The Faithful Shepherdess Part 13

Unto his worthy friend Mr _Joseph Taylor_ upon his presentment of the _Faithfull Sheperdesse before the King and Queene, at White-hall, on Twelfth night_ [F _stops here_] _last_. 1633.

When this smooth Pastorall was first brought forth, The Age twas borne in, did not know it's worth.

Since by thy cost, and industry reviv'd, It hath a new fame, and new birth atchiv'd.

Happy in that shee found in her distresse, A friend, as faithfull, as her Shepherdesse.

For having cur'd her from her courser rents, And deckt her new with fresh habiliments, Thou brought'st her to the Court, and made [mad'st, F] her be A fitting spectacle for Majestie.

So have I seene a clowded beauty drest In a rich vesture, s.h.i.+ne above the rest.

Yet did it not receive more honour from The glorious pompe, then thine owne action.

Expect no satisfaction for the same, Poets can render no reward but Fame.

Yet this Ile prophesie, when thou shall come Into the confines of _Elysium_ Amidst the Quire of Muses, and the lists Of famous Actors, and quicke Dramatists, So much admir'd for gesture, and for wit, That there on Seats of living Marble sit, The blessed Consort of that numerous Traine, Shall rise with an applause to [and, E and F] entertaine Thy happy welcome, causing thee sit downe, And with a Lawrell-wreath thy temples crowne.

And mean time, while this Poeme shall be read, _Taylor_, thy name shall be eternized.

For it is just, that thou, who first did'st give Unto this booke a life, by it shouldst live.

Shack. Marmyon.

END OF VOL. II.