Mr. Gifford, in his edition of Ben Jonson’s works, says “There is a beautiful and touching sublimity in the second of these Epigrams, which cannot be too highly prized.” And it may with justice be added, that it will remain a lasting memorial of the worth and excellence of Sir Benjamin Rudyerd.
To Benjamin Rudyerd.
Epigram CXXI.
Rudyerd, as lesser dames to great ones use,
My lighter, comes to kiss thy learned muse;
Whose better studies while she emulates,
She learns to know long difference of their states.
Yet is the office not to be despised,
If only love should make the actions prized;
Nor he for friendship can the thought unfit,
That strives his manners should precede his wit.