TO THE CRITIC
What's written's written; whether good or bad
I know not, and must leave you to assess:
'Tis done, and even if you condemn, no less
That it is done shall I henceforth be glad;
For in it, not too thickly veiled or clad,
My verse doth much of what I am express,
Although to read it needs some wariness
Not to mistake its message gay or sad.
I know not, and must leave you to assess:
'Tis done, and even if you condemn, no less
That it is done shall I henceforth be glad;
For in it, not too thickly veiled or clad,
My verse doth much of what I am express,
Although to read it needs some wariness
Not to mistake its message gay or sad.
Whether the verse attract you or repel
In it you'll find no posing insincere;
And if no powerful inspiration swell
Its music to a note divine and clear,
It may be something in its verse doth dwell
That will to some kind hearts the bard endear.
In it you'll find no posing insincere;
And if no powerful inspiration swell
Its music to a note divine and clear,
It may be something in its verse doth dwell
That will to some kind hearts the bard endear.