When Cynthia sitting on her siluer throne <br />First told my Muse the story you shall heare, <br />She strictly charg'd her not to make it knowne, <br />For any cause, to any mortall eare <br />Till 'twas related (as it once should be) <br />To some rare Prince of royall progenie. <br />The reason was (it seemes) That since herein <br />Some actions are of gods and passions shewne, <br />She thought it fit that to some nearest kin <br />To them (great Prince) it should at first be knowne: <br />Tender alliance, and a Princely brest <br />To heare and judge of such occurrents best. <br />This Muse (therfore) as Cynthia did her binde <br />Hath safely kept this secret undisclos'd <br />Till now, that, in your gracious forme, a minde <br />She findes (Sir) so celestially dispos'd <br />That she is full resolued it is you <br />The Delian Queene directed her vnto. <br />May't please you (then) to lend the Moone your light <br />Thus shadow'd vnder these ecliptique lines, <br />Your Sun-like gloryes shall not shine lesse bright, <br />But more, that Cynthia by your lustre shines, <br />And to your greatnesse purchase more divinesse <br />By more devoteing her vnto your highnesse.<br /><br />William Basse<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-the-high-and-mighty-prince-henry-prince-of-wales-c/
