Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/465

Rh Am I not wise, if such some poets' plight,

To purge in spring—like Bayes —before I write?

If this precaution softened not my bile,

I know no scribbler with a madder style;

But since (perhaps my feelings are too nice)

I cannot purchase Fame at such a price,

I'll labour gratis as a grinders' wheel,

And, blunt myself, give edge to other's steel,

Nor write at all, unless to teach the art

To those rehearsing for the Poet's part;

From Horace show the pleasing paths of song,

And from my own example—what is wrong.

Though modern practice sometimes differs quite,

'Tis just as well to think before you write;