SIR, WHEN your known hand, and style, and name Into the camp of Wanton came; And that the Greeks with one consent Had read the lines which Troy had sent, They all agreed, the Oracle Was only wise enough to tell What bold pen should the answer make And danger, mixt with honour, take: The Delphic messengers relate That Mason is the choice of fate, And though most Greeks could better wield A sword than he, yet for a shield, Ajax himself must give him place, And therefore fittest in this case. But, sir, alas! whilst harmless I Thought to fulfil this destiny, A nearer fate which none could dread, Nor yet foresee, hangs o'er my head. That idle book which I of late Read with some fear, but with more hate, (Yet not suspecting that in time The reading it would grow a crime) Since proves a libel; and all eyes That have but seen it, at th' assize Must answer make. -- Sir, I protest Most fearfully this is no jest: But, sir, the way to this assize By Wells first, and the Bishop lies, Who sends for all, whom any fame Accuses, (and' mongst them my name) That they have once but cast a look Upon this guilty-making book. Ned Drew hath his appearance sworn And for that paid a full half-crown: Sir, I should less fear this ill day, If that his Lordship would not stray From that one point, but what man knows Whether he may not list to pose, And overthrow a life divine, Show his own learning, or try mine? If in a wanton strength, I say, He should but offer at that play, The Tower of Pitcombe then would quake, The yew tree all her leaves would shake. Sir, I too long have tir'd your ears With the harsh jars of my own fears, I fear no one thing now, but all That ever curate did befall. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CREATION by CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER SONNET TO THE RIVER OTTER by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE TWO OF A TRADE by SAMUEL WILLOUGHBY DUFFIELD ON THE DEATH OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN by PHILIP FRENEAU PICCIOLA by ROBERT HENRY NEWELL |