Ode to a Publisher-Editor

"An honest Stationer (or Publisher) is he, that exercizeth his Mystery (whether it be in printing, bynding or selling of Bookes) with more respect to the glory of God & the publike advantage than to his owne Commodity & is both an ornament & a profitable member in a civill Commonwealth.... 
If he be a Printer he makes conscience to exemplefy his Coppy fayrely & truly. 

"If he be a Booke-bynder, he is no meere Bookeseller (that is) one who selleth meerely ynck & paper bundled up together for his owne advantage only: but he is a Chapman of Arts, of wisdome, & of much experience for a little money.... 

"The reputation of Schollers is as deare unto him as his owne: For, he acknowledgeth that from them his Mystery had both begining and means of continuance. He heartely loves & seekes the Prosperity of his owne Corporation: Yet he would not injure the Universityes to advantage it. 

"In a word, he is such a man that the State ought to cherish him; Schollers to love him; good Customers to frequent his shopp; and the whole Company of Stationers to pray for him."

--GEORGE WITHER (1588-1667), poet, author

One can only hope Wither wasn't writing satire!