I ioynde my talke, my iestures, and my grace, In witty frames, that long might last and stand, So that I brought the king in such a case, That to his death I was his chiefest hand: I gouernd him that ruled all this land: I bare the sword, though hee did weare the crowne, I strake the stroke that threw the mighty downe. 33. Yf iustice sayd that iudgement was but death, With my sweete wordes I could the king perswade, And make him pause and take therein a breath, Till I with suite the fautor’s peace had made: I knewe what way to vse him in his trade, I had the arte to make the lyon meeke, There was no poynt wherein I was to seeke. 34.* I tooke delight in doying each man good, Not scratting all myselfe as all were mine, But lookt whose life in neede and danger stoode, And those I kept from harme with cunning fine On prince’s traine I alwayes cast mine eine: For lifting up the servants of a king, I did throw court myselfe in fauour bring. 35.* I offered ayde before they sued to me, And promis’d nought, but would performe it streight I shaked downe sweete fruit from top of tree, Made aples fall in laps of men by sleight: I did good turnes whiles that I was a height, For fear a flawe of winde would make mee reele, And blowe me downe when fortune turn’d her wheele. 36.* I fil’d no chests with chynks to cherish age, But in the harts of people layde my gold, Sought love of lord, of maister, and of page, And for no bribbe I neuer fauour solde: I had inough, I might doe what I would, Saue spend or give or fling it on the ground, The more I gave the more in purse I found. 37. Yf I did frowne, who then did looke awrye? Yf I did smile, who would not laugh outright? Yf I but spake, who durst my words denye? Yf I pursude, who would forsake the flight? I meane, my powre was knowne to euery wight: On such a height good hap had built my bowre, As though my sweete should nere[1983] haue turnde to sowre. 38. My husband then, as one that knewe his good, Refusde to keepe a prince’s concubine, Forseeing th’end,[1984] and mischiefe as it stood, Against the king did neuer much repine: Hee sawe the grape whereof hee dranke the wine: Though inward thought his heart did still torment, Yet outwardly hee seemde hee was content. 39.