University of Virginia Library



To my friend Mr Shirley vpon his Comedy.

Let others that before thy booke take place
Write in thy praises, I will not disgrace
The time so much, our Critticks shall not say
But I will find some errours in thy play;
Thou art too little iealous of thy muse,
Her beauties seene to free, she doth not vse
To weare a maske or veile, which now a dayes
Is growne a fashion, for in many playes
Apollo scarce can to himselfe giue light
To view the muse, or read the meaning right,
Thy fancies, are to pleasing Cupid feares
To loose his tribute paid in sighes and teares
Whilst louers make their peace with thy conceit;
'Tis haynous, and thy language is too neate,
Which euen to me, that am thy friend, affords
Leaue to report there's witchcraft in thy words,
Though to the stage it would be thought blest harme
Might it be still bewitch'd which such a charme.
Ro. Stapylton.