Classic Poem

To the Reader.

I F sowrest Natures sweetely (oft) sustaine
The bitterst words that fooles vnwares do giue
Wisely disembling what the minde doth grieue,
And with the cleare from crime, they laughter faine:
Then how much more is this dumbe sencelesse Spy-all
(My brainelesse Booke) to be dispensd withall;
That points at nought but Vice in generall,
Much like a lifelesse Finger on a Dyall ,
Wherein, as in a Mirrour, some may see
The true Idea of their Mindes disease:
Then, if the image do their Mindes displease,
Let them (informd thereby) reformed bee.
And seeing closely it bewrates thy blame,
Mend it as close, and laugh to cloke the same.