This morning, timely rapt with holy fire, br I thought to form unto my zealous Muse   br What kind of creature I could most desire, br To honour, serve, and love; as poets use. br I meant to make her fair, and free, and wise, br Of greatest blood, and yet more good than great; br I meant the day-star should not brighter rise, br Nor lend like influence from his lucent seat. br I meant she should be courteous, facile, sweet, br Hating that solemn vice of greatness, pride; br I meant each softest virtue there should meet, br Fit in that softer bosom to reside. br Only a learnèd and a manly soul br I purposed her; that should, with even powers, br The rock, the spindle, and the shears control br Of Destiny, and spin her own free hours. br Such when I meant to feign, and wished to see, br My Muse bade br Bedford br write, and that was she.