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,
As I not follow in the chase for spite;

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
Like Calidore purfue the Blatant Beaft

In dear defenfe of Ladies' honeft fame,
Which his foul mouth profanely taints with blame;
Let me, howe'er with dread and dangers prefs'd,
Enjoy the fmiles of ev'ry virtuous dame.

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
In Shakespear's cause determin'd to abide
Th' outrageous efforts of infulting pride,
And marks of Calumny's detefted brand?

Deep are the wounds fhe gives, and hard to heal.
Yet though enrag'd her hundred tongues fhe join
With canker'd fpite to blaft my honest name,
I reck not much, nor bate my pious zeal;
But to the Fair and Good my cause refign,
Who smile on Virtue, and whofe fmiles are Fame.