Of what avail are pedigrees?

Of what avail are pedigrees?

Do nothing twice over.

Do nothing twice over.

So may the outward shows be least themselves;
The world is still deceived with ornament.
In law, read more

So may the outward shows be least themselves;
The world is still deceived with ornament.
In law, what plea so tainted and corrupt
But being seasoned with a gracious voice,
Obscures the show of evil? In religion,
What damned error but some sober brow
Will bless it and approve it with a text,
Hiding the grossness with fair ornament?

It takes much from the account, to which his sin doth amount.

It takes much from the account, to which his sin doth amount.

Thus the whirligig of time
Brings in his revenges.

Thus the whirligig of time
Brings in his revenges.

Nae man can tether time nor tide.

Nae man can tether time nor tide.

A word once spoken cannot be recalled.

A word once spoken cannot be recalled.

We have not to talk, but to steer the vessel.

We have not to talk, but to steer the vessel.

O ye who teach the ingenuous youth of nations--
Holland, France, England, Germany or Spain;
I pray read more

O ye who teach the ingenuous youth of nations--
Holland, France, England, Germany or Spain;
I pray ye flog them upon all occasions,
It mends their morals--never mind the pain.