The Duchess of Malfi

DELIO. You are welcome to your country, dear Antonio; You have been long in France, and you return A very formal Frenchman in your habit: How do you like the French court? ANTONIO. I admire it: In seeking to reduce both state and people To a fix’d order, their judicious king Begins at home; quits first his royal palace Of flattering sycophants, of dissolute And infamous persons,—which he sweetly terms His master’s master-piece, the work of heaven; Considering duly that a prince’s court Is like a common fountain, whence should flow Pure silver drops in general, but if ‘t chance Some curs’d example poison ‘t near the head, Death and diseases through the whole land spread. —- ISBN: 9798480474077