University of Virginia Library

I ne'r was drest in Forms; nor can I bend
My pen to flatter any, nor commend,
Unless desert or honour do present
Unto my verse a worthy argument.

You are my friend, and in that word to me
Stand blazon'd in your noblest Heraldry;
That style presents you full, and does relate
The bounty of your love, and my own fate,
Both which conspir'd to make me yours. A choice
Which needs must in the giddy peoples voice,
That onely judge the outside, and like apes
Play with our names, and comment on our shapes,
Appear too light: but it lies you upon
To justifie the disproportion.

Truth be my record, I durst not presume
To seek to you, 'twas you that did assume
Me to your bosom. Wherein you subdu'd
One that can serve you, though ne're could intrude
Upon great titles; nor knows how t'invade
Acquaintance: Like such as are onely paid
With great mens smiles; if that the passant Lord
Let fall a forc't salute, or but afford
The Nod Regardant. It was test enough
For me, you ne're did find such servile stuff
Couch't in my temper; I can freely say,
I do not love you in that common way
For which Great Ones are lov'd in this false time:
I have no wish to gain, nor will to climbe;
I cannot pawn my freedom, nor out-live
My liberty for all that you can give.
And sure you may retain good cheap such friends,
Who not your fortune make, but you, their ends.
I speak not this to vaunt in my own story,
All these additions are unto your glory;
Who counter to the world, use to elect,
Not to take up on trust what you affect.
Indeed 'tis seldom seen that such as you
Adopt a friend, or for acquaintance sue;
Yet you did this vouchsafe, you did descend
Below your self to raise an humble friend,
And fix him in your love: where I will stand
The constant subject of your free command.
Had I no ayerie thoughts sure you would teach
Me higher then my own dull sphere to reach:
And by reflex instruct me to appear
Something (though course and plain) fit for your wear.

Know, best of friends, however wild report
May justly say I am unapt to sort
With your opinion or society,
(Which truth would shame me did I it deny)
There's something in me sayes, I dare make good,
When honour calls me, all I want in blood.

Put off your Giant titles, then I can
Stand in your judgements blank an equal man.
Though Hills advanced are above the Plain,
They are but higher earth, nor must disdain
Alliance with the Vale: we see a spade
Can level them, and make a Mount a Glade.
Howere we differ in the Heralds book,
He that mankindes extraction shall look
In Natures Rolles, must grant we all agree.
In our best parts, immortal pedigree:
You must by that perspective onely view
My service, else 'twill nere shew worthy you.

You see I court you bluntly like a friend
Not like a Mistress; my Muse is not penn'd
For smooth and oylie flights: And I indent
To use more honesty then complement.

But I have done; in lieu of all you give
Receive his thankful tribute who must live
Your vow'd observer, and devotes a heart
Which will in death seal the bold counterpart.