LA To the M. H. the * ADY, whofe fair approof I wifh fhould give A glorious fanction to whate'er I write, Since what your well-pois'd judgment marks with white Secure from envy will to ages live, ९ So may I in this arduous emprife thrive, But led by Love of True, and Fit, and Right, In which good caufe each gentle breast should strive: While I with hafard of my own good name In dear defenfe of Ladies' honeft fame, L SONNET S. To the R. H. the ET HIM rail on, till ev'ry mouth cry fhame; Of his ill word I little reckoning make For Ladies' honor, and for Shakespear's fake; So these I may defend from blot or blame : But ill I bear, that any worthy name Of those, who virtue for their mistress take, And hate the fland'rer like the poisonous snake; Should deem my juft reproof deferving blame. Yet, if fair If If * Speak in my defenfe, vouchfafe her fanction to my page, * fweetly deign to smile applause; Aided by these and confcious innocence, I'll boldly brave the CRITIC's utmost rage; And glory fuff'ring in fo juft a caufe. SON SONNET S. SWEE To Mifs WEET Modefty, the third of that fair band, Whom virtuous friendship, ill by churls deny'd To Ladies' gentle bofoms, hath ally'd; May I unblam'd your favoring voice demand, While arm'd with Truth's good shield alone I stand Deep are the wounds fhe gives, and hard to heal. |