The Choise of Valentines/To the right honorable the Lord S.

TO THE RIGHT honorable the Lord S.

Pardon, sweete flower of Matchles poetrie, And fairest bud the red rose euer bare ; Although my Muse, devorst from deeper care , 4 Presents thee with a wanton Elegie.

Ne blame my verse of loose unchastitie For painting forth the things that hidden are , Since all men acte what I in speache declare, 8 Onlie induced with varietie.

Complants and praises euery one can write, And passion out their pangu's in statlie rimes ; But of loues pleasures none did euer write , 12 That have succeeded in theis latter times.

Accept of it, Deare Lord, in gentle gree, And better lynes, ere long, shall honor thee.