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Sonnet. 14.
[Had I the skill of Homer, Maro, Naso]
Had I the skill of Homer, Maro, Naso,
Or had I that Admir'd ornated stile
Of Petrark, or the braue Italian Tasso,
I could not ouermuch thy praise compile.
But as I am (alas and woe the while)
A poore vnlearned silly simple swaine:
At whose attempt the world with scorn will smile,
And flout th'vnshapen issue of my braine.
But duty bids me inch into this Maine,
Though my performance be but weake of store,
Yet worthy mindes this goodnesse doe retaine,
Not to despise the seruice of the poore.
I lou'd him liuing, and my loue to show,
My least and last poore loue I heere bestow.
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