Countess Of Pembroke

Wonder of these, glory of other times, O thou whom envy ev'n is forced t'admire! Great Patroness of these my humble rhymes, Which thou from out thy greatness dost inspire! Since only thou has deigned to raise them higher, Vouchsafe now to accept them as thine own, Begotten by thy hand and my desire, Wherein my zeal and thy great might is shown. And seeing this unto the world is known, O leave not still to grace thy work in me; Let not the quickening seed be overthrown Of that which may be born to honor thee, Whereof the travail I may challenge mine, But yet the glory, Madam, must be thine!