Stephen Hawes.

d. 1523

40   The True Knight

FOR knighthood is not in the feats of war,
   As for to fight in quarrel right or wrong,
But in a cause which truth can not defar:¹
   He ought himself for to make sure and strong,
   Justice to keep mixt with mercày among:
     And no quarrel a knight ought to take
     But for a truth, or for the common’s sake.

41   An Epitaph

O MORTAL folk, you may behold and see
   How I lie here, sometime a mighty knight;
The end of joy and all prosperity
   Is death at last, thorough his course and might:
   After the day there cometh the dark night,
     For though the day be never so long,
     At last the bells ringeth to evensong.