The Cluster of Grapes

“Now therein of all sciences (I speak still of human, and according to the human conceit) is our poet the monarch. For he doth not only sow the way, but giveth so sweet a prospect into the way as will entice any man to enter into it…”– Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586)

Beginning not with definitions dim obscure

which blur the margent shading edge with track marks deep

And load the memory with fear and doubt impure,

Instead to give delightful words enchanting keep.

As music sets the beat and melody and key

Upon this just a tale arrests children from play

And old men from the chimney corner are not free

To ‘scape the hold and confines of the story’s ray.

As all that may be good for you but bitter tastes

Can wrapped in honey be and sweetest sugar cane

So doth Hercules, Cyrus and Aeneas wastes

Away revealing wisdom valour ‘neath the slain.

As virtue is the most excellent resting place

For learning, poet’s work from masks make truest face.