SONNET: TO MR. JOHN HEYWOOD

Heywood, to thee, friend I have not yet seen,
I dedicate these lastlings of my muse,
Because that thou hast laboured to diffuse
Free knowledge, pure, refining, and serene.
Not unsuccessful have thy efforts been,
Among the striving spirits of thy town;
For thou hast won a calm and fair renown,
And worldly triumphs, neither few nor mean.
A true exemplar of the toiling crowd,
Thou hast, by honest energy and skill,
Made circumstance subservient to thy will,
Using the chances Providence allowed.
Simple is this my song, but let it be
My recognition of thy worth and thee.