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To M. Michaell Drayton.
THose painefull wits, which natures depth admire,
And view the causes of vnconstant strife,
Doe tremble least the Vniuerse expire,
Through lasting iarres, the enemies of life,
On earthly signes let not such Sages looke,
Nor on the cleere aspects of hopefull starres;
But learne the worlds continuance from thy booke,
which frames past natures force eternall warres;
wherein the Mases shewing perfect glory,
Adorne it so with gracefull harmonie,
That all the acts of this lamented story,
Seeme not perform'd for peoples libertie:
Nor through the awe of an imperious King,
But that thy verses their deepe wounds might sing.
Iohn Beaumont.