University of Virginia Library

Ben Johnson's own testimony to his Servant our Author;

Your Book (my Selden) I have read—
Though I confess (as every Muse hath err'd,
And mine not least) I have too oft preferr'd
Men past their terms, and prais'd some names too much,
But 'twas with purpose to have made them such;
Since, being deceiv'd, I turn a sharper eye
Upon my self, and ask to whom, and why,
And what I write, and vex it many dayes
Before men get a Verse, much less a Praise.
—I first salute thee so, and gratulate,
With that thy style, thy keeping of thy state.
—I could take up (and nere abuse
The credit) what would furnish a tenth Muse
But here's nor time nor place my wealth to tell;
You both are modest so am I. Farewel.