Insignia poëtarum
The Martiall Captaines ofte, do marche into the fielde,
With Egles, or with Griphins fierce, or Dragons, in theire
shielde.
But Phoebus sacred birde, let Poëttes moste commende.
Who, as it were by skill devine, with songe forshowes his
ende.
And as his tune delightes: for rarenes of the same.
So they with sweetenes of theire verse, shoulde winne a lasting
name.
And as his colour white: Sincerenes doth declare.
So Poëttes must bee cleane, and pure, and must of crime
beware.
For which respectes the Swanne, should in theire Ensigne
stande.
No forren fowle, and once suppos'de kinge of LIGURIA Lande.