Concerning the people. Their children, at first sight, seem men, and their men, children; but whoso, in negotiating, presumes upon appearances shall be deceived! compassionate towards their own nation and country; loving to the Prince, and so they may have liberty in ceremony and free access to him, they will be better content that he shall be absolute in matter of substance: impatient of peace any longer than while they are in recovering the ruins of war: the presentness [_presence_] of danger inflames their courage, but any expectation makes it languish. For the most part, they are all Imagination and no Judgement; but those that prove solid, excel! Their Gentlemen are all good outward men, good Courtiers, good soldiers, and knowing enough in men and business; but merely [_simply_] ignorant in matters of Letters, because at fifteen they quit books and begin to live in the world: when indeed a mediocrity [_medium_] betwixt their form of education and ours, would do better than either. No men stand more punctually [_punctiliously_] upon their honour in matter of valour; and, which is strange, in nothing else: for otherwise, in their conversation, the custom, and shifting, and over-speaking, hath quite overcome the shame of it. FINIS. [Illustration] +ABRAHAM COWLEY.+ _The Chronicle._ _A BALLAD._ [_Miscellanies. Works._ 1668.] I. MARGARITA first possest, If I remember well, my breast; MARGARITA, first of all! But when a while the wanton maid, With my restless heart had played, MARTHA took the flying ball. II. MARTHA soon did it resign To the beauteous CATHARINE: Beauteous CATHARINE gave place (Though loath and angry she, to part With the possession of my heart) To ELIZA's conquering face. III. ELIZA, till this hour might reign, Had she not evil counsels ta'en. Fundamental laws she broke, And still new favourites she chose! Till up in arms my Passions rose, And cast away her yoke. IV. MARY then, and gentle ANNE Both to reign at once began: Alternately they swayed, And sometimes MARY was the Fair, And sometimes ANNE the Crown did wear, And sometimes both I obeyed. V. Another MARY then arose, And did rigorous laws impose. A mighty tyrant she! Long, alas, should I have been Under that iron sceptred Queen; Had not REBECCA set me free! VI.