Faces do not more varrie in their Formes
Then Wits in shapes, though most be shapelesse Wits:
For, breeding base, oft well-shapt Wit deformes:
So, that it comes off comly, but by fits,
And the most part are better fed, then bred;
(But, they that feeding want, want Wit and Wealth:)
Then most Mens Wits are most il fauoured:
And what they show, by Wit, they show by stealth
Yet many Members of that Block-head Body
(The Multitude) write idly, without stint:
And he that's not in Peint they hold a Noddy
Because themselues are Noddies still in Print,
Some Ryme, in rage; which Rage puts Reason downe
Yet puts not Reason downe in their Rymes rage:
These Arts run rough, but their Rimes (if their owne)
With reason runne like a thwart Marriage
Yet if too smooth be this smart Simily
(Although it be as rough as Rage, or Wrack)
Their Rymes and Reason then, runne like a Cry
Of brayning Beasts, that Rime, and Reason lack
Yet; will they force Minerua , not by Arte,
But force, or feare, of their wittes strength, or stature
(For so these Asses weene) to take their part;
So (like the Giants ) fight gainst God and Nature:
Some make, in Prose, great Tomes their witts t' intomb,
To bee as Monuments of Witt for euer:
Yet (sith those Monuments no Witt enwombe
Being quite consumed) they continue neuer,
The mor's the pitty that such stately Tombes
(That oft haue gold without, though drosse within)
Should bee gazd on by Learnings drugging Gromes
And, by their Engin , razd: o deadly sinne!
Minerua blesse my Booke, Witts Monument,
(A little Monument for lesser Witt)
From such vsurping Ben clarkes violent,
Lest they pul out Wittes eles their turnes to fit
Yet will I leaue it them, while fearlesse, I
To Iury goe in expedition,
To trie their Truth, or taste their Tyranny:
The worst is Eylesse desposition:
And if it happ, I hope Ile Sion gaine,
Sith I the Cause of Sion will maintaine.