Classic Poem

In 1652
Thou may'st well wonder, and my self should be
Dumb, if I should be dumb in praysing thee.
Since I've occasion now to exercise,
Sublimest thoughts, yet not hyperbolize.

But since we two are Brothers, and subscribe,
Both Volunteirs to the Poetick Tribe,
I dare not do't, least any Dulman sayes,
We, by consent, do one another praise.
Yet dare applaud thy work, and thee in it,
So good in language, plot, and strength of wit,
That none but thou can equall't Not a line,
But's thine 'cause good, and good because 'tis thine
So that my duller sight can hardly see
Whether thou mak'st it exc'lent, or it thee.
Let those, whose anvil-heads, beat all delight,
Into a toil, at every line they write,
Now, vail to thee and fairly yeild the bayes,
Since all their works, compair'd with thine are playes.
So far I like thy worth, that I should be
Intic'd if possible to flatter thee.