University of Virginia Library

To my deare friend, M. Ben. Ionson. Vpon his Fox.

If it might stand with Iustice, to allow
The swift conversion of all follies; now,
Such is my Mercy, that I could admit
All sorts should equally approve the wit
Of this thy even worke: whose growing fame
Shall raise thee high, and thou it, with thy name.
And did not manners, and my love command
Me to forbeare to make those understand,
Whom thou, perhaps, hast in thy wiser doome
Long since, firmely resolv'd, shall never come
To know more than they doe; I would have showne
To all the world, the art, which thou alone
Hast taught our tongue, the rules of time, of place,
And other rites, deliver'd, with the grace
Of Comick stile, which only, is farre more,
Than any English stage hath knowne before.
But, since our subtile gallants think it good
To like of nought, that may be understood,
Lest they should be disprov'd; or have, at best,
Stomacks so raw, that nothing can digest
But what's obscene, or barkes: Let us desire
They may continue, simply, to admire
Fine clothes, and strange words; and may live, in age,
To see themselves ill brought upon the stage,
And like it. Whilst thy bold, and knowing Muse
Contemns all praise, but such as thou wouldst chuse.