Conclusion: The Macedonian Monarch once did deign

Robert Tofte (1561–1620)

THE MACEDONIAN Monarch once did deign,

In cheerful sort, in kind and loving wise,

To feast in village with a homely Swain;

Who entertained him, as in country guise,

With curds and creams, and such like knacks he had,

Whereof the courteous Prince accepted glad.

So, Lady, boldly I presumèd have,

To invite you to a sorry banquet base;

Nor to disdain the same, of you I crave!

Though cates too coarse for you; too poor, the place.

I cannot, as I would, give curds and cream;

But milk and whey: my fortune is so mean.

Yet (if you shall accept it graciously;

And with your favour sweet, this board adorn)

The virtue which is in you, presently,

The whey, to curds; the milk, to cream shall turn.

But if your look (you angry) turn away;

The milk shall still be milk; the whey, still whey.

Then as the sun in glorious wise doth shine

As well on valley low as mountain high;

Vouchsafe one cheerful glimpse of favour thine

On poor me, from out that heavenly eye!

Unworthy I, such grace! I do confess:

Yet worthy thou to do so, ne’ertheless.

R. T.