 | The poems (1869) |  |
207
TO THE TRANSLATOUR.
What shal I first commend? your happy choiceOf this most vsefull poet? or your skill,
To make the eccho equall with the voice,
And trace the lines drawne by the Author's quill?
The Latine writers by vnlearnèd hands,
In forraine robes vnwillingly are drest,
But thus inuited into other Lands,
Are glad to change their tongue at such request.
The good, which in our minds their labours breed,
Layes open to their Fame a larger way.
These strangers England with rich plentie feed,
Which with our Countrey's freedome we repay:
When sitting in a pure language like a throne,
They proue as great with vs, as with their owne.
| The poems (1869) | |