Maggots :: :: University of Virginia Library

For Naked Truth let others write,
And fairly prove that Black's not white;
Quarrel and scold, then scratch and bite,
Till they're with Cuffing weary:

Give me a Lye, trickt neat and gay,
As fine as any Hedge in May!
Most think so too, altho' they'll say,
Perhaps, the clean contrary.

The Courtier first is counted rude,
If he's with Lying unendu'd;
Nay, when he's in his Altitude,
He gives it Oaths for Clenching:

The brisk and young sowre Truth despise,
And kick her back to th' Old and Wise;
Wenching's the Gallant's Life, a Lye's
The very Life of Wenching.

Room for the Man of Parchment next,
Whose Comments so confound the Text,
And Truth's High-road so much perplext,
One scarce can e're get at it;

With his own practice not content,
He'll either quote, or he'l invent,
He'll find or make a President,
And gravely lie by Statute.

Next the poor Scholar loaden comes
With packs of Sentences and Summs,
Scratches his Head, and bites his Thumbs,
For Truth is all his vigour;

Like Lynceus self, O who but he

This Mr. Lynceus was, you must know, a mighty quick-sighted fellow;—He could see thro' Walls, Houses,—and Ships at Sea, at the greatest distance, and—But that's enough already to believe at once.

The Essences of things can see;
When he deceives but orderly,
And lies in Mood and Figure.

Who but the Poet ought t'appear
I'th end? who should bring up the Rear,
But he who without Wit or Fear
Lays on his Lyes by Clusters?

Never of sneaking Truth afraid,
He'll her with open Arms invade,
And dreadful Armies in his Aid
Of his own Hero's musters.

Well, since on all sides 'tis confest,
A quiet life must needs be best;
Who'd think it hard to purchase rest
By such a small complying?

Let him that will speak Truth for me!
Truth the worst Incivilitie!
I'd rather in the Fashion be!
Since all the World's for Lying.