TIS better to
be vile than vile esteemd |
|
When not to be receives reproach of being; |
|
And the just pleasure lost, which is so deemd |
|
Not by our feeling, but by others seeing: |
|
For why should others false adulterate
eyes |
5 |
Give salutation to my sportive blood? |
|
Or on my frailties why are frailer spies, |
|
Which in their wills count bad what I think
good? |
|
No, I am that I am, and they that level |
|
At my abuses reckon up their own: |
10 |
I may be straight though they themselves
be bevel; |
|
By their rank thoughts my deeds must not
be shown; |
|
Unless this general evil they
maintain, |
|
All men are bad and in their
badness reign. |
|