University of Virginia Library

To his deere friend Mr. Henry Burkhead, upon his Tragedy of Cola's fury.

Some have writ playes (my Burkhead) that have gain'd
A large applause unto themselves, not strayn'd,
Nor forc'd, nor hir'd but rightly; it is true
They have deserved more, and more is due,
Then can be payd them: some have well exprest
A Politician, others one distrest:
Some lusts and treasons, others Tyranny
And others some the state and Majestie,
Of Lords and Princes; others have well limb'd
Th'extortious Souldier, others neatly trimm'd
The Curious Courtier. But Sir, you portray'd
Each various humour, variously array'd,
And suted so each passion to the life
Protheus we thought had been with you at strife
who could produce most shapes, that we must say
(Protheus hath labour'd with you 'bout this play.
What? though of Terence, Seneca, we heare
And other moderne Scenicks in our spherare,
You I preferre. Iohnson for all his wit
Could never paint out times as you have hit,
The manners of our age: The fame declines
Of ne're enough prays'd Shakespeare if thy lines,
Come to be publisht: Beaumont and Fletcher's skill
Submitts to yours, and your more learned quill.
The most admired Sherly and the crew
Of English Dramaticks cry hayle to you
Phebus choice darling. Sir, I not admire
The Muses nurst you, and he was your Sire: