By =Leisure=, and =Degrees=, is gain’d._ [Illustration: PAVLATIM NON IMPETV. ILLVSTR. XLIX. _Book. 1._]