WILLIAM PONSONBIE, DWELLING IN PAULES

CHURCHYARD AT THE SIGNE OF THE BISHOPS HEAD.

1590*

[* This date seems to be an error for 1591; or, as Mr. Craik suggests,
it may have been used designedly with reference to real events, not yet
ascertained, which furnished the subject of this very pleasing
allegory. The Visions of the Worlds Vanitie, which follow this piece,
may be suspected of a similar application. C.]

TO THE RIGHT WORTHY AND VERTUOUS LADIE, THE LA: CAREY.

Most brave and bountifull La: for so excellent favours as I have
received at your sweet handes, to offer these fewe leaves as in
recompence, should be as to offer flowers to the gods for their divine
benefites. Therefore I have determined to give my selfe wholy to you,
as quite abandoned from my selfe, and absolutely vowed to your
services: which in all right is ever held for full recompence of debt
or damage, to have the person yeelded. My person I wot wel how little
worth it is. But the faithfull minde and humble zeale which I bear unto
your La: may perhaps be more of price, as may please you to account and
use the poore service thereof; which taketh glory to advance your
excellent partes and noble vertues, and to spend it selfe in honouring
you; not so much for your great bounty to my self, which yet may not be
unminded; nor for name or kindreds* sake by you vouchsafed, beeing
also regardable; as for that honorable name, which yee have by your
brave deserts purchast to your self, and spred in the mouths of al men:
with which I have also presumed to grace my verses, and, under your
name, to commend to the world this smal poeme; the which beseeching
your La: to take in worth, and of all things therein according to your
wonted graciousnes to make a milde construction, I humbly pray for your
happines.

Your La: ever

humbly,

E. S.

[Footnote: "This lady was Elizabeth, one of the six daughters of Sir
John Spencer, of Althorpe, in Northamptonshire, and was married to Sir
George Carey, who became Lord Hunsdon on the death of his father, in
1596."--TODD.]

MUIOPOTMOS:

OR

THE FATE OF THE BUTTERFLIE.

* * * * *

I sing of deadly dolorous debate,
Stir'd up through wrathful! Nemesis despight,
Betwixt two mightie ones of great estate,
Drawne into armes and proofe of mortall fight
Through prowd ambition and hart-swelling hate, 5
Whilest neither could the others greater might