LO I the man, whose Muse whilome did maske,

看哪，遵从时光的教诲，我的缪斯

As time her taught, in lowly Shepheards weeds,          

曾戴着面具，身穿卑贱的羊倌草衣，

Am now enforst a far unfitted taske,                     

我如今受命去执行远难胜任的职事，

For trumpets sterne to chaunge mine Oaten reeds,         

要用粗厉的小号替换我的牧笛，

And sing of Knights and Ladies gentle deeds;             

歌颂骑士和贵妇们的高尚之举；

Whose prayses hauing slept in silence long,  

我闲置的赞美在长久沉默里休眠，          

Me, all too meane, the sacred Muse areeds                

我，平庸不足道，多亏了神圣缪斯

To blazon broad emongst her learned throng:              

于群聚的博学鸿才之中广泛称扬：

Fierce warres and faithful loues shall moralize my song. 

激战和忠爱将使我的歌吟寓意深长。

     （弱斋于7月8日晚，代答江南短信）