The excellency of Justice. [ 1843]
THe Sages of elder times seated the Virgin Iustice amongst the Constellati∣ons of Heaven,* 1.1 betwixt the signs of the Lyon and the Ballance, 1. Power and Equity, receiving the Comforter of the World, the Sun in Harvest time, and bearing in her hand an ear of Corn, in token of Plenty to the Husbandman; And before her walks or stalks Bootes, the Heard or Pasture-man, holding up one hand as triumphing and blessing his security under the protection of Iustice,* 1.2 and with the other guarding the Crown against the Gyant and the Serpent. 1. Violence and Treachery; Wisely shewing as by an Emblem, visible to the eye of the World, that Iustice, Laws and Magistracy are Divine and Hea∣venly things, Mothers and Nurses of Piety, Security, Felicity; Iustice being the very life-breath,* 1.3 which many thousands draw, who else would be a very bur∣then to themselves, and a prey unto others; Do but take away Iustice, and what are great Kingdomes but great Thieveries? Justice is that which tames and bri∣dles the fiercest, defends and strengthens the weakest, keeps all quiet, secure, peaceable, happy.