Page:Works of Sir John Suckling.djvu/31

Suddenly taking his place again,
He gave way to Selwin, who straight stept in,60
But, alas! he had been so lately a wit,
That Apollo hardly knew him yet.

Toby Mathews (pox on him!), how came he there?
Was whispering nothing in somebody's ear;
When he had the honour to be nam'd in court,65
But, sir, you may thank my Lady Carlisle for 't:

For had not her care furnisht you out
With something of handsome, without all doubt
You and your sorry Lady Muse had been
In the number of those that were not let in.70

In haste from the court two or three came in,
And they brought letters (forsooth) from the Queen;
'Twas discreetly done, too, for if th' had come
Without them, th' had scarce been let into the room.

Suckling next was call'd, but did not appear,75
But strait one whisper'd Apollo i' th' ear,
That of all men living he cared not for 't.
He loved not the Muses so well as his sport;

And prized black eyes, or a lucky hit
At bowls, above all the trophies of wit;80
But Apollo was angry, and publiquely said,
'Twere fit that a fine were set upon 's head.

Wat Montague now stood forth to his trial,
And did not so much as suspect a denial;
But witty Apollo asked him first of all,85
If he understood his own pastoral.

For, if he could do it, 'twould plainly appear
He understood more than any man there,
And did merit the bays above all the rest,
But the Monsieur was modest, and silence confest.90

During these troubles, in the court was hid
One that Apollo soon mist, little Cid;
And having spied him, call'd him out of the throng,
And advis'd him in his ear not to write so strong.

Then Murray was summon'd, but 'twas urg'd that he 95
Was chief already of another company.