For if I had not received of her and good Sir Richard, of kind and wise Master Lee, of courteous Master Houghton , all matchless, matched in one kindred, those unrequitable favours; I had not thus idly toyed.
If thou mislike it; yet she, or they, or both, or divine Licia shall patronize it: or if none; I will, and can, do it myself. Yet I wish thy favour. Do but say, Thou art content; and I rest thine. If not, Farewell! till we both meet. September 8. 1593.
To Licia,
the wise, kind, virtuous, and fair.
BRight matchless Star, the honour of the sky! From whose clear shine heaven's vault hath all his light. I send these Poems to your graceful eye. Do you but take them, and they have their right. I build besides a Temple to your name, Wherein my thoughts shall daily sing your praise; And will erect an Altar for the same, Which shall, your virtues and your honour raise. But heaven, the Temple of your honour is; Whose brazen tops your worthy self made proud: The ground an Altar, base for such a bliss, With pity torn, because I sighed so loud. And since my skill no worship can impart; Make you an incense of my loving heart!