 | The Royall Master |  |
To my deserving Friend Mr. James Shirley on his Royall Master.
I Like some petty Brooke scarse worth a name,Must yet pay tribute to thy full-stream'd fame,
But Ile not strive, (as men sometimes) to raise
An uncouth structure to thy merits praise
From others ruines, thy just minde will scorne
To owne Encomiums so basely borne.
Therefore I write, what may become my free
Acknowledgment, and fit thy modestie.
Thy person; oft I've seene with much delight
Thy sweete composures: but this last; and new
Smooth peece (which here hath grac'd the publicke view)
Claimes more regard; I give to all the rest
Their faire desert, but ranke this with thy best.
T. I.
| The Royall Master | |