Tender-handed stroke a nettle,
And it stings you for your pains;
Grasp it like a man of read more

Tender-handed stroke a nettle,
And it stings you for your pains;
Grasp it like a man of mettle,
And it soft as silk remains.
'Tis the same with common natures,
Use 'em kindly, they rebel;
But, be rough as nutmeg-graters,
And the rogues obey you well.

And last, the crown of a' my grief.

And last, the crown of a' my grief.

Must I give way and room to your rash choler?

Must I give way and room to your rash choler?

He hath great neede of a foole, that plaies the foole himselfe.

He hath great neede of a foole, that plaies the foole himselfe.

Peace is obtained by war.

Peace is obtained by war.

Let justice be done, though the heavens fall.
[Lat., Fiat justitia, ruat coelum.]

Let justice be done, though the heavens fall.
[Lat., Fiat justitia, ruat coelum.]

Take time: much may be gained by patience.

Take time: much may be gained by patience.

He that doth what he should not, shall feele what he would not.

He that doth what he should not, shall feele what he would not.

You harp perpetually on the same string.

You harp perpetually on the same string.