Caution In Counsel.

'Twas Cæsar's saying: Kings no less conquerors are
By their wise counsel, than they be by war.

Still take advice; though counsels, when they fly
At random, sometimes hit most happily.

When times are troubled, then forbear; but speak
When a clear day out of a cloud does break.

In all thy need be thou possess'd
Still with a well-prepared breast;
Nor let the shackles make thee sad;
Thou canst but have what others had.
And this for comfort thou must know
Times that are ill won't still be so.
Clouds will not ever pour down rain;
A sullen day will clear again.
First peals of thunder we must hear,
Then lutes and harps shall stroke the ear.

In all thy need, be thou possest
Still with a well prepared breast;
Nor let the shackles make thee sad;
Thou canst but have what others had.
And this for comfort thou must know,
Times that are ill won't still be so:
Clouds will not ever pour down rain;
A sullen day will clear again.
First, peals of thunder we must hear;
When lutes and harps shall stroke the ear.

In things a moderation keep:
Kings ought to shear, not skin their sheep.