Ambition proves its own ruine. [ 164]
THe poisonfull Aconite,* 1.1 so much desired of the Panther, is purposely hung up by the Hunters, in vessells above their reach, whereof they are so greedy, as they never leave leaping and straining thereat, till they burst and kill themselves, and so are taken.* 1.2 Thus do men that aim at honour and greatnesse, too high for their reach, and too great oftentimes for their merit; for, an ambitious hear: overgrown with this rank Aconite, neither admits of the beams of Grace, to mollifie its hard∣nesse, nor the bounds of Nature,* 1.3 to restrain the swelling; but is unnaturally carri∣ed to ruine those of his own gang that are living, and to blemish the honourable fame of those that are departed. Surely, ambitious Tyrants may bear themselves up for a time, but in the end they shall find, that though divine Iustice hath leaden feet, she hath iron hands; though slow in comming, yet she strikes home.