Poems By the Rev. James Hurdis ... In Three Volumes |
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| XV. | XV. ADDRESS TO CRITICISM. |
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XV. ADDRESS TO CRITICISM.
Sister of Nature, lovely Criticism,Whose friendly, exquisite, judicious touch
Softens the blaze of genius, and the work
Of every muse improves; ingenious maid,
Deem not I shun thee with a scornful eye.
Come to my side, and look upon my work:
Be seated by me. Ruminate my page;
And while my hand is loop'd about thy waist,
And my reclining head in thoughtful ease
Reposes on thy shoulder, mark my faults.
Point to the line which my impatient pen
Has hastily dismiss'd, and blot the word
Which gives offence to decency or truth.
I feel and own that I have much to mend.
Reprove me, and advise me. Thy rebuke
Is ever tender, and so mix'd with love,
'Tis but a precious medicine disguis'd,
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Such is thy censure, Cowper, whom my muse
Dares to believe, nor scruples to pronounce
The fairest critic, and the sweetest bard.
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