To a Lady withchild that ask'd an Old Shirt.

ANd why an honour'd ragged Shirt, that shows,
Like tatter'd Ensigns, all its Bodies blows?
Should it be swathed in a vest so dire,
It were enough to set the Child on fire;
Dishevell'd Queen should strip them of their hair,
And in it mantle the new rising Heir:
Nor do I know ought worth to wrap it in,
Except my parchment upper-coat of Skin:
And then expect no end of its chast Tears,
That first was rowl'd in Down now Furs of Bears▪
But …ince to Ladies't hath a Custome been
Linnen to send, that travail and lye in▪
To the nine Sempstresses, my former ir…ends,
I su'd; but they had nought but shreds and ends.
At last, the jolli'st of the three times three,
Rent th' apron from her smock, and gave it me
'T was soft and gentle, sub…'ly spun: no doubt▪
Pardon my boldness, Madam; Here's the clout.