from the Prologue of The Faerie Queen

Edmund Spenser

Lo I the man, whose muse whilome did mask,

(As time her taught), in lowly shepherd’s weeds,

Am now enforced a far unfitter task,

For trumpets stern, to change mine Oaten reeds,

And sing of Knights and Ladies gentle deeds;

Whose praises having slept in silence long,

Me, all too mean, the Muse areeds

To blazon broad amongst her learnéd throng:

Fierce wars and faithfull loves shall moralize my song.