University of Virginia Library

I. On the famous Romance, called The innocent Impostor .

'Twill be expected now that I should raise
Some Monument unto the Author's praise,
The Works, or the Translators; else I fear,
The Reader 'll wonder what I do make here.
'Tis grown Apocryphal, and by the Wits
Quite voted down; Who hold it not befits
A true-born Fancy, to be Smith-field-wise
Put off with Toll and Vouchers; this defies
Such Crutches; for 'tis of so clear a Nature,
'Twill pass without the Chaplains Imprimatur,
Or our Certificates: Besides I carry
Such a dislike to all things Customary,
I'll cheat all expectation, and will be
Thankful to them, but chiefly unto thee.
In these Self-ended times we only do,
Or thank or praise those we're beholding to:
So call our Justice Charity, and say
We do bestow, when we do only pay:
For though the work be rare; yet should it be
Still in its dress, what had it been to me?
And though translated by this worthy pen,
If not exposed to the view of Men,
I had ne'r seen't perhaps, But since all three
Have clubb'd in this production, I must be
Grateful to all, and to give all your right,
Must praise, and love, and thank Bellay, Dod, Wright.
Who ere shall publish what's here done or said,
From our Society must be banished:
Let none by drinking do or suffer harm,
And while we stay, let us be alwaies warm.