Classic Poem

Right generous and truly noble sprite,
That euer held'st the world a world too light
To weigh thy heart from heigh of that desire
Which loue to roiall vertues makes t' aspire;
Vpon th' unspotted vellem of thy face
Nature hath printed characters of grace
So plainely, that the darkest eye may see
The noble nature that abounds in thee.
And sith the world hath known thee long for such
At this thyne honors blaze, no mome will gruch.

You three I must shutt vp with foure strong lines:
Who are to myne like distant as your bloud:
Yare fitt ynough t' exploite the highest designes,
And good ynough t' effect a publike good:
Y' have hearts and heads and hands to make your fame
Dart beames of splendor from your ancient name.