For Phylyp the sparowe the (Dirige) to synge."
A sneer to which Skelton most probably alludes when, enumerating his own productions in the Garlande of Laurell, he mentions,
"Of Phillip Sparow the lamentable fate,
The dolefull desteny, and the carefull chaunce,
Dyuysed by Skelton after the funerall rate;
Yet sum there be therewith that take greuaunce,
And grudge thereat with frownyng countenaunce;
But what of that? harde it is to please all men;
Who list amende it, let hym set to his penne."
The following onslaught in Barclay's Fourth Eclogue, is evidently levelled at the abominable Skelton: