Classic Poem

A STRAUNGE A, B, C

To learne the babies A, B, C,
Is fit for children, not for mee.
I knowe the letters all so well
I neede not learne the way to spell:
And for the crosse, before the rowe
I learn'd it all too long agoe.

Then let them goe to schoole that list
To hang the lippe at — Had I wist:
I never lou'd a booke of horne, —
Nor leaues that haue their letters worne:
Nor with a fescue to direct mee,
Where euery puny shall correct mee.

I will the treuant play a while,
And with mine eare mine eye beguile:
And only heare what other see,
What mocketh them as well as mee;
And laugh at him that goes to schoole,
To learne with mee to play the foole.

But, soft awhile: I haue mistooke
This is but some imagin'd booke,
That wilfull hearts in wantons eyes
Doe onely by conceits deuise;
Where spell and put together, proue
The reading of the rules of Loue.

But if it be so, let it be:
It shall no lesson be for mee.
Let them goe spell that can not reede.
And know the crosse vnto their speede;
While I am taught but to discerne
How to forget the thing I learne.