Classic Poem

To his School Master Mr. W.H. upon his Poem call'd Conscientiae accusatricis Hypotyposis

In 1644,
Sir,
When I read your work, and thought upon,
How lively you had made description,
Of an accusing conscience, and did see,
How well each limn did with th' Archtipe agree,
I wonder'd how you could lim't out so well,
Since you b'experience can't its horrour tell.
 Trust me, I'ld praise it, but that I suppose,
My praise would make it more inglorious,
In love to th'work and work-man I thought meet,
To make your verses stand on English feet
But whe're well done or ill, I here submit,
Unto your censure, both my self and it.
 I'm man, I'm young, unlearn'd, and thereupon
I know, I cannot boast perfection
In fetter'd tasks, wherein the fancie's tide,
Do what one can, the lustre won't abide.
No Ideoms kiss so well, but that there is
Between some phrases some Antithesis.
 What ere is good, in each unpolish'd line,
I count as yours, the faults alone are mine
 I wish each foot and line, as strong, and true,
 As my desire to love, and honour you.English