Maxioms by Michael Drayton
In this spacious isle I think there is not one
But he hath heard some talk of Hood and read more
In this spacious isle I think there is not one
But he hath heard some talk of Hood and Little John,
Of Tuck, the merry friar, which many a sermon made
In praise of Robin Hood, his outlaws, and their trade.
Next these learn'd Jonson in this list I bring
Who had drunk deep of the Pierian Spring.
Next these learn'd Jonson in this list I bring
Who had drunk deep of the Pierian Spring.
Here when the labouring fish does at the foot arrive,
And finds that by his strength but vainly he read more
Here when the labouring fish does at the foot arrive,
And finds that by his strength but vainly he doth strive;
His tail takes in his teeth, and bending like a bow,
That's to the compass drawn, aloft himself doth throw:
Then springing at his height, as doth a little wand,
That, bended end to end, and flerted from the hand,
Far off itself doth cast. so does the salmon vaut.
And if at first he fail, his second summersaut
He instantly assays and from his nimble ring,
Still yarking never leaves, until himself he fling
Above the streamful top of the surrounded heap.
Prince Edward all in gold, as he great Jove had been,
The Mountfords all in plumes, like estridges were read more
Prince Edward all in gold, as he great Jove had been,
The Mountfords all in plumes, like estridges were seen.
