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The Pen-mans Apologie to the Common Reader.
IF any take me for to be a stranger That penn'd this peece, I hope there is no danger, Or if a Native here his seed hath sown, No doubt, you will excuse him as your own: And if a Poet you presume I am, The Muses will excuse me whence I came, In any thing if I have pleased thee, Then I am sure thou wilt not censure me: But 'tis a thing impossible, that I Can please all parties, or the standers by: 'T may be thou hates some one of whom I write, And therefore thou must rail at me in spight: Or else thou'rt angry that I did not touch Thy praises likewise, speak of thee as much: My free-borne Muse, or mother of my rime, Cannot be ti'de to humor every time: Yet I am certain that I speak to thee▪ If not my self, my Satyre is not free: But if thou wrongs me with an angry look; I love not thee, more then thou loves my book. My mind's my grand Committee, must not seek Another Chair-man, I am charg'd to speak.VV. M.