Even as great Macchiavel, shut fast from all,

His court dress donned to visit his invention,

So I, when the commanding Muse doth call,

Give to the wide world sleep and inattention.

I close the door to all the man in me,

To friend, relation, countryman and self,

Closeting myself with eternity

And both the good and ill of me do shelf.

I strive to please Athena, not mankind.

No time shall call me out, or place seduce,

Nor ache to please, nor fear to offend me blind

To the great passion for true beauty's use.

Mine own self I displease, if it so fit

The claiming tyranny and press of wit.