1

WHEN I bethinke me on that speech why- Then gin I thinke on that which Nature sayd, Of Mutabilitie, and well it way! [leare Of that same time when no more Change shall

Me seemes, that though she all unworthy were
Of the Heav'ns Rule; yet, very sooth to say,
In all things else she beares the greatest sway:
Which makes me loath this state of life so
tickle.

be,

But stedfast rest of all things, firmely stayd Upon the pillours of Eternity, That is contrayr to Mutabilitie; For all that moveth doth in Change delight: And love of things so vaine to cast away; But thence-forth all shall rest eternally Whose flowring pride, so fading and so fickle, With Him that is the God of Sabaoth hight: Short Time shall soon cut down with his con- ! that great Sabaoth God, grant me that Sabaoths sight

suming sickle.

MISCELLANEOUS POEMS.

THE

SHEPHEARDES CALENDER:

CONTEYNING TWELVE ÆGLOGUES,

PROPORTIONABLE

TO THE TWELVE MONETHES.

ENTITLED

To the noble and vertuous Gentleman, most worthy of all titles both of learning and chevalrie,

MAISTER PHILIP SIDNEY.

TO HIS BOOKE.

Goe, little booke! thy selfe present,
As child whose parent is unkent,
To him that is the president
Of Noblesse and of chevalree:
And if that Envie barke at thee,
As sure it will, for succoure flee
Under the shadow of his wing;
And asked who thee forth did bring,
A shepheards swamne, saye, did thee sing
All as his straying flocke he fedde:
And, when his honor has thee redde,
Crave pardon for my hardyhedde.
But, if that any aske thy name,
Say, thou wert base-begot with blame;
For-thy thereof thou takest shame,
And, when thou art past jeopardee,
Come tell me what was sayd of mee,
And. I will send more after thee.

IMMERITO.