Classic Poem

Tis seldom seen a popular dispute
Doth any good; you may perhaps confute
But not convert a heretick; he wil —
Say what you can — hold fast his errour still.
Besides, the vulgar auditors do weigh
All arguments as their affections sway,
Not as their reason, and think that the best
Which with most noise and eagernesse is prest;
So they adhere unto the worser side,
Or go away much more unsatisfi'd
Then they came there, like some young conjurer's spel,
Raising more divels up then he can quel
Or lay again: like bees, the common rout
Will swarme about your ears and buzze you out,
But humme the factions up, and lowdly cry
On your antagonists side, victory.
Forbear then such disputes henceforth to move,
For fear they should the Churches ruine prove;
These points are fitter for the press or Schooles.
It is the best way not to answer fools
According to their folly, which will rise
Higher by opposing, let alone it dies.