Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO THE AUTHOR, by GEORGE WITHER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE AUTHOR, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis known I scorn to flatter, or commend
Last Line: Tis prais'd by wiser and more learn'd than he.
Subject(s): Browne, William (1591-1645)


'TIS known I scorn to flatter, or commend,
What merits not applause, though in my friend;
Which by my censure should now more appear,
Were this not full as good as thou art dear:
But since thou couldst not (erring) make it so,
That I might by impartial humour show
By finding fault; nor one of these friends tell
How to show love so ill, that I as well
Might paint out mine: I feel an envious touch,
And tell thee, swain, that at thy fame I grutch,
Wishing the art that makes this poem shine,
And this thy work (wert not thou wronged) mine.
For when detraction shall forgotten be,
This will continue to eternize thee;
And if hereafter any busy wit
Should, wronging thy conceit, miscensure it,
Though seeming learn'd or wise: here he shall see,
'Tis prais'd by wiser and more learn'd than he.





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