Ben Jonson. On Poet-Ape.

Ben Jonson

E P I G R A M S . LVI. — ON POET-APE. Poor POET-APE, that would be thought our chief, Whose works are e'en the frippery of wit, From brokage is become so bold a thief, As we, the robb'd, leave rage, and pity it. At first he made low shifts, would pick and glean, Buy the reversion of old plays ; now grown To a little wealth, and credit in the scene, He takes up all, makes each man's wit his own : And, told of this, he slights it. Tut, such crimes The sluggish gaping auditor devours ; He marks not whose 'twas first : and after-times May judge it to be his, as well as ours. Fool ! as if half eyes will not know a fleece From locks of wool, or shreds from the whole piece ?
Source: Jonson, Ben. The Works of Ben Jonson. Boston: Phillips, Sampson, and Co., 1853. 789.

to Works of Ben Jonson