TO FINE GRAND by BEN JONSON

What is't, fine Grand, makes thee my friendship fly,
Or take an epigram so fearfully:
As 'twere a challenge, or a borrower's letter?
The world must know your greatness is my debtor.
@3In primis,@1 Grand, you owe me for a jest,
I lent you, on mere acquaintance, at a feast.
@3Item,@1 a tale or two, some fortnight after;
That yet maintains you, and your house in laughter.
@3Item,@1 the Babylonian song you sing;
@3Item,@1 a fair Greek posy for a ring:
With which a learned madam you belie.
@3Item,@1 a charm surrounding fearfully,
Your @3partie per pale@1 picture, one half drawn
In solemn cypress, the other cobweb lawn.
@3Item,@1 a gulling imprese for you, at tilt.
@3Item,@1 your mistress' anagram, in your hilt.
@3Item,@1 your own, sewed in your mistress' smock.
@3Item,@1 an epitaph on my lord's cock,
In most vile verses, and cost me more pain,
Than had I made them good, to fit your vein.
Forty things more, dear Grand, which you know true,
For which, or pay me quickly, or I'll pay you.

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

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