University of Virginia Library

Lo here the end of man

Vpon sir Iames wilfordes death.

Lo here the end of man the cruell sisters three
The web of Wilfords life vnethe had half ysponne,
When rash vpon misdede they all accorded bee
To breke vertues course er half the race were ronne
And trip him on his way that els had won the game
And holden highest place within the house of fame.
But yet though he be gone, though sence with him be past
Which trode the euen steppes that leaden to renowne
We that remaine aliue ne suffer shall to waste
The fame of his deserts, so shall he lose but sowne.
The thing shall aye remaine, aye kept as freshe in store
As if his eares shold ring of that he wrought before.
Waile not therfore his want sith he so left the stage
Of care and wretched life, with ioye and clap of hands
Who plaieth lenger partesmay

[_]

partes may

well haue greater age
But few so well may passe the gulfe of fortunes sandes
So triedly did he treade ay prest at vertues beck
That fortune found no place to geue him once a check.

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R4v

The fates haue rid him hence, who shall not after go,
Though earthed be his corps, yet florish shall his fame,
A gladsome thing it is that er he step vs fro,
Such mirrours he vs left our life therby to frame,
Wherfore his praise shall last aye freshe in Brittons sight,
Till sunne shall cease to shine, and lende the earth his light.