 | Microcosmos |  |
To the Noble, discreete, and wellbeloved Knight Sir Henry Nevill.
There was a Time when, ah that so there was,Whie not there is? There is and was a Time,
Whē Men might cal Gold, Gold; & Brasse, but Brasse,
And saie it, without check, in Prose or Rime.
Yet should I cal thee Gold, some (Brasse perchance)
VVould saie! err'd because I nere toucht thee,
And so did cal thee through meere ignorance,
Or (which is worse) through abiect Flatteree.
I am too ignorant (I doe confesse)
To iudge thy woorth, which worthiest Men cōmend,
Yet may I say (I hope) and not transgresse,
Th'art Vertue, Valour, Truth, and Honors friend;
All which presume thou art not gilt by guile
Because thy noble name denies the vile.
I. D.
| Microcosmos | |