At the center of this study are occasional poems that accompanied the election of Zurich mayors in the 17th century. On one hand, the historical context is of interest - the social and economic conditions of Zurich at that time, the educational background and social status of the authors, as well as the office and duties of the Zurich mayor. On the other hand, the poems of praise and honor are described as typical representatives of epideictic rhetoric and are analyzed for regional specifics. The rhetorically trained authors of the poems, including the poet Johann Wilhelm Simler (1605-1672) and other leading figures of Zurich, portray the ideal image of a perfect ruler for the mayor. In doing so, they draw on the tradition of ancient and contemporary ruler praise and align themselves with the Zurich mirrors of princes.