In the fresh blossome of my youthfull spring, Sucking the sugered poison of delight, Euen then when with strict hand the carefull king Kept backe my youth, I on the baites did bite Of _Gaueston_ that soothing parasite: A yong esquire of Gascoyne in faire feature, Shapt like an angell: but of euill nature. 18. My royall father, who with iudgement’s eie Could sound the depth of things, perceiuing well How follie did by him her charmes applie, T’inchant my youth: such mischiefe to repell, Did him exile, lest by the powerfull spell Of his allurements drawne from all renowne, I should be made vnworthie of a crowne. 19. O prudent prince! the depth of that decree Which heau’n did purpose by my _Gaueston_, Too secret was for humane sense to see, Who did ordaine, that exil’d minion To ruine _Edward_ and thy royall throne: For though an exile he did then depart, Yet with him went thy wanton _Edward’s_ heart. 20. Too late it was that obiect to remoue, To whom in fancie’s cup I long before Had quaff’d so deepe, that surfetting with loue, Heart-sicke I was till time did him restore, And set him once againe on England’s shore: Forgetfull of my faith to _Edward_ dead, Not to reuoke, whom he had banished. 21. His bones were yet scarce cold, his royall throne Scarce warme beneath me was, when in the same I did embrace my deare, lou’d _Gaueston_, Who as infected with contagious shame Of some corrupted place, from whence he came, Throughout the land in little space did spread, That foule disease which our destruction bread. 22. In court the leprous spots of his delights Vnto the palace wals so fast do cleaue, That from my presence all the noblest wights Withdraw themselues, and in their roomes do leaue Those vp-starts base, who them of grace bereaue: No man is held to be the king’s true friend, But he that doth his _Gaueston_ commend. 23. His lips were made the oracles, from whence I tooke aduice, he in the counsell sits, Graue states as enemies are banisht thence, The shallow-brain’d yong giddie-headed wits, Our wanton humour with best counsell fits, The sage instructions of the wise man’s mouth, Do sound harsh musike in the eares of youth. 24.