THIS Shepheards plaine apologie (deare Freind) To me addres'd, to you I recommend: Since I conceiue, and (sure) I not mistake, Tis done for yours, as well as for my sake. Let this therefore, at my request, suffize Into the rest to leade your gentle eyes; (Though little to expect from promise lesse; They onely much doe owe that much professe). But you shall finde, as tis true Shepheards part In simple weeds to masque an honest heart, So in his songes, of slender composition, Some vertue is his innocent ambition. If brightest Iewell, and of richest worth, Is by the darkest foyle the more set forth, Without all question we the more should prize Any true vertue found in swaynish guize. Hee (if he gaine your loue) has his designe; And, if his workes deserue it, I haue mine: your servant CLIO and the Shepheard COLLIDEN. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CURTAIN by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SURFACES AND MASKS; 4 by CLARENCE MAJOR SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: COLUMBUS CHENEY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: WILLIAM AND EMILY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS HOMAGE TO SEXTUS PROPERTIUS: 11 by EZRA POUND |