Classic Poem

Prodigious Madness of the writing Race!
Ardent of Fame, yet fearless of Disgrace.
Without a boding Tear, or anxious Sigh,
The Bard obdurate sees his Brother die.
Deaf to the Critick, Sullen to the Friend,
Not One takes Warning, by another's End.
Oft has our Bard in this disastrous Year,
Beheld the Tragic Heroes taught to fear.
Oft has he seen the indignant Orange fly,
And heard th'ill Omen'd Catcall's direful Cry.
Yet dares to venture on the dangerous Stage,
And weakly hopes to 'scape the Critick's Rage.
This Night he hopes to shew that Farce may charm,
Tho' no lewd Hint the mantling Virgin warm,
That useful Truth with Humour may unite,
That Mirth may mend, and Innocence delight.