Classic Poem

To the right noble and most gracefull Lady, Alice Countesse of Derby, my good Lady and Mistresse.

The duty, zeale, and strict respect I owe
To you, great lady mistris; and the vowe
I, with my soule haue made: that while my pen
Hath pow'r to paint the ornaments of men
It neuer shall surcease to limne you foorth
As a rare iewell, multiplying the woorth
Of my deere Lord, sole master of mine all:
But sith I cannot paint the principall
According to the life, Ile onely tricke
The outward lines to make it somewhat like
And yet I cannot: for the same are such
As are too dainty for my Cunnings touch
Then will I draw a line to point at it:
Looke World tis Shee whose all is exquisite.