The Complete Poems of Richard Barnfield/The Affectionate Shepheard/Dedication
TO THE RIGHT EXCELLENT AND MOST BEAUTIFULL LADY, THE LADIE PENELOPE RITCH.
Fayre louely Ladie, whose Angelique eyes
Are Vestall Candles of sweet Beauties Treasure,
Whose speech is able to inchaunt the wise,
Converting Ioy to Paine, and Paine to Pleasure;
Accept this simple Toy of my Soules Dutie,
Which I present vnto thy matchles Beautie.
And albeit the gift be all too meane,
Too meane an offring for thine ivorie shrine;
Yet must thy Beautie my iust blame susteane,
Since it is mortall, but thy selfe diuine.
Then (Noble Ladie) take in gentle worth
This new-borne Babe which here my Muse brings forth.
Your Honours most affectionate
and perpetually deuoted Shepheard:
DAPHNIS.