CAELICA: 30 by FULKE GREVILLE

Rome, while thy senate governors did choose,
Your soldiers flourished, citizens were free,
Thy state by change of consuls did not lose,
They honored were that served or ruled thee;

But after thy proud legions gave thee laws,
That their bought voices empire did bestow,
Worthiness no more was of election cause,
Authority her owners did not know.

Sweet Myra, while goodwill your friends did choose,
Passions were dainty, sweet desires free,
By one friend marriage did no honor lose,
They were esteemed, that served or ruled thee.

But after flatt'ring change did give thee laws,
That her false voices did thy faith bestow,
Worthiness no more was of affection cause,
Desire did many heads like monsters show;
Thus Rome and Myra acting many parts,
By often changes lost commanding arts.

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