| Louing in trueth, and fayne in verse my loue to show, | |
| That she, deare Shee, might take som pleasure of my paine, | |
| Pleasure might cause her reade, reading might make her know, | |
| Knowledge might pittie winne, and pity grace obtaine, | |
| I sought fit wordes to paint the blackest face of woe; | 5 |
| Studying inuentions fine, her wits to entertaine, | |
| Oft turning others leaues, to see if thence would flow | |
| Some fresh and fruitfull showers vpon my sun-burnd brain. | |
| But words came halting forth, wanting Inuentions stay; | |
| Inuention, Natures childe, fledde step-dame Studies blowes; | 10 |
| And others feet still seemde but strangers in my way. | |
| Thus, great with childe to speak, and helplesse in my throwes, | |
| Biting my trewand pen, beating myselfe for spite, | |
| Fool, said my Muse to me, looke in thy heart, and write. | |