To the Critic

What's written's written; whether good or bad I know not, and must leave you to assess: 'Tis done, and even if you condemn, no less That it is done shall I henceforth be glad; For in it, not too thickly veiled or clad, My verse doth much of what I am express, Although to read it needs some wariness Not to mistake its message gay or sad.

Whether the verse attract you or repel In it you'll find no posing insincere; And if no powerful inspiration swell Its music to a note divine and clear, It may be something in its verse doth dwell That will to some kind hearts the bard endear.