Ben Jonson.

XLVI
TO THE MEMORY OF BEN JONSON.

The Muses’ fairest light in no dark time,

The wonder of a learnèd age; the line

Which none can pass; the most proportioned wit

To nature, the best judge of what was fit;

The deepest, plainest, highest, clearest pen; 5

The voice most echoed by consenting men;

The soul which answered best to all well said

By others, and which most requital made;