W. Kinsayder.
[426] A hit at Ben Jonson.—See Introduction to vol. i.
[427] Ridiculed by Ben Jonson in the Poetaster.
[428] The poet ridiculed by Catullus.
THE
SCOURGE OF VILLAINY.
PROEMIUM IN LIBRUM PRIMUM.
I bear the scourge of just Rhamnusia,
Lashing the lewdness of Britannia.
Let others sing as their good genius moves,
Of deep designs, or else of clipping loves:
Fair fall them all, that with wit’s industry
Do clothe good subjects in true poesy;
But as for me, my vexèd thoughtful soul
Takes pleasure in displeasing sharp control.
Thou nursing mother of fair Wisdom’s lore,
Ingenuous Melancholy, I implore 10
Thy grave assistance: take thy gloomy seat,
Enthrone thee in my blood; let me entreat,
Stay his quick jocund skips, and force him run
A sad-paced course, until my whips be done.
Daphne, unclip thine arms from my sad brow;
Black cypress crown me, whilst I up do plow
The hidden entrails of rank villainy,
Tearing the veil from damn’d impiety.
Quake, guzzel dogs,[429] that live on putrid slime,
Skud from the lashes of my yerking rhyme. 20
[429] “In other words, dogs of the gutter or drain. A small gutter is still called a guzzle in some of the provinces.”—Halliwell.