University of Virginia Library



To his True Friend Tho: Fletcher of Lincoln's-Inne Gent

Tom!) 'twas thy Speeches did me first possesse
These scattered Epigramm's deseru'd the Presse.
VVhose Learned Iudgement, and Loue, I knew such,
Might wel Commend, and Command, twice as much.
If (Reader) then heer's ought may breed delight,
Giue halfe the thankes to him it brought to light.
Nor blush not (Tom!) nor blame not! that I seeme,
Thee the halfe-parent of my Booke to deeme.
Heer's nought but Good (if nothing they mis-scan!)
Let Critticks, Momus, All, say what they can!
Th' are Good: who doubts it? not, for ought I know:
Yet Good Ile sweare: because Thou saist th' are so.