Classic Poem

T' IS Birdlime, & takes well: But who shall know
Whether you pilld my hollie barks or noe?
In Garments stolne men face or theft deface
Setting on newe, or ripping of the Lace.
Steale, & then cunningly to melt menns Lynes
Is goldsmiths craft; fire new, in new Diuines.
So rough hard Verse dissolu'd in Liquid Prose
Runns smoothly off in nature of a glose.
At Court, or crosse. He springs & he Retriues
And vnknowne partner in my bargaine thriues.
Yet this is Lawfull Lust, layd in Compare
With Leawd madd rapes of Bawdie braines that dare
Adulterate with others sheets; & bring
Before graue Iudges, a stale printed thing.
As he at Hartford, (brotherlike) vptooke
(For I was dead) my old, drie, barraine booke;
And most incestuous man, had by the same
Strange issue, diffring twynns; applause & shame.