University of Virginia Library


51

Heere Zelauto rehearseth the verses that he wrote in the prayse of a certayne Noble Lorde in the English Court.

[Jf euer Cæsar had such gallant Fame]

[Zelauto.]
Jf euer Cæsar had such gallant Fame,
or Hanniball, whose martiall lyfe we read:
Then in your Honour, I esteeme the same,
as perfect proofe in vertue and in deede.
My pen vnable is your prayse to paynt:
VVith Vertues rare, that dooth your minde acquaynt.
VVhat I haue found, I neede not to expresse,
what you haue done, I farre vnwoorthy was:
But Nature yet dooth cause me thinke no lesse,
but that with looue you dyd respect my case.
And such great looue dyd in your heart abound:
That straunge it is the freendship I haue found.
VVherfore for aye I Honour your estate,
and wishe to you, to lyue Argantus lyfe:
And all your deedes may prooue so fortunate,
that neuer you doo taste one iot of stryfe.
But so to lyue, as one free from annoy:
In health and wealth, vnto your lasting ioy.

FINIS.