Tixall Poetry.
251
I never try'd to learn the tedious laws,
Or sought, in pleading of a desperate cause,
To sell my breath for interest or applause.
Or sought, in pleading of a desperate cause,
To sell my breath for interest or applause.
Such little things I scorn; I nobly aim
At that which may secure a lasting fame,
And through the world immortalize my name.
At that which may secure a lasting fame,
And through the world immortalize my name.
Old Chaucer shall, for his facetious style,
Be read and praised by warlike Britons, while
The sea enriches and defends their isle.
Be read and praised by warlike Britons, while
The sea enriches and defends their isle.
While the whole earth resounds Eliza's fame,
Who aw'd the French, and did the Spaniard tame,
The English will remember Spenser's name.
Who aw'd the French, and did the Spaniard tame,
The English will remember Spenser's name.
While flatt'rers thrive and parasites shall dine,
While commonwealths afford a Catiline,
Laborious Jonson shall be thought divine.
While commonwealths afford a Catiline,
Laborious Jonson shall be thought divine.
Thee, Shakespear! poets ever shall adore,
Whose wealthy fancy left so vast a store,
They still refine thy rough but precious ore.
Whose wealthy fancy left so vast a store,
They still refine thy rough but precious ore.
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