Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/174

Verse was the language of the gods of old,
In which their sacred oracles were told;
In verse were the first rules of virtue taught,
And doctrine thence, as now from pulpits sought;
By verse some have the love of princes gained,
Who oft vouchsafe so to be entertained,
And with a muse their weighty cares unbend.
Then think it no disparagement, dear sir.
To own yourself a member of that choir
Whom kings esteem, and Heaven does inspire.
Concerning poets there has been contest,
Whether they're made by art or nature best;
But if I may presume in this affidr.
Amongst the rest my judgment to declare.
No art without a genius will avail.
And parts without the help of art will fail:
But both ingredients jointly must unite
To make the happy character completa
None at Newmarket ever won the prize,
But used his airings and his exercise.
His courses and his diets long before,
And wine and women for a time forbore;
Nor is there any singing-man, we know,
Of good repute in a cathedral now,
But was a learner once, he'll freely own.
And by long practice to that skill has grown.
But each conceited dunce, without pretence
To the least grain of learning, parts, or sense.
Or anything but hardened impudence.
Sets up for poetry, and dares engage
With all the topping writers of the age:
'Why should not he put in among the rest?
Damn him I he scorns to come behind the best;
Declares himself a wit, and vows to draw
On the next man, whoe'er disowns him so.'
Scribblers of quality who have estate.

To gain applauding fools at any rate,