The poetical recreations of Mr. Alexander Craig of Rosecraig

TO HIS MOST EX∣CELLENT MAIESTIE THE HVMBLE PETITION OF his Heighnes Orator AL. CRAIG at Christmas in VVhitehall.

APelles some-time came To Ptolomaeus feast, And had well nye return'd againe Inglorius and disgrac't. For Ptolomaeus ask'd, Who cald him to that place, Then with a coale vpon the wall, He painted Planus face. The King knew Planus well, And did at once protest That hee should fast, and hee would feast Appelles with the best. So am I come Great King, Vnto thy Christmas chere, And Povertie against my will, Invit's me to be heere. You are a greater King Then Lagus sonne, altho

With Aegipt, Afrie, he vsurpt, And was th' Arabians fo. Let Povertie I pray, Receaue his due disgrace: And let thy Poet at this feast Supplie the Painters place. But Lacon some-time said Vnto a begging slaue, Giue what I will it is thy craft To beg, and ever craue. Be not affrai'd for that, (Though for this time J cry) Jf succurd once, nor seeke againe J rather sterue and dye.