[James I. commenced the practice of poetry at an early age, and his first book was printed at Edinburgh by T. Vautroullier, in 1584, under the title of The Essays of a Prentise in the divine art of Poesie. The king's next poetical venture was entitled, His Majesty's Poeticall Exercises at Vacant Houres. Printed at Edinburgh, by Robert Waldegrave, printer to the King's Majesty in 1591.]
A Sonnet addressed by King James to his son Prince Henry.
From K. James's works in folio: Where is also printed another called his Majesty's OWN Sonnet; it would perhaps be too cruel to infer from thence that this was not his Majesty's own Sonnet.
God gives not kings the stile of Gods in vaine,
For on his throne his scepter do they swey:
And as their subjects ought them to obey,
So kings should feare and serve their God againe.
If then ye would enjoy a happie reigne,
Observe the statutes of our heavenly king;
And from his law make all your laws to spring;
Since his lieutenant here ye should remaine.
Rewarde the just, be stedfast, true and plaine;
Represse the proud, maintayning aye the right;
Walke always so, as ever in HIS sight,
Who guardes the godly, plaguing the prophane.
And so ye shall in princely vertues shine,
Resembling right your mightie king divine.