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University of Virginia Library

Blackberries

by William Allingham

Allingham, William (1824-1889)

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[Ad usum Scriptorum.]

[Though modest, as plainly her duty]

[Snort cares not for my writings. That's but fair]

[Why, Screwnose, feel thy coldness or thy gibe?]

[O bounce! O flea! how sharp you bite!]

[Great Critic Zed is rarely sweet of mood.]

[Arr does write books; and, to exalt his own]

[Scratch also writes; and if you can and do]

[On one man, Pinchley, hast thou made a keen]

[Descend from that high judgment-seat]

[Who may this be, comes lounging through the door]

[“Who wrote, tell me true]

[I've studied the Review; let me count my gains]

[Were once your Author underground]

[“Portrait of Peter Pallette by Himself,”]

[As to bribing a newspaper—that is absurd!]

[Ninny is nuisance enough; Dolt worse; but worst is the Blackguard.]

[Is Criticism of use? then, bless your eyes]

[Without feeling or humour, Witticisms,—]

[Though fools and rogues the name disgrace]

[Critics, good-bye! in peace your trade pursue!]

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[Though modest, as plainly her duty]

Though modest, as plainly her duty,
The Muse would prefer on the whole
A critic like Coleridge or Goethe
To Quirk, Bladder, Cowitch, or Mole.