Classic Poem

GOOD-BYE , my Book. To other eyes
With equal mind, I now address you,
Since in Dame Fortune's lap it lies
Either to ban you or to bless you.

You have been long a ‘care not light’:
If those for whom you were intended
Refuse to read your page aright,
You must not therefore feel offended.

This is a Game we play, my Book:
Sometimes one scores, sometimes one misses,
And though the lot for which we look
Be neither bread-and-cheese nor kisses,

The point is: Was your purpose good?
Your meaning plain to comprehension?
Have you successfully withstood
All tedium, tattle, spite, pretension?

Have you contrived no verbal haze
To hide your poverty of matter?
Have you, unjustly, failed to praise,
Or have you, feebly, stooped to flatter?

You won't be free from fault, I know.
None would believe me if I said it.
But still—you did your best, and so,
That should be counted to your credit.