Classic Poem

Now all is done, learned spectators, tell
Have we not played our parts extremely well?
We think we did, but if you do complain,
We're all content to act the play again.
'Tis but three hours or thereabout at most,
And time well spent in school cannot be lost.
But what makes you frown, you gentlemen above?
We guessed long since you all desired to move,
But that's in vain for we'll not let a man stir
Who does not take up Plautus first and construe.
Him we'll dismiss, that understands the play;
He who does not, i' faith, he's like to stay.
Though this new method may provoke your laughter,
To act plays first and understand them after,
We do not care, for we will have our humor,
And will try you, and you, and you, Sir, and one or two more.
Why don't you stir? There's not a man will budge;
How much they've read I'll leave you all to judge.