The reach of all men's praises, but thine own.

Encomiums to their objects are exact;

To praise, and not at full, is to detract.

And with most justice are the best forgot,

10For praise is bounded when the theme is not:

Since mine is thus confin'd, and far below

Thy merit, I forbear it, nor will show

How poor the autumnal pride of some appears,

To the ripe fruit thy vernal season bears.

Yet though I mean no praise, I come t'invite