University of Virginia Library

With petrarke to compare

That petrark cannot be passed but notwithstanding that Lawra is far surpassed.

With petrarke to compare there may no wight,
Nor yet attain vnto so high a stile,
But yet I wote full well where is a file.,
To frame a learned man to praise aright:
Of stature meane of semely forme and shap,
Eche line of iust proporsion to her height:
Her colour freshe and mingled with such sleight:
As though the rose sate in the lilies lap.
In wit and tong to shew what may be sed,
To euery dede she ioynes a parfit grace,
If Lawra liude she would her clene deface.
For I dare say and lay my life to wed
That Momus could not if he downe discended,
Once iustly say lo this may be amended.