The Fabulists
When all the world would have a matter hid,
??Since Truth is seldom friend to any crowd,
Men write in fable, as old ?sop did,
??Jesting at that which none will name aloud.
And this they needs must do, or it will fall
Unless they please they are not heard at all.
When desperate Folly daily laboureth
??To work confusion upon all we have,
When diligent Sloth demandeth Freedom’s death,
??And banded Fear commandeth Honour’s grave —
Even in that certain hour before the fall
Unless men please they are not heard at all.
Needs must all please, yet some not all for need
??Needs must all toil, yet some not all for gain,
But that men taking pleasure may take heed,
