Page:An Essay on Criticism - Pope (1711).pdf/26

 All which, exact to Rule were brought about, Were but a Combate in the Lists left out. ''What! Leave the Combate out''? Exclaims the Knight; Yes, or we must renounce the Stagyrite. Not so by Heav'n (he answers in a Rage) Knights, Squires, and Steeds, must enter on the Stage. The Stage can ne'er so vast a Throng contain. Then build a New, or act it in a Plain. Thus Criticks, of less Judgment than Caprice, Curious, not Knowing, not exact, but nice, Form short Ideas; and offend in Arts (As most in Manners) by a Love to Parts. Some to Conceit alone their Taste confine, And glitt'ring Thoughts struck out at ev'ry Line; Pleas'd with a Work where nothing's just or fit; One glaring Chaos and wild Heap of Wit: Poets like Painters, thus, unskill'd to trace The naked Nature and the living Grace, With Gold and Jewels cover ev'ry Part, And hide with Ornaments their Want of Art. True