University of Virginia Library

Written vnto Master S. H.

If wealth agre'd vnto my willing minde.
To gratify you as I doe Desire:
Then trust me true some present you shoulde finde
For recompence, but this I you require,
For to accept these verses heere in place,
Which simple be, and worthles in their grace.
I cannot chuse eraction mouing me,
But write I must, yet briefly I intend:
I am Disposed (belike) that you should see

[70]

A fewe verses which I doe commend
To your constructiō, vprightly for to Deeme:
Then courteously see that you them esteeme.
It were a fault to flatter with a friend.
A faulte, nay sure a villany, thats more:
Where Trusty troth abids not to the end,
Nor promise kept, as it was made before.
If breach thereof be proued, then I say,
Such well deserue to be put from the way.
Where faithfull friendship walketh voide of guile
And firmenes fixt, fond flattery to reiect:
And Deepe dissēbling, with her glosing stile
Is put apart, where Trust doth whole protect.
Which Trust God grāt vntill our daies do end,
Trusty to be, vnto a faithfull friend.
No foe to a flatterer.