English poem
APOLLO—To Mr C— F—, on his being satirized by an ignorant Person
by John Cunningham (1501–1591)
Whether he's worth your spleen or not, You've ask'd me to determine; I wish, my friend, a nobler lot, Than that of trampling vermin. A blockhead can't be worth our care, Unless that we'd befriend him: As you've some common sense to spare, I'll pay you what you lend him.