Classic Poem

The Tongue of truth hath said [then true it is]
Through Indigence could speake like Salomon .
The World is mute, or saies he speakes amisse
Sith but the golden Asse speaks well alone:
Thus, golden Asses clawd by Claw-backs are
Where they do ytch, (and but for clawing, itch)
Yet (like jades) pinch each other, being bare,
And so the Ritch are praisd by poore and ritch:
So, from the Wings of Sun-bright Seraphins
Pull we our Pens, and make them Nectar flow:
Yet if we be not gilt, like Cherubins
Our fame shall soare, in deed, but sink in show:
This Curry-fauoring World is wise herein,
(Though wise herein more then most wickedly)
It knowes Detraction is esteemed no sin
So that the great be greatly praisd thereby:
And they are greatly praisd when all but Theirs
Dispraised is (how lawdable socre)
Their fruits (though Crabs) are sweet with Apple squires
Who praise for Loue, and Loue for meed, or feare
They may be bold, they wot well, with the poore:
Who, like pack horses, beare when Asses bray:
They well may wince, but they can do no more,
And for their wincing They on them may lay.
BuTheers the comfort, vpright after Times
(Vpright, sith that which Is not, no way bends)
Will Lawrell Crowne them for their roiall Rimes:
For Enuies selfe, Desert, if dead, commends
Then, Rimes how ere vnroiall run you on
You may, in time, perhaps come neer that Crowne:
Meane while look for no Coronation
But such as Enuy giues high-borne Renowne
Yet with your Wit, those aftertimes perswade
That some were mard perhaps ere al were made.