Sir Benjamin Rudyerd.
Mr. Gifford, in his edition of Ben Jonson’s works, says “There is a beautiful and touching sublimity in the second of these Epigrams, which cannot be too highly prized.” And it may with justice be added, that it will remain a lasting memorial of the worth and excellence of Sir Benjamin Rudyerd.
To Benjamin Rudyerd.
Epigram CXXI.
Rudyerd, as lesser dames to great ones use,
My lighter, comes to kiss thy learned muse;
Whose better studies while she emulates,
She learns to know long difference of their states.
Yet is the office not to be despised,
If only love should make the actions prized;
Nor he for friendship can the thought unfit,
That strives his manners should precede his wit.
To the same.
Ep. CXXII.
If I would wish for truth, and not for show,
The aged Saturn’s age, and rites to know;
If I would strive to bring back times, and try
The world’s pure gold, and wise simplicity,
If I would virtue set, as she was young,
And hear her speak with one and her first tongue;
If holiest friendship naked to the touch
I would restore, and keep it ever such,
I need no other arts but study thee,
Who prov’st all these were, and again may be.
Not the less flattering to the talents and judgment of Sir Benjamin is the following—
Ep. CXXIII.
To the same.
Writing thyself, or judging others’ writ,
I know not which thou’st most, candour or wit;
But both thou hast so, as he who affects the state
Of the best writer and judge should emulate.