Classic Poem

What folly is this, to keep with danger
A great mastiff dog, and a foul ugly bear?
And to this one end, to see them two fight
With terrible tearings—a foul ugly sight.
And yet methinks those men be most fools of all,
Whose store of money is but very small,
And yet every Sunday they will surely spend
One penny or two, the Bearward's living to mend.

At Paris Garden each Sunday a man shall not fail
To find two or three hundred for the Bearward's vale.
One halfpenny a piece they use for to give,
When some have not more in their purses, I believe.
Well, at the last day their conscience will declare
That the poor ought to have all that they may spare.
If you therefore it give to see a bear-fight,
Be sure God his curse upon you will light.