For that is first required, a man be his own: AN EPIGRAM ON SIR EDWARD COKE, WHEN HE WAS LORD CHIEF-JUSTICE OF ENGLAND. He that should search all glories of the gown, When, being the stranger's help, the poor man's aid, Thy just defences made th' oppressor afraid. Like Solon's self, explat'st 74 the knotty laws 74 All our old writers use pleat, plight, for wreathe, curl, fold, &c., from plico; expleat is as correctly formed from explico, to open, smooth, display, &c. Explation, a kindred word, is in Cole, and displeat and unpleat are sufficiently common in our old poets. Explica frontem is rendered by Jo. Davies, in his eclogue, 1620, "unpleat thy brow." — G. With endless labors, whilst thy learning draws Such is thy all, that, as I sung before, None fortune aided less, or virtue more. Or if chance must to each man that doth rise Needs lend an aid, to thine she had her eyes. AN EPISTLE, ANSWERING TO ONE THAT ASKED Men that are safe and sure in all they do, 75 Jonson had many "adopted sons -young men in whose success he felt an interest, and whose talents he encouraged. The following list is, probably, complete: Bishop Morley, Lord Falkland, Richard Brome, William Cartwright, Robert Herrick, Joseph Rutter, Thomas Randolph, Sir Henry Morrison, Shakerley Marmion, James Howell, Sir Kenelm Digby, and Sir John Suckling. These persons constituted that band of youthful associates which Jonson here pleasantly designates "the tribe of Ben." The epistle is addressed to some new candidate for filiation. — B. As make it their proficiency, how much even the dead, Like flies, or worms, which man's corrupt parts fed; That to speak well, think it above all sin, Of any company but that they are in; To vent their libels, and to issue rhymes; I have no portion in them, nor their deal What is't to me whether the French design Be, or be not, to get the Valteline? Or the States' ships sent forth belike to meet Some hopes of Spain in their West-Indian fleet? Whether the dispensation yet be sent, Or that the match from Spain was ever meant? 78 76 That is, becoming sureties for them, joining them in their bonds. G. 77 See Epigram cxv., ante, p. 68. 78 These allusions to the breaking off the match between I wish all well, and pray high heaven conspire But if for honor we must draw the sword, To live, or fall a carcass, in the cause. So far without inquiry what the States, Brunsfield, and Mansfield, do this year, my fates Shall carry me at call; and I'll be well, Though I do neither hear these news, nor tell Of Spain or France; or were not pricked down one Of the late mystery of reception; Although my fame to his not under-hears, Prince Charles and the Infanta of Spain indicate the date of the epistle. - B. 'Mongst which, if I have any friendships sent, Myself a little. I will take you so, As you have writ yourself. Now stand, and then, Sir, you are sealed of the Tribe of Ben. THE DEDICATION OF THE KING'S NEW CELLAR TO BACCHUS. Since, Bacchus, thou art father Of wines, to thee the rather We dedicate this Cellar, Where new thou art made dweller, And seal thee thy commission: But 'tis with a condition, That thou reinain here taster 79 Built by Inigo Jones. 79 |