John Davies, 1610 (1565?-1618)
“To our English Terence, Mr. Will. Shakespeare.”
Some say, good Will, which I in sport do sing,
Had’st thou not play’d some kingly parts in sport,
Thou had’st been a companion for a king,
And been a king among the meaner sort.
Some others rail; but rail as they think fit,
Thou hast no railing, but a reigning wit:
And honesty thou sow’st which they do reap;
So, to increase their stock which they do keep:
The Scourge of Folly, consisting of Satyricall Epigramms and others. 1611.