138
TO
Doctor Duppa, Deane
of Christ-Church, and Tutor to
the Prince.
An acknowledgment for his collection,
in Honour of Ben. Iohnson's
memory.
How shall I sleepe to night, that am to pay
By a bold vow, a mighty Debt ere Day?
Which all the Poets of this Island owe:
Like Palnea, neglected, it will greater grow.
How vainly from my single Stock of Wit,
(As small, as is my Art, to Husband it)
I have adventur'd what they durst not doe
With strong confed'rate Art, and Nature too.
This Debt hereditary is, and more
Than can be pay'd for such an Ancestor;
By a bold vow, a mighty Debt ere Day?
Which all the Poets of this Island owe:
Like Palnea, neglected, it will greater grow.
How vainly from my single Stock of Wit,
(As small, as is my Art, to Husband it)
I have adventur'd what they durst not doe
With strong confed'rate Art, and Nature too.
This Debt hereditary is, and more
Than can be pay'd for such an Ancestor;
Who