I, like some petty brook scarce worth a name,
Must yet pay tribute to thy full-stream'd fame;
But I'll not strive, as men sometimes, to raise
An uncouth structure to thy merit's praise
From others' ruins; thy just mind will scorn
To own encomiums so basely born;
Therefore I write what may become my free
Acknowledgment, and fit thy modesty.
Thy Muse I honour'd, ere I knew by sight
Thy person; oft I've seen with much delight
Thy sweet composures; but this last and new
Smooth piece, which here hath grac'd the publick view,
Claims more regard; I give to all the rest
Their fair desert, but rank this with thy best.