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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPIGRAM: TO PROWL THE PLAGIARY by BEN JONSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: FORBEAR TO TEMPT ME, PROWL, I WILL NOT SHOW
Last Line: I MUST A LIBEL MAKE, AND COZEN BOTH.
Subject(s): PLAGIARISM;
Forbear to tempt me, Prowl, I will not show
A line unto thee, till the world it know;
Or that I have by, two good sufficient men,
To be the wealthy witness of my pen:
For all thou hear'st, thou swear'st thyself didst do.
Thy wit lives by it, Prowl, and belly too.
Which, if thou leave not soon (though I am loath)
I must a libel make, and cozen both.



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