Classic Poem

Who first reform'd our Stage with justest Laws,
And was the first best Judge in his own Cause,
Who (when his Actors trembled for Applause)

Could (with a noble Confidence) prefer
His own, by right, to a noble Theater;
From Principles, which he knew could not err.

Who to his Fable did his Persons fit,
With all the Properties of Art and Wit,
And above all that could be Acted, writ.

Who publique Follies did to covert drive,
Which he again could cunningly retrive,
Leaving them no ground to rest on, and thrive.

Here JONSON lies, whom had I nam'd before,
In that one word alone I had paid more,
Than can be now, when plentie makes me poore.