This page has been validated.
TO
My worthy Friend
Mr. William Davenant; upon his
Poem of Madagascar, which he writ
to the most Illustrions Prince
Rupert.
My worthy Friend
Mr. William Davenant; upon his
Poem of Madagascar, which he writ
to the most Illustrions Prince
Rupert.
I am compell'd by your commands to write
I'th Frontis-peece of this, and sure I might
With quaint conceits, here to the World set forth
The merit of the Poem, and your worth;
Had I well fancy'd reasons to begin,
And a choyce Mould, to cast good verses in:
But wanting these, what pow'r (alas) have I
To write of any thing? will men rely
On my opinion? which in Verse, or Prose,
Hath just that credit, which we give to those
That sagely whisper, secrets of the Court,
Having but Lees, for Essence, from Report.
I'th Frontis-peece of this, and sure I might
With quaint conceits, here to the World set forth
The merit of the Poem, and your worth;
Had I well fancy'd reasons to begin,
And a choyce Mould, to cast good verses in:
But wanting these, what pow'r (alas) have I
To write of any thing? will men rely
On my opinion? which in Verse, or Prose,
Hath just that credit, which we give to those
That sagely whisper, secrets of the Court,
Having but Lees, for Essence, from Report.
And
