Classic Poem

Sir,
Though I woed you not in verse, or prose,
To make my name, and me more glorious,
By being your Clark, the work is done, I find,
Not that I'm worthy on't, but you are kind.
Therefore these lines address themselves to you,
Not given freely t'you, but paid as due;
And that they may your kind acceptance win,
They've sack (their common badge) with them and in.
And I presume, without much scruple, you
May drink old sack, although the year be new.
But though I am not rich enough to send
Gifts fit for you t'accept; nor do intend
T'enrich Peru : nor think it fit to give,
Our betters that, by which our selves should live,
This will, I hope, your candid nature move,
'Cause I give freely what I dearly love;
And I believe 'tis true, what I've been told;
You love good sack, as well as your partner gold
I know not whether you'l like this or no,
But if it be not good, my will is so
May it prove excellent! and may all those,
That drink it freely, be ingenious,
That is be found or made so! to yours and you,
May this year prove as prosperous as new.
May we live quiet, and lay by our swords
And have no more lawless and boistrous Lords!
May the law stand! may Justice rule the roast,
One sober Judge rules better then an hoast.
And be assur'd this truth you'l ever find;
I'le be as dutifull as you are kind.
Nor shall you in your Rolls find out a Man,
Will serve you more then I, though many can.