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Have been devoted thus to rust and gain,
Be capable of high and generous thoughts?
Can Verses writ by such an Author live?
But you (brave Youth) wise Numa's worthy Heir,
Remember of what weight your Judgment is,
And never venture to commend a Book,
That has not pass'd all Judges and all Tests.
A Poet should instruct, or please, or both;
Let all your precepts be succinct and clear,
That ready wits may comprehend them soon,
And faithfull memories retain them long;
For superfluities are soon forgot.
Never be so conceited of your Parts,
To think you may persuade us what you please,
Or venture to bring in a Child alive,
That Canibals have murther'd and devour'd;
Old age explodes all but Morality;
Austerity offends aspiring Youths,
Be capable of high and generous thoughts?
Can Verses writ by such an Author live?
But you (brave Youth) wise Numa's worthy Heir,
Remember of what weight your Judgment is,
And never venture to commend a Book,
That has not pass'd all Judges and all Tests.
A Poet should instruct, or please, or both;
Let all your precepts be succinct and clear,
That ready wits may comprehend them soon,
And faithfull memories retain them long;
For superfluities are soon forgot.
Never be so conceited of your Parts,
To think you may persuade us what you please,
Or venture to bring in a Child alive,
That Canibals have murther'd and devour'd;
Old age explodes all but Morality;
Austerity offends aspiring Youths,
But
