Since time, and his predestinated end
Abridged the circuit of his hopeful days
Whiles both his youth and virtue did intend
The good endeavors of deserving praise
What memorable monument can last
Whereon to build his never-blemished name
But his own worth, wherein his life was graced
Sith as that ever he maintained the same?
Oblivion in the darkest day to come
When sin shall tread on merit in the dust
Cannot rase out the lamentable tomb
Of his short-lived deserts; but still they must
Even in the hearts and memories of men
Claim fit respect, that they, in every limb
Remembering what he was, with comfort then
May pattern out one truly good, by him
For he was truly good, if honest care
Of harmless conversation may commend
Ill recompensed only in his end
Nor can the tongue of him who loved him least
To one superlative above the rest
Of many men in steady faith reprove
His constant temper, in the equal weight
Of thankfulness and kindness: Truth doth leave
Sufficient proof, he was in every right
As kind to give, as thankful to receive.
The curious eye of a quick-brained survey
Could scantly find a mote amidst the sun
Of his too-shortened days, or make a prey
Of any faulty errors he had done
Not that he was above the spleenful sense
And spite of malice, but for that he had
Warrant enough in his own innocence
Against the sting of some in nature bad
Yet who is he so absolutely blest
That lives encompassed in a mortal frame
