Page:Madagascar, with other poems - Davenant (1638).djvu/70

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48

To the Lord B. in performance
of a vow, that night
to write to him.

My Lord, it hath beene ask'd, why 'mongst those fewI singled out for Fame, I chose not youWith early speed the first? but I, that striveMy manners should preserve my Verse alive;That read Men, and my selfe; would not permitThe boldnesse of my love, should tax my wit.There are degrees, that to the Altar lead;Where ev'ry rude, dull Sinner must not tread:'Tis not to bring, a swift thankes-giving Tongue,Or prayers made as vehement as long,Can privilege a zealous Votarie,To come, where the High Priest should only be:Then why should I (where some more skilfull handMay offer Gummes, and Spice) strew Dust, and Sand

And

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