The Example of Vertu / The Example of Virtue

by Stephen Hawes

Clene of conscyence without corrupcyon

And neuer be spotted with the synne of couetyse

But true as stele in the entencyon

Of ryght euermore without destruccyon

Geuynge alway a ryghtfull iugement

Obey thou youth this lady reuerent

A iuge fulfylled with the synne of auaryce

Or with fauour of kynne made blynd

Must nedys do wronge by grete p^reiudyce

For fauour shold not conscyence bynd