Note 127 — Epigrammes.
Reading edition
That is 'Lepidus's printed dog.' The following epigram by Sir John Harington determines that he is the Lepidus of this passage, and that his favourite dog Bungey is the "printed dog." In a compartment of the engraved title-page to Harington's Orlando Furioso, 1591, is a representation of Bungey (see too the Annotations on Book xli. of that poem); and hence he is termed by Davies the "printed dog."
"AGAINST MOMUS, IN PRAISE OF HIS DOG BUNGEY."
Because a witty writer of this time Doth make some mention in a pleasant rime Of Lepidus and of his famous dog, Thou, Momus, that dost loue to scoffe and cog, Prat'st amongst base companions, and giv'st out That unto me herein is meant a flout. Hate makes thee blind, Momus: I dare be sworn, He meant to me his loue, to thee his scorn. Put on thy envious spectacles, and see Whom doth he scorn therein, the dog or me? The dog is grac'd, comparèd with great Banks, Both beasts right famous for their pretty pranks; Although in this I grant the dog was worse, He only fed my pleasure, not my purse: Yet that same dog, I may say this and boast it, He found my purse with gold when I haue [had] lost it. Now for myself: some fooles (like thee) may judge That at the name of Lepidus I grudge: No sure; so far I think it from disgrace, I wisht it cleare to me and to my race. Lepus, or Lepos, I in both haue part; That in my name I beare, this in mine heart. But Momus, I perswade myself that no man Will deigne thee such a name, English or Roman. Ile wage a but of Sack, the best in Bristo, Who cals me Lepid, I will call him Tristo."
Epigrams, Book iii. Ep. 21. edition folio. D.