Epig. XXIII.
To the Patterne of Vertue and Paragon of Beautie, the Ladie Margaret Smith, wife to the right Worshipfull Sir
Richard Smith.
Since
Beauties faire strikes blind the eyes of those,
That vnto beautie are but seeming foes:
Since Vertue doth conuince them being blind,
That are but seeming foes to women kind:
(Mirrour of beautie and of vertue both,)
My humble Muse vnknowne, and therefore loth
T'attempt your name, yet knowing well your worth,
Meekly craues leave, that she may portrait forth
Your beautie and your vertue; not to flatter,
But to oppose't against our woman hater.
For not so much your owne worth, as in you
The worth of women, I present to veiw:
In whose defence your name shall stand in sight,
Like Beauties pearle or Vertues Margarite.
Which to behold, please to reflect your eye
Vpon these three, Vnus, Vnam, Vni.
