| Herbert J.C. Grierson, ed. (1886–1960). Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th C. 1921. |
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| John Cleveland |
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| 131. An Elegy on Ben. Jonson |
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| WHO first reform'd our Stage with justest Lawes, | |
| And was the first best Judge in his owne Cause? | |
| Who (when his Actors trembled for Applause) | |
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| Could (with a noble Confidence) preferre | |
| His owne, by right, to a whole Theater; | 5 |
| From Principles which he knew could not erre. | |
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| Who to his FABLE did his Persons fitt, | |
| With all the Properties of Art and Witt, | |
| And above all (that could bee Acted) writt. | |
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| Who publique Follies did to covert drive, | 10 |
| Which hee againe could cunningly retrive, | |
| Leaving them no ground to rest on, and thrive. | |
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| Heere IONSON lies, whom had I nam'd before | |
| In that one word alone, I had paid more | |
| Then can be now, when plentie makes me poore. | 15 |
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