Dear critics, do not criticise Too harshly, for the arrant wise May ape the rashness of the fool, And, damning by too stern a rule, Make rank injustice wear the guise Of right. Thus fortune oft denies A just reward to him who tries With effort greater than you cool, Dear critics do. It may be that Diana's eyes, Young Chloe's cheek and Juliet's sighs Are subjects trite, save in the school Where love makes youth its pliant tool; But be benign and sympathize, Dear critics, do! |