University of Virginia Library

Another to his Maiestie.

Epigram 2.

As he that feeds on no worse meat than Quailes,
And with choice dainties pleaseth appetite,
Will never have great lust to gnaw his nailes,
Or in a course thin diet take delight:
So thou great King, that still dost over-looke
The learned works that are most deep, most rare,
Canst not perhaps my ruder Satyrs brooke,
Nor dost thou for such sharp-fangd criticks care.
Oh doe not yet thy selfe so much estrange
From wonted courtesie to others showne,
A Country dish doth often serve for change;
And something here is worthy to be knowne.
Sharpe sauce gives sweetest meat a better taste,
And though that this to many bitter be,
Thou no such sicknesse in thy stomack hast,
And therefore 'twill be pleasing unto thee.
What though I neither flatter, fawne, nor sooth,
My honest plainnesse shall more truly praise thee,
Than those that in Court-language filed smooth
Strive unbeleeved Tropheis for to raise thee;
My loyall heart cannot so well impart
The love it beares your Majesty as others:
The want of Time Encouragement and Art,
My purpose in the Embrio still smothers.
Obscurity, crosse-fates, and want of means,
Would have made Romes great Maro harshly sing,
But if once Cæsar to his musick leans,
His tunes through all the world will sweetly ring.
And this made English wits, late famous grown,
Eliza's princely hand did oft peruse
Their well-tun'd Poem's; and her bounty shown
And that gives light and life to every Muse.
Oh! had I such a Star for Pole to mine,
I'de reach a Straine should ravish all the Nine.