University of Virginia Library

The Satyre to the meer Courtiers.

Sirs, I do know your minds, you look for fees;
For more respect than needs, for caps and knees:
But be content, I haue not for you now,
Nor will I have at all to do with you.
For though I seem opprest, and you suppose
I must be fain to crouch to Vertues foes;
Yet know, your favours I do sleight them more
In this distresse, than e'er I did before.
Here to my Liege a message I must tell,
If you will let me passe you shall do well;
If you deny admittance, why then know
I mean to have it where you will or no.
Your formall wisdome which hath never been
In ought but in some fond invention seen:
And you that think men born to no intent
But to be train'd in apish complement;
Doth now perhaps suppose me indiscreet,
And such unused messages unmeet.
But what of that? Shall I go suit my matter
Vnto your wits, that have but wit to flatter?
Shall I of your opinions so much prize,
To lose my will, that you may think me wise,
Who never yet to any liking had,
Vnlesse he were a Knave, a Fool, or mad?
You Mushroms know, so much I weigh your powers,
I neither value you, nor what is yours.
Nay, though my crosses had me quite out-worn.
Spirit enough I'de finde, your spite to scorn
Of which resolv'd, to further my adventure,
Vnto my King, without your leaves I enter.