To the most honourable Lady Stanhope. With my Holy Dayes.

Brave Henrie Wottons Neece, perfect model of Grace,

Full place of honour and full honour of your place;

Cast a mercifull eije upon the weake expressions

Of a repenting heart for so manij transgressions

That, if I stammer at the mischiefs of mij youth,

I’ have a reason to suppose the number stops mij mouth.

How ever, these are sparkes of better flames, I trust,

And of a fairer Fire, when Divell, World and Lust

Shall laij as conquerd foes at mij victorious feet.

Then shall you see this wood much drier than you see’t,

And readier to burne: then shall I doe the thing,

The holye thing, that now I doe but speake and sing.

Till then I’ll thinke mij life a little out of crime,

If you beleeve me but an honest man in Rime.

(Worp: IV, 27)

A Poem Addressed to Sir Peter Lely

Towards the Sea-side ev’rie daij

Our People followeth this new waij.

See what both Loue and Art can doe.

Here the new Waij doth follow you.

(VII, 295)

To Her Royal Highness

I see ‘t, and cannot leave to take it for a Fable,

That anij Roijall inspiration should be able

To make one of the dullest of all mortall men

Become an English Poet at fourscore and ten.

(VIII, 350)

Was Elzabet of great renowne,

God bless our Marie with a Crowne,

Bij two more and one letter

Sh’ll proue an Elzabetter.

(VIII, 358)