University of Virginia Library

Epig. 31. To my deere friend Io. Murray Esquire, brother to Sr. Iames, &c.

Mvrray , I Muse what coulors I should vse
To paint thy nature out, and deck thy Name:
When I bethinke me of thy Phenix-Muse
I feare all coulors wilbe found too blame.
She, like that rare Arabian Bird, is such,
That richest words, by Rhethoritians vs'd,
Wilbee but Shadowes, or not all so much;
Then, neede her Painters Skill be Heau'n-infus'd.
Thy Mother-witt, and Science are of powre
To make selfe-Fairenes fowle, and Fowlenes faire:
Then sith my Muse too heau'y is to Towre,
Ile say no more but this; I do dispaire:
For Arte may paint the Coales, or flames of fire,
But light and heate aboue all Arte aspire.