Hierarchy of Angels

by Thomas Heywood (157–1650) English

Mellifluous Shakespeare, whose enchanting quill
Commanded mirth or passion, was but Will;
And famous Jonson, though his learnèd pen
He dipped in Castaly, is still but Ben.
Fletcher and Webster, of that learnèd pack
None of the meanest, was but Jack;
Dekker but Tom, nor May, nor Middleton,
And he’s but now Jack Ford that once was John.

Source: Bartleby.com (archived copy)

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