And then I will bequeath myself to thee.
A Blackmoor Maid, and Answer.] I do not know whether the exact connexion between these two poems and Cleveland's 'Fair Nymph scorning a Black Boy' (v. sup., [p. 42]) has ever been discussed. But if 'Mr. Hen. Rainolds' is Drayton's friend, the verses printed above must have the priority, for nothing seems to be known of him after 1632.
In Rawlinson MS. 1092, fol. 271, there are curious versions of these poems (the first is ascribed to William Strode), inverting the parts 'A black boy in love with a fair maid', and 'The fair maid's answer'.
To a Friend upon Overbury's Wife given to her.
I know no fitter subject for your view
Than this, a meditation ripe for you,
As you for it. Which, when you read, you'll see
What kind of wife yourself will one day be:
Which happy day be near you, and may this