University of Virginia Library

Verses written on the picture of sir Iames wilford.

Alas that euer death such vertues should forlet,
As compast was within his corps, whose picture is here set.
Or that it euer laye in any fortunes might,
Through depe disdaine his life to traine yt was so worthy a wight
For sith he first began in armour to be clad,
A worthier champion then he was yet Englande neuer had.
And though recure be past, his life to haue againe,
Yet would I wish his worthinesse in writyng to remaine.
That men to minde might call how farre he did excell,
At all assayes to wynne the praise, which were to long to tell.
And eke the restlesse race that he full oft hath runne,
In painfull plight frō place to place, where seruice was to doon
Then should men well perceiue, my tale to be of trouth,
And he to be the worthiest wight that euer nature wrought.