University of Virginia Library

To my deare friend, M. Ben: Ionson.

Upon his Foxe.

If it might stand with iustice, to allow
The swift conuersion of all follies; now,
Such is my mercy, that I could admit
All sorts should equally approue the wit
Of this thy euen worke: whose growing fame
Shall raise thee high, and thou it, with thy name.
And did not manners, and my loue command
Me to forbeare to make those vnderstand,
Whom thou, perhaps, hast in thy wiser doome
Long since, firmely resolu'd, shall neuer come
To know more then they doe; I would haue showne
To all the world, the art, which thou alone
Hast taught our tongue, the rules of time, of place,
And other rites, deliuer'd, with the grace
Of comick stile, which only, is farre more,
Then any English stage hath knowne before.
But, since our subtle gallants thinke it good
To like of nought, that may be vnderstood,
Lest they should be disprou'd; or haue, at best,
Stomacks so raw, that nothing can digest
But what's obscene, or barkes: Let vs desire
They may continue, simply, to admire
Fine clothes, and strange words; & may liue, in age,
To see themselues ill-brought vpon the stage,
And like it. Whilst thy bold, and knowing Muse
Contēnes al praise, but such as thou wouldst chase