An Assorted Collection of Eighteenth-Century Poetry
To Mr. Rose; sent in the Name of the Honourable Mr. Barry, one of his Schoolfellows: Occasion'd by the foregoing Verses, p. 78.
18th Century Various EnglishTo Mr. Rose; sent in the Name of the Honourable Mr. Barry, one of his Schoolfellows:
Written by the Rev. Dr. T—.
Occasion'd by the foregoing Verses, p. 78.
Believe me, Rose, howe'er this Con. may please, With flowing Numbers, and an easy Phrase; With Wit, with Humour, and with ev'ry Art, That steals the Ear, and ravishes the Heart; Howe'er his Verses are with Rapture read, They ne'er could spring from his poor Baby Head. No, no, dear Rose, his Tricks are too well known; They are his Mother's Verses, not his own.
Presumptuous Youth! this dang'rous Art forbear; Nor tempt a Character beyond thy Sphere. Let meaner Flames thy tender Breast inspire; Touch not a Beam of hers — 'Tis sacred Fire! Phoebus might trust thy Mother with his Sun; But you, fond Boy, may prove a Phaeton.