Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO HIS FRIENDS OF CHRIST CHURCH, by HENRY KING (1592-1669)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO HIS FRIENDS OF CHRIST CHURCH, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: But is it true, the court mislik'd the play
Last Line: All that which they want brain to comprehend.
Subject(s): Holyday, Barton (17th Century); Likes & Dislikes; Plays & Playwrights ; Dramatists


BUT is it true, the Court mislik'd the play,
That Christ Church and the Arts have lost the day;
That Ignoramus should so far excel,
Their hobby-horse from ours hath born the bell?

Troth! you are justly serv'd, that would present
Ought unto them, but shallow merriment;
Or to your marriage-table did admit
Guests that are stronger far in smell than wit.

Had some quaint bawdry larded ev'ry scene,
Some fawning sycophant, or courted quean;
Had there appear'd some sharp cross-garter'd man
Whom their loud laugh might nickname Puritan,
Cas'd up in factious breeches and small ruff,
That hates the surplice, and defies the cuff:
Then sure they would have given applause to crown
That which their ignorance did now cry down.

Let me advise, when next you do bestow
Your pains on men that do but little know,
You do no Chorus nor a comment lack,
Which may expound and construe ev'ry Act:
That it be short and slight; for if 't be good
Tis long, and neither lik'd nor understood.

Know 'tis Court fashion still to discommend
All that which they want brain to comprehend.





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