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Observations on the Life of Sir John Packington.
SIr Iohn Packington was a person of no mean Family, and of form and feature no way despiseable: for he was a brave Gentleman, and a very fine courtier; and for the time which he stayed there, was very high in the Queens grace: but he came in, and went out, and through disassiduity lost the advantage of her favour; and death drawing a vail over him, utterly deprived him of recovery. Had he broughtless to the Court than he did, he might have carried away more than he brought: for he had a time for it, but he was an ill husband of opportunity. His handsome features took the most, and his neat parts the wisest at Court. He could smile Ladies to his service, and argue States-men to his designe with equal ease. His rea∣son was powerful, his beauty more. Never was a brave soul more bravely seated: Nature bestowed great parts on him, education polished him to an admirable frame of prudence and vertue. Queen Eli••abeth called him Her T••mperance, and Leicester His Modesty. It is a question to this day, whe∣ther his resolution took the Souldiers, his pru∣dence the Politicians, his complyance the Favou∣rites, his complaisance the Courtiers, his piety the Clergy, his integrity and condescention the Peo∣ple, or his knowledge the learned, most? This new Court-star was a nine-days wonder, engaging all eyes until it set satisfied with its own glory. He