Page:An English Garner Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (Volume 1 1877).pdf/48

For all the world to read at will, what worthiness doth rest
In perfect pure unspotted life, which she hath here possest."

Then SKILL rose up and sought the press to find, if that he might,
A person of such honest name that men should praise of right.
This one I saw full sadly sit, and shrink herself aside,
Whose sober looks did show what gifts her wifely grace did hide.
"Lo here," quoth SKILL, "good people all, is LUCRECE left alive;
And she shall most accepted be, that least for praise did strive."

No longer FAME could hold her peace, but blew a blast so high,
That made an echo in the air, and sounding through the sky.
The voice was loud, and thus it said, "Rise, with happy days!
Thy honest life hath won thee fame, and crowned thee with praise."

And when I heard my mistress' name I thrust amidst the throng:
And clapt my hands, and wished of GOD that she might prosper long.