Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN AUTHOREM, AMICISSIMUM SUUM, by JOSEPH ROSSE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN AUTHOREM, AMICISSIMUM SUUM, by                    
First Line: The privilege that pen and paper find
Last Line: Is that which crowns the verge of whiting's story.
Subject(s): Whiting, Nathaniel (1615-1670)


THE privilege that pen and paper find
'Mongst men falls short, reflecting to the mind.
Virtue herself no other worth displays
Than cank'red censure leaves behind, as rays.
But mental cabonets are they that yield
No forfeiture to batt'ring critics' shield.
If thoughts might character deserts, I dare
Challenge my pencil for the largest share.
But when the vultures of our age must gnaw,
I'll cease for modesty, and say, 'tis law.
It's safer far to fail of debt than t' be
Soaring in terms that badge of flattery.
I hate the name, and therefore freely give
My verdict thus as may have power to live
'Gainst calumny. If wit and learning may
Pass with applause, the author hath the day.
Crown'd be those brows with everlasting day.
Whose worth a pattern is to future days.
'Tis not a poem dropp'd from strength of grape.
That's debtor to the wine's inspiring sap,
He to himself alone. Cease urging, earth,
The father well deserve[s] so fair a birth.
And, if a witness may be lawful, then
I'll undertake 't shall fear no vote of men.
But wherein Art is bold itself to glory
Is that which crowns the verge of Whiting's story.





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