 | Small poems of Divers sorts |  |
To my Friend Mr. Philip Massinger on his Tragi-comedy called the Maid of Honour.
Was not thine Emperour enough beforeFor thee to give, that thou dost give us more
I would be just but cannot; that I know
I did not slander, this I fear I do.
But pardon me if I offend; thy fire
Let equal poets praise whil'st I admire.
If any say that I enough have writ;
They are thy Foes, and envy at thy wit.
Believe not them nor me: they know thy Lines
Deserve applause, and speak against their mindes.
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But (Friend) forgive me, 'tis above my way.
One word, and I have done: and (from my heart)
Would I could speak the whole truth, not the part:
Because 'tis thine, It henceforth shall be said,
Not th'maid of honour, but the honour'd maid.
| Small poems of Divers sorts | |