There is, among the Irish, a certain kinde of people, called bardes, which are to them instead of poets; whose profession is to set forth the praises or dispraises of men, in their poems or rhymes; the which are had in such high regard or esteem amongst them, that none dare displease them, for fear of running into reproach through their offence, and to be made infamous in the mouths of all men; for their verses are taken up with a general applause, and usually sung at all feasts and meetings, by certain other persons, whose proper function that is, who also receive, for the same, great rewardes and reputation amongst them.
"Minstrelsy of the Scottish border (3rd ed) (1 of 3)"
Walter Scott
How many are esteemed great kings up there, Who here shall be like unto swine in mire, Leaving behind them horrible dispraises!
"Divine-Comedy-Longfellow-s-Translation-Complete"
Dante Alighieri
What to your kings may not the Persians say, When they that volume opened shall behold In which are written down all their dispraises?
"Divine-Comedy-Longfellow-s-Translation-Complete"
Dante Alighieri