Page 194
To Mounsieur Bonnaud, Coun∣sellor in Ordinary to my Lord the Prince. LETTER XXI.
SIR, I acknowledge nothing in your Ver∣ses due to me but only my name, all the rest belongs to some body else; and is unfitter for me, than a Crowne for a private man. I can∣not therefore value my selfe the more, for ha∣ving a thing I cannot use; nor is it fit I should put on Ornaments, which being as unfit for me, as in themselves they are rich, would disguise me rather, than adorne me. A courtier would complaine that you mocke him; Et que vous en faites une piece, A Doctour would say, you un∣dertake a Paradox, and trie the strength of your wit, upon the noveltie of an irregular subject. I thinke, I must my selfe be of this opinion; and charge you Sir, with abusing Poetry; and for chusing an incredible thing to make it be∣leeved. Neverthelesse, seeing the Philosopher Favorinus tooke upon him to praise a fea∣vour: and the Romanes adored it: I won∣der not at your designe; for I perceive, there is nothing so bad of which may not be spoken some good; and whereof, Quelques vus n'ayent Chaumé le feste. After this extravagant Enco∣mium, and this ridiculous Temple; you might