Voutchsafe (thrise valiant Lord) this verse to reade,
When time from cares of more importe permittes,
The too deare charge of mine vncharged wittes:
And that I do my lighter muses leade
To kisse your sacred handes, I myldely pleade
For pardon, where all gracious vertue sittes.
Since time of yoare there Lordes first fruite admittes
My bashfull muse (which lost her mayden-head
In too deare trauell of my restlesse loue)
To you my Lord her first borne babe presentes,
Vnworthie such a patrone for her lightnesse:
Yet deigne her zeale, though not the light contentes,
Till from your vertues registred aboue,
To make her loue more knowne, she borrow brightnesse.