Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/436

394 As Vulcan's feet to bear Apollo's frame;

Or, with a fair complexion, to expose

Black eyes, black ringlets, but—a bottle nose!

Dear Authors! suit your topics to your strength,

And ponder well your subject, and its length;

Nor lift your load, before you're quite aware

What weight your shoulders will, or will not, bear.

But lucid Order, and Wit's siren voice,

Await the Poet, skilful in his choice;

With native Eloquence he soars along,

Grace in his thoughts, and Music in his song.

Let Judgment teach him wisely to combine

With future parts the now omitted line:

This shall the Author choose, or that reject,

Precise in style, and cautious to select;

Nor slight applause will candid pens afford

To him who furnishes a wanting word.