A farrago of several pieces being a supplement to his poems, characters, heroick pourtraits, letters, and other discourses formerly published by him / newly written by Richard Flecknoe.

TO THE LADY N. N.

Of Benefits.

GOod will is that well ordered cha∣rity, which the Holy Scripture com∣mends unto us so much, and which it obliges us to have, even for our Ene∣mies; 'tis that, which humanity binds us to, and which makes one man a man unto another, who otherwise would be a God, or else a Beast, according as he benefited or injurr'd them. But in friendship Good Will, is like the power that never proceeds to Act, pro∣mises to performance, or flowers unto fruit, unless it proceeds to benefits withall, for a benefit is the Aliment of Friendship, as Oyle is of the flame, but as too much poured into the Lamp at once, rather extinguishes it, than nourishes it, so 'tis with bene∣fits. Wherefore Madam I only de∣sire of you small benefits at once

and humbly thank you for satisfying my desire.

Else 'twere to smother me with Roses, and to Oppress me, rather then Relieve me; for 'tis with pain, when we are obliged too much, and great bene∣fits, are but great debts and heavy burthens to a Grateful man: Whil'st little ones are light burthens, which every one can bear; and small debts, which every one can pay. Nor did they ever make Banquerout yet, or Mode∣sty blush, or Generosity asham'd. Besides Madam, loving my Liberty as I do, and to be too much oblig'd being a kind of servitude; I thank you for leaving me in possession of that I love so well, and in possibility of that which you love so well, Gratitude; In which no∣ble vertue you so excell, as none yet could ever oblige you so much, but you would find some way or other to disoblige your self again and turn those Bonds on them which they had bound you withall: But Madam, you have obliged me so far already, as now there is no farther danger of my

Liberty, nor should I more willing∣ly give it to any one, then to her to whom already I have given my heart, and for whom I am ready for to give my life.