Sonnet 78: So oft have I invoked thee for my Muse

1So oft have I invoked thee for my Muse,

2And found such fair assistance in my verse

3As every alien pen hath got my use

4And under thee their poesy disperse.

5Thine eyes, that taught the dumb on high to sing

6And heavy ignorance aloft to fly,

7Have added feathers to the learned's wing

8And given grace a double majesty.

9Yet be most proud of that which I compile,

10Whose influence is thine, and born of thee:

11In others' works thou dost but mend the style,

12And arts with thy sweet graces graced be;

13 But thou art all my art, and dost advance

14 As high as learning, my rude ignorance.