To Ben. Iohnson, 6 Ian. 1603.
THE State and mens affaires are the best playes
Next yours; 'Tis nor more nor lesse than due praise.
Write, but touch not the much descending race
Of Lords houses, so settled in worths place,
5As but themselves none thinke them usurpers.
It is no fault in thee to suffer theirs.
If the Queene Masque, or King a hunting goe,
Though all the Court follow, Let them. We know