University of Virginia Library

Search this document 


The Epistle Dedicatory.

Thus haue I thought it fitter to reueale
My want of art (deare friend) then to conceale
My loue. It did appeare I did not meane
So to commend thy well-wrought Comicke-Sceane,
As men might iudge my aime rather to be,
To gaine praise to my selfe, then giue it thee;
Though I can giue thee none but what thou hast
Deseru'd, and what must my faint breath outlast.
Yet was this garment (though I skillesse be
To take thy measure) onely made for thee,
And if it proue to scant, 'tis cause the stuffe
Nature allow'd me, was not large enough.
Thomas Carew