To the right honourable Sir Francis Walsingham

That Mantuane Poetes incompared spirit, Whose girland now is set in highest place, Had not Mecænas for his worthy merit, It first aduaunst to great Augustus grace, Might long perhaps haue lien in silence bace, Ne bene so much admir'd of later age. This lowly Muse, that learns like steps to trace, Flies for like aide vnto your Patronage; That are the great Mecenas of this age, As wel to al that ciuil artes professe As those that are inspird with Martial rage, And craues protection of her feeblenesse: Which if ye yield, perhaps ye may her rayse In bigger tunes to sound your liuing prayse. E. S.