University of Virginia Library

To his worthy friend upon his Excellent Book the Cyprian Academy.

Natur 's Apelles that canst thus the State
Of Lovers with thy pencill adumbrate
Come quit this spot, and mount the starry quire
Where sit inshrin'd soules made of purest fire;
Halfe shadow'd Venus shall then come to thee
Hoping perfection in thy Poetry.
The winged post of heaven shall guild his place
Knowing thy Attick tongue can goe his pace.
When Priam's Paris liv'd (hadst thou been borne,
The godesses would thee their judge have sworne.
Had Barclay seene thy booke, he would have said
Vnhappy Argenis thou art betrayd.
To riper witts, in deserts mayst thou be
(Hating bright Sol) deform'd Nyctimine
Let Satyrs now be packing, and that name
That would eclipse the lustre of thy fame.
What shall I give thee? such titles sure as these
Amphitruo or Bombimachides.
Mentfieur of Helicon, Marquis of the Mount
Pernassus, and of the Cabaline fount
Poets Collosse, under whose mighty feet
May saile a greater then the Spanish Fleete
To Loves Elizium, in stately boules
Where heav'nly Nectar suck Platonick soules.
I sweare by Venus and her turtle dove,
He's like a Tartar that does not thee love.