To my much honored Lord, worthy of all honorable titles for courage, wit, and learning, William Earle of Pembrooke

L EARN'D and indicious Lord, if I should balke
Thyne honord name, it being in my way;
My Muse vnworthy were of such a walke
Where Honors branches make it cuer May.
O could my might with May proportion hold
My May should be so glorious, in effect
That it should worke what might and glory could;
Wherewith thy Glories stile should still be deckt,
But though I may, I cannot wanting might;
Which makes my May to worke as cold as bare:
So then (like Winter) I must push thy right,
Although to right thee be my Muses care:
But when the sonne of fauor shines on mee
My May may then haue Might to flourish thee.