Esther M. Zimmer Lederberg
Gabriel Harvey, 1552-1631: Sonnet XX
AH my deere Father, and my Parent sweete,
Whose honesty no neighbour can empeach :
That any Ruffian should in termes vnmeete,
To your discredit shamfully outreach.
O rakehell Hand, that scribled him a knaue,
Whome neuer Enemy did so appeach :
Repent thy wicked selfe, that so didst raue,
And cancell that, which Slaunders mouth did teach.
Nor euery man, nor euery trade is braue :
Maulte, haires, and hempe, and sackcloth must be had:
Truth him from odious imputations saue :
And many a gallant Gentleman more bad.
Four Sonnes, him cost a thousand pounds at lest :
Well may he fare : and thou enioy thy rest.
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