University of Virginia Library

So soone as can a Martin from our Towne
Fly to the Riuer vnderneath the Down,
And backe returne with morter in her bill,
Some little cranny in her nest to fill,
The Shepherd came. And thus began anew:
Two houres alas, onely two houres are due
From time to him, t'is sentenc'd so of those
That here on earth as Destinies dispose
The liues and deaths of men; and that time past
He yeelds his iudgement leaue and breaths his last.