Poem by James Graham, 1st Marquise of Montrose

Montrose on His Own Condition

I would be high, but that the cedar tree
Is blustred down whilst smaller shrubs go free.
I would be low, but that the lowly grass
Is trampled down by each unworthy ass.
For to be high, my means they will not doe;
And to be low, my mind it will not bow.
O Heavens! O Fate! when will you once agree
To reconcile my means, my mind, and me?

1. Lines Written on the Eve of His Execution
2. «My Dear and Only Love I Pray…»
3. On Himself, Upon Hearing What Was His Sentence

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