Page:Batrachomyomachia, or, the wonderfull and bloudy Battell betweene Frogs and Mice.djvu/18

Ev'n so a naked story simply told,
Though cause be true and worthy due regard,
Doth not mens hearts with such affection hold,
Nor hath the outward sences so in gard,
As doth that matter which is well declard,
Adorned pleasantly with tearmes and art,
Which piercing th'row the eares, doth move the heart.

This knew the learned Poets all of yore,
This knew th'immortall Sages long agone,
Whose workes the wisest of our age adore,
Such store of wisedome in their bookes is shone,
Such pleasure unto all, offence to none,
Such grave precepts hid under fine device,
As eares and heart with wonderment surprise.

No fable sweet Philosophy containes,
Within the sacred volumes of her cell,
Dipt in the fount, which from ^[1]Pernassus strains,
Whereas the thrice three Nymphs are said to dwel,
That barbarisme and ignorance expell:
But under vaile deepe secrets doth unfold,
Though but a tale by wanton Ovid told.

1. A hill consecrate to the Muses.

By