Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EPISTLE TO MR. POPE: THE BLACK MILITIA OF THE PEN, by EDWARD YOUNG (1683-1765)



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EPISTLE TO MR. POPE: THE BLACK MILITIA OF THE PEN, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: These labouring wits, like paviours, mend our ways
Last Line: Compose the black militia of the pen.
Subject(s): Criticism & Critics; Writing & Writers


These labouring wits, like paviours, mend our ways,
With heavy, huge, repeated, flat, essays;
Ram their coarse nonsense down, though ne'er so dull;
And hem at every thump upon your skull;
These staunch-bred writing hounds begin to cry,
And honest folly echoes to the lye.
O how I laugh, when I a blockhead see,
Thanking a villain for his probity.
Who stretches out a most respectful ear,
With snares for woodcocks in his holy leer:
I tickles through my soul to hear the cock's
Sincere encomium on his friend the fox,
Sole patron of his liberties and rights!
While graceless @Reynard listens -- till he bites.

As when the trumpet sounds, the o'er loaded state
Discharges all her poor and profligate;
Crimes of all kinds dishonour'd weapons wield,
And prisons pour their filth into the field;
Thus nature's refuse, and the dregs of men,
Compose the black militia of the pen.





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