The poetical remains of William Sidney Walker ... Edited with a memoir of the author by the Rev. J. Moultrie |
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HOR. 1. 22, IMITATED. |
 | The poetical remains of William Sidney Walker |  |
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HOR. 1. 22, IMITATED.
“Integer vitæ scelerisque purus,” &c.
The man, my Moultrie, arm'd with native strength,
And of his own worth conscious, needs no aid
Of venal critic, or ephemeral puff
Prelusive, or satiric quiver stored
With poison'd shafts defensive: fearless he
Sends forth his work, essay, or ode, or note
On crabb'd Greek play, or squib political.
Him nor the fierce Eclectic's foaming page
Aught troubles, nor the uncourteous Times, nor yet
The Journal, which, misnamed of Classics, deals
Its three-months' errors out. For me of late
In Johnian walks sole wandering, while the thoughts
Of Emily beyond my wonted bounds
Drew me excursive, a reviewer stern
Encount'ring, with kind words of courtesy
Accosted bland, and me, though ill prepared
For critic fight, assail'd not; scribe, like whom
Oak-crown'd Germania from her warlike shore
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Dry-nurse of critics. Place me on the earth's
Far limit, where, o'er sluggish Muscovy,
The winds blow frore, and mists of ignorance dark
O'erhang the north side of the world: beneath
Some Dey's stern nod, in torrid Barbary
Place me, where books are none: yet, fearless still,
I'll sing of Emily, and, in fit strain,
Record her tuneful voice and thrilling smiles.
| The poetical remains of William Sidney Walker | |