University of Virginia Library



In Libri & Authoris

Encomion.

I need not praise this Booke, nor more to tell,
But that the matter in't will make it sell.
The worke it selfe wants nought to set it forth,
'Twill fast enough away, through its owne worth.
Though some the Carver, not th' Authours skill,
Doe more admire the pencill than the quill.
Such Empericks indeed may fashion it,
The perfecting's compact by Art and Wit.
Some men there are, that for their worthy parts,
Their vertue and their skill in many Arts,
Deserved honour here; and those that can,
Discerne the sequell will applaud the man.
And must confesse he hath deserved fame,
And everlasting praise, but marke this same,
And to succeeding ages after tell,
The period of his life may end, and well.
His name forgotten be, but yet this know,
The worke remaines for ever, not for show.


But for instruction of a civile life,
Abasing vice, too common, frequent rife,
Excluding it, yet still in briefe refines,
True vertues worth, eminence, throughout his lines.
Now this to adde, and so conclude my Muse,
Reade it, then censure't, for it's meet for use.
Tho: Collet.