Classic Poem

On the famous Romance, called The innocent Impostor

'Twill be expected now that I should raise
Some Monument unto the Authors prayse,
The Works, or the Translators; else I fear,
The Reader'll wonder, what I do make here
'Tis grown Apocryphal, and by the Wits
Quite voted down; Who hold it not befits
A true-born Fancy, to be Smithfield -wise
Put off with Toll and Vouchers; this defies
Such Crutches; for 'tis of so clear a Nature
'Twill pass without the Chaplins Imprimatur ,
Or our Certificates. Besides I carry
Such a dislike to all things Customary,
I'll cheat all expectation, and will be
Thankfull to them, but chiefly unto thee
In these Self-ended times we only do
Or thank or praise those we're beholding to;
So call our Justice Charity, and say
We do bestow, when we do only pay
For though the work be rare, yet should it be
Still in its dress, what had it been to me?
And though translated by this worthy pen,
If not exposed to the view of Men,
I had ne're seen't perhaps. But since all three
Have clubb'd in this production, I must be
Gratefull to all, and to give all your right,
Must prayse, and love and thank Bellay, Dod, Wright .English