Those prudent heads, that with their counsels wise + 

Whylom the pillours of th’earth did sustaine, + 

And taught ambitious Rome to tyrannise + 

And in the neck of all the world to rayne; + 

Oft from those grave affaires were wont abstaine, + 

With the sweet Lady Muses for to play: + 

So Ennius the elder Africane, + 

So Maro oft did Caesars cares allay. + 

So you, great Lord, that with your counsell sway + 

The burdeine of this kingdom mightily, + 

With like delightes sometimes may eke delay + 

The rugged brow of carefull Policy; + 

And to these ydle rymes lend litle space, + 

Which for their titles sake may find more grace. + 