One of our late great poets is sunk in his reputation, because he could never forgive any conceit which came in his way; but swept like a drag-net, great and small. There was plenty enough, but the dishes were ill-sorted; whole pyramids of sweetmeats, for boys and women; but little of solid meat for men.

Of Abraham Cowley

Fables Ancient and Modern (1700)


One of our late great poets is sunk in his reputation, because he could never forgive any conceit which came in his way; but swept like a drag-net,...

One of our late great poets is sunk in his reputation, because he could never forgive any conceit which came in his way; but swept like a drag-net,...

One of our late great poets is sunk in his reputation, because he could never forgive any conceit which came in his way; but swept like a drag-net,...

One of our late great poets is sunk in his reputation, because he could never forgive any conceit which came in his way; but swept like a drag-net,...