George Withers' Emblemes

:
Yet, by this Lojfe, I have Occasions had
To feele, why other men are often Tad.
And, I, (\yho bluflied, to be troublesome
To any Friend) therby, almoft am come
To fuch a pafle ; that, what I wifh to have,
I fhould grow impudent enough to Crave,
Had not impartiall Death, and Wailing Tune,
Of all my Friends quite wornc away the Prime;
And, left mee none, to whom I dare prefent
The meaneft fuite without encouragement .•
Although, the greaxeft Boone, I would implore,
Should coft them, but a Word, or little more.
Yet, fome there are, no doubt, for whofe refpeft
I might endeavour, with no vaine effe&j
Had I but caufe, to have as high efteemc,
Of mine owne Merits, as I have of them.
And, if your Honour fhould befo inclin'd,
As I defire; I, now am fure to finde
Another Pemhrooke, by whofe aydefuftain'd,
I may preferve, what by the Laft I gain'd.
To make adventure, how it will fucceed,
I now am come. And lo, my Lor D , infteed
Of better Advocates, I firft begin,
Mine Em eiem s, by thefe Lines, to Vfher in;
That, they; by their admittance may effect
For Mee, and for themselves, your kinde refpect.
That, which in them, beft Worthy you fball find,
Is this ; that, they are Symptomcs of a Mtndt,
Affecting honeftie: and ofa Heart,
So truly honouring a true defert,
That, I am hopefull made, they will acquire
As much refpeft as I can welkdefire
And, Sir, your Candor, your knowne Court ejics.
With other praifcf ull Venues, make mee rife
To this Beliefe ; that, Yo v by fav'ring mcc
Hereafter, may as highly honour'd be,
As by fome former Bounties ; and encreafe
My Future Merit, by your Worthineffe.
However, what I am or mall be knowne
To Bee, by Tour D e[ervings^ or mine owne,
You may command it ; and, be fure to finde
(Though falfe my Fortunes prove) a Faithfull Mind.
Thai, unfaintdly* profeffeth
Tour Honours
trueft Honourtr,
Geo: Wither.