Classic Poem

There was a Time when, ah that so there was ,
Whie not there is? There is and was a Time ,
When Men might cal Gold, Gold , & Brasse , but Brasse ,
And saie it , without check , in Prose or Rime .
Yet should I cal thee Gold , some ( Brasse perchance)
Would saie I err'd because I nere toucht thee,
And so did cal thee through meere ignorance,
Or (which is worse) through abiect Flatteree .
I am too ignorant (I doe confesse)
To iudge thy woorth which worthiest Men commend,
Yet may I say (I hope) and not transgresse,
Th' art Vertue, Valour, Truth , and Honor's friend;
All which presume thou art not gilt by guile
Because thy noble name denies the vile .