[Wither’s Song, or “Sonnet,” appeared first in his “Fidelia” in 1615, and later with some changes in “Fair Virtue,” 1622. Jonson’s parody, here given, came out in a Collection of Verses, in 1620.]

SHALL I mine affections slack,
’Cause I see a woman’s Black?
Or myself,...

Poet: Ben Jonson

To draw no envy, Shakespeare, on thy name,
Am I thus ample to thy book and fame;
While I confess thy writings to be such
As neither man nor Muse can praise too much.*        *        *        *        *
                        Soul of the age!
The applause...

Poet: Ben Jonson