To the Ghost of Ben Jonson
Saturday, 2 May 2009 07:02Your epigrams may not have bettered Martial
But next to mine they ring like perfect chimes;
And if your royal James was not so partial
To flattery, at least he read your rhymes.
I don't know whether Clinton is well-read,
Though by his character I fear the worst,
Yet were he, since the published poem is dead,
He'll never see my praise nor hear he's cursed.
---L.
But next to mine they ring like perfect chimes;
And if your royal James was not so partial
To flattery, at least he read your rhymes.
I don't know whether Clinton is well-read,
Though by his character I fear the worst,
Yet were he, since the published poem is dead,
He'll never see my praise nor hear he's cursed.
—17 March 1995
Cf. Jonson's epigram #36.---L.