Fragmenta Carceris or, The Kings-Bench Scuffle; with the Humours of the Common-Side. The Kings-Bench Litany and The Legend of Duke Humphrey. By Samuel Speed |
 |
On his Friend Mr. Samuel Speed, and his Kings-Bench Scuffle.
|
 | Fragmenta Carceris |  |
On his Friend Mr. Samuel Speed, and his Kings-Bench Scuffle.
Are Prisons now made Offices of Wit?'Tis more than strange, but true that thou hast writ
Without the help of Books, as if for th'nonce
Fate did decree that thou shouldst study stones.
Couldst thou not find a trusting Aristotle?
Nothing to feed thy Muse, but Bub and Bottle?
Yet thy smooth lines carry such gentle strains,
That not torment, but recreate the brains.
In Writings certainly those best must be,
That freely suit with each capacity.
What can Encomiums add unto thy Fame,
Since thou hast got a monumental Name
Left by thy Grandsire, one that will out-last
The iron teeth of Time, or Fames loud blast?
His Chronicle's a Pyramid to thee,
And thou art Great, though Speeds Epitome.
William Shelden.
| Fragmenta Carceris | |