Classic Poem

Poets misled by fondness for their own,
Think, the same fondness actuates the town:
Like the charm'd parent, that its child surveys,
And wonders, any, with less joy , can gaze:
Till better taught , both see their weakness , plain,
And, by their former joy , now, weigh their pain .

C ONVINC'D of this , (e'er an example made)
Our bard , by no self-love will be betray'd:
To your free judgments, he submits his cause ,
And asks, from what you feel yourselves , applause,
Yet, from your justice , dares this hope maintain,
You take no joy, to give another — pain,

JUDGMENT , oft, varies, as th' affected mind
Is, from within , to joy, or grief, inclin'd:
If pleas'd , the well wrote play affords delight ,
And each gay scene looks gayer , in your sight:
If vex'd — (as sorrow disinclines the brain,)
The poet suffers, for your private pain.

A BOVE each weakness, dare, from sense alone,
To praise , or blame , what will, to night , be shown;
If to the task unequal , he shou'd seem,
Th' attempt, to please you, merits some esteem :
If he should please — remove , at once, his pain ;
Applause will make him grateful , but not vain .