Epigram 91. To my noble Cousin Mr. Charls Cotton the younger

D' Avila, Bentivoglio, Guicciardine,
And Machiavil the subtile Florentine,
(In their Originals) I have read through,
Thanks to your Library, and unto you;
The prime Historians of late times; at least
In the Italian Tongue allow'd the best.
When you have more such books, I pray vouchsafe
Me their perusal. Il'e return them safe:
Yet (for the courtesie) the recompense
That I can make you will be onely thanks.
But you are noble-soul'd, and had much rather
Bestow a benefit, then receive a favour.