Songes and sonettes, written by the right honorable Lorde Henry Haward late Earle of Surrey, and other

Verses written on the picture of sir Iames wilford knight.

ALas that euer death such vertues should forlet, As compast was within his corps, whose picture is here set. Or that it euer lay in any fortunes might, Through depe disdain to end his life that was so worthy a wight. For sithe he first began in armour to be clad, A worthier champion then he was, yet England neuer had. And though recure be past, his life to haue againe, Yet would I wish his worthinesse in writing to remaine. That men to minde might call how farre he did excell, At all assayes to wynne the fame, which were to long to tell. And eke the restlesse race that he full oft hath runne, In painfull plight from place to place, where seruice was to don. Then should men well perceiue, my tale to be of trouth, And he to be the worthiest w••ght that euer nature wrought,