Classic Poem

D ESEASE & synne, w t h wild vnmanly ryme
That vice(in one) and sicknes of the tyme
Are catching all, & p roo fe, proclaimes the last
A run n inge plauge, it spread es soe farr, soe fast
But strong & healthfull verse, like vertue leaues
(Saue the delight & wonder hee receaues)
No glad infection in the learners brayne
To make him hitt vpon the like againe;
How comes the relish then, & charme of thine
To print such smoothnes in these lynes of myne?
My word es so fyl'd, & beaten round & straight
fflow not alone in number, but in weight,
That weake discerning eyes at first may misse
And thinke thy webb, noe cleaner wrought then this
Noe cause of this saue strong desire in mee
But for the Springs of art & nature bee
In thee soe mixt & swell soe cleare & high
All penns replennisht are it can come nighe
I flatter not t'is but the schollers parte
To celebrate the master of his Arte
Our king, the Poit es king decrees thee soe
To whose just doome I strict alleagiance owe.