They think all learning fix'd within their walls:

In manners rude, in foolish forms precise,

All modern arts, affecting to despise.

Yet prizing Bentley's6 Brunck's6 or Porson's7 note,

More than the verse, on which the critic wrote;

With eager haste, they court the tool of power,

(Whether 'tis PITT or PETTY rules the hour:)

[pg 28]

To him, with suppliant smiles they bend the head,

Whilst mitres, prebends, to their eyes are spread.

But should a storm o'erwhelm him with disgrace,

They'd fly to seek the next, who fill'd his place;

Such are the men who learning's treasures guard,

Such is their practice, such is their reward;

This much at least we may presume to say,

Th' reward's scarce equal, to the price they pay.

1806.

CONTENTS

(return)

Celebrated Critics.

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