Classic Poem

Against Aesop the Stage-player.

I came to English Aesop (on a tide)
 As he lay tirde (as tirde) before to play:
I came vnto him in his flood of pride;
He then was King, and thought I should obay
And so I did, for with all reuerence, I
As to my Soueraigne (though to him vnknowne)
Did him approch; but Ioe, he casts his Eye,
As if therein I had presumption showne:
I, like a Subiect (with submisse regard)
Did him salute, yet he re-greeted mee
But with a Nod, because his speech he spar'd
For Lords and Knights that came his Grace to see
But I suppos'd he scorn'd me, by which scorne
I deemèd him to be some demi-god;
(That's more then King (at least) that thoughts discerne)
And markt my fainèd fawnings, with a Nod
For, I well knew him (though he knew not me)
To be a player, and for some new Crownes
Spent on a Supper, any man may bee
Acquainted with them, from their Kings to Clownes.
But I (as Aron with the Golden Calfe)
Did grosse idolatry with him commit:
Nay my offence was more then his by halfe,
He erd against his will but I with wit:
For, Wit me taught (I thought, for proofe of folly)
To try conclusions on this doting Asse:
I him ador'd too much, but he (vnholly)
Took't on him smoothly; But well, let that passe.
His golden Coate his eyes dim'd, I suppose,
That he could not well see my Veluet hose.
 But if I ere salute him so againe,
 Crowne him, and Cockes-combe my crowne for my paine.