Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SPECIOUS AND SUPERFICIAL WRITERS, by JOHN BYROM



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SPECIOUS AND SUPERFICIAL WRITERS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: How rare the case, tho' common the pretence
Last Line: Paid without scruple,—he enjoys the trash.
Subject(s): Books; Reason; Writing & Writers; Reading; Intellect; Rationalism; Brain; Mind; Intellectuals


HOW rare the case, tho' common the pretence,
To write on subjects from a real sense!
'Tis many a celebrated author's fate,
To print effusions just as Parrots prate;
He moulds a matter, that he once was taught,
In various shapes, and thinks that it is Thought.
Words at command he marshals in array,
And proves—whatever he is pleas'd to say;
While learning like a torrent pours along,
And sweeps away the subject, right or wrong.
One follows for a while a rolling theme,
Toss'd in the middle of the rapid stream;
Till, out of sight, with like impetuous force
Torn from its roots, another takes the course,
While froth and bubble glaze the flowing mud,
And the man thinks all clear and understood;
A shining surface and a transient view
Make the slight-witted reader think so too.
It entertains him, and the book is bought,
Read, and admir'd without expense of thought;
No tax impos'd upon his wits,—his cash
Paid without scruple,—he enjoys the trash.





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