A collection of the choicest epigrams and characters of Richard Flecknoe being rather a new work, then [sic] a new impression of the old.
Flecknoe, Richard, d. 1678?
Page 39
To Mr. Henry Jermin, On the demand, Why he had no higher Titles.
STill Noble, Gallant, Generous, and Brave,
What greater Titles would these people have?
Or, what can they imagine more to express,
•…ow great thou art, that wou'd not make thee less?
He who is proud of other Titles, is
•…roud of a thing, that's others, none of his.
〈…〉 thing that's but the Title Page o'th' Book,
On which your Fools and Children onely look.
Or garnishment of dishes not to ear,
•…ut empty nothings to set off the meat.
•…hou enviest none their Honors, but would be,
•…orry they shou'd deserve them more then thee.
•…nd 'twere in thee, but vain ambition,
•…o seek by other Titles to be known.
When Henry Jermins name alone affords,
•…s loud and high a found as any Lords.
•…e still thy self then, and let others be,
•…igh as they list in's place, what's that to thee?
•…heir worth is all without them, thine within,
•…nd whilst man fills the place, 'tis worth fills him.
•…he Title of a worthy person's more,
•…han all those Titles which your Clowns adore.
Page 40And there's no Office we may greater call,
Than doing of good offices to all.
This is thy Office, these thy Titles are.
Let whose list take the rest, thou dost not care.
