Page:An Essay on Poetry - Sheffield (1709).pdf/5



F Things in which Mankind does most excel, Nature's chief Master-piece is Writing well; And of all sorts of Writing none there are That can the least with Poetry compare: No kind of work requires so nice a touch, And if well finish'd, nothing shines so much; But Heav'n forbid we should be so profane, To grace the Vulgar with that Sacred Name; 'Tis not a Flash of Fancy which sometimes Dazling our minds, sets off the slightest Rhimes; Bright as a Blaze, but in a Moment done; True Wit is everlasting, like the Sun; Which tho' sometimes behind a cloud retir'd, Breaks out again, and is by all admir'd. Rh