Classic Poem

To say to you good Lord, I may refraine
Doubting it were to take that name in vaine
Because at Court you build high roofs of Fame
But lay noe ground of good to bear the frame
But when your temper, innocencie, truth
(Now famous all) I balance with your youth
I can not thinke it sinne or flatterie then
To write you in the roule of honest men:
And hurle my vow that once we may behold
A great man young remaine a good man old.
Let Envie barke: is it a fault assoone
To crie god saue it as we see the moone
Worke from a cloud? or virtue break like day,
And cut through mists a clear & open way.?
When Lucifer their prince like lightning fell
A cloud of spirits shott from heaven to hell;
Yet our beleife is Catholike, that some
Are perfect and possesse the glorious roome
Wherin at first the all disposing hand
Them plac'd so sure, they shall for ever stand
The floud of water & the storme of fire
At Sodome, made iust Lott & Noah retyre
But neither perisht, both in safety stood
This on his hill that on his horse of wood.
And tis decreed in that darke booke of Fate
Some that rise early shall continue late
And such a strength of noble spirits haue
To bear fresh honour lasting to the graue
And such may you (I sing) Example shine
Your virtues you while I your praise refine
So you in perfect health may well deride
Med'cines & druggs men for the sick provide
So like a tall ship may you ride the waues
Of swelling Envie, & repulse the braves
Of windy rumour made of spightfull breath
Till that glad port you gaine of life by death.