University of Virginia Library

To my worthy Friend Mr. George Sandys.

Inspir'd by Thee, who art thy selfe a Muse,
Not crown'd with Ivy, or neglected Baies;
But with a sacred Light, which doth infuse
Into our Soules her intellectuall Raies:
Among these Starres of the first Magnitude,
I, in affection, my dimne Taper bring:
For though my Voice be horce, my Numbers rude,
On such a Theame who could forbeare to sing?
Immortall Sands whose Nectar-dropping Pen
Delights, instructs; and with that holy Fire,
Which fell from Heaven, warmes the cold brests of men;
And in their Minds creats a new Desire.
For Truth in Poesie so sweetly strikes
Vpon the Cords, and Fivers of the Heart;
That it all other Harmony dislikes,
And happily is Vanquisht by her Art.
These God-like Formes, inspir'd with Breath divine,
Blest in themselves, and making others Blest;
For us are by that curious hand of thine,
In English Habits elegantly drest.
May our great Master, to whose sacred Name
Thy Studious Houres such usuall Gifts direct,
As Cæsar to his Maro, prove the Same;
And equall Beames upon thy Muse reflect.