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[verse 15] Which one wise mā though poore relieu'd, yet was his worth forgot
[verse 16] Yet (say I) wisedome more auaild then force: yet boots it not.
15.
And there was found therein a poore and wise man, and he deliuered the citie by his wisedome: but none remem∣bred this poore man.
When yet I saw (a worthy thing to see)
A man of small account for wealth or state,
But yet (indeed) both bold and wise was hee,
Who raysd the siege, and so did foes abate,
That towne and people, thereby freedome gate.
But when they were miraculously free,
(Lo strange vngratitude but common sin)
This worthy man began neglect to bee,
And deeds forgot, as they had neuer bin:
Though all did tast the fruit of his desart,
Not one layd vp his vertues in his hart.
16.
Then said I, better is wise∣dome then strength: yet the wisedome of the poore is dispised, and his words are not heard.
Yet this, his worthy prowesse in my sight
Was such, as I could neuer but admire,
And makes me thinke that they in vaine do fight,
That haue all wealth and powre they can desire,
If pollicie they want, if cause require.
And them vnwise (I hold) that iudge a wight
By his apparance outwardly or pealth,
In poore mens words the rich haue small delight,
For they account them fooles that haue not wealth,
Yet at their need, their helpe perforce they vse,
Their owne turne seru'd, to helpe them they refuse.