Did I not know a great man's power and might <br />In spite of innocence can smother right, <br />Colour his villainies to get esteem, <br />And make the honest man the villain seem? <br />I know it, and the world doth know 'tis true, <br />Yet I protest if such a man I knew, <br />That might my country prejudice or thee <br />Were he the greatest or the proudest he, <br />That breathes this day; if so it might be found <br />That any good to either might redound, <br />I unappalled, dare in such a case <br />Rip up his foulest crimes before his face, <br />Though for my labour I were sure to drop <br />Into the mouth of ruin without hope.<br /><br />George Wither<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/from-a-satire-written-to-king-james-i/
