Ben Jonson. To Lucy Countess of Bedford.

Ben Jonson, Renaissance, Dramatist, Playwright, Poetry, Shakespeare

To Lucy Countesse of Bedford by Ben Jonson
THIS morning, timely rapt with holy fire, I thought to forme unto my zealous Muse, What kinde of creature I could most desire, To honor, serve, and love ; as Poets use. I meant to make her and free, and wise, Of greatest blood, and yet more good than great ; I meant the day-starre should not brighter rise, Nor lend like influence from his lucent seat. I meant shee should be curteous, facile, sweet, Hating that solemne vice of greatnesse, pride ; I meant each softest vertue, there should meet, Fit in that softer bosome to reside. Onely a learned, and a manly soule I purpos'd her ; that should, with even powers, The rock, the spindle, and the sheeres controule Of destinie, and spin her owne free houres. Such when I meant to faigne, and wish'd to see, My Muse bade, Bedford write, and that was shee.		Lucy Harington, Countess of Bedford, Patroness of Renaissance poets.
Source: The Oxford Book of Seventeenth Century Verse. H. J. C. Grierson and G. Bullough, eds. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1934. 152.

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