University of Virginia Library

Epigr. 1. Ad Librum suum.

Lye not my booke for that were wickednes,
Be not too idle, idle though thou be.
Eschewe scurrilitie and wantonnesse.
Temper with little mirth, more grauity.
Rayle not at any least thy friends forsake thee.
In earnest cause of writing shew thy witt.
Touch none at all that no man may mistake thee.
But speake the best, that all may like of it.
If any aske thee what I doe professe,
Say that, of which thou art the idlenesse.