The Mourning Bride. William Congreve

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       Still they proceed, and, at our Charge, write worse;

       'Twere some Amends if they could reimburse:

       But there's the Devil, tho' their Cause is lost,

       There's no recovering Damages or Cost.

       Good Wits, forgive this Liberty we take,

       Since Custom gives the Losers leave to speak.

       But if provok'd, your dreadful Wrath remains,

       Take your Revenge upon the coming Scenes:

       For that damn'd Poet's spar'd who Damns a Brother,

       As one Thief 'scapes, that Executes another.

       Thus far alone does to the Wits relate;

       But from the rest we hope a better Fate.

       To please and move has been our Poet's Theme,

       Art may direct, but Nature is his aim;

       And Nature miss'd, in vain he boasts his Art,

       For only Nature can affect the Heart.

       Then freely judge the Scenes that shall ensue,

       But as with Freedom, judge with Candour too.

       He wou'd not lose thro Prejudice his Cause;

       Nor wou'd obtain precariously Applause.

       Impartial Censure he requests from all,

       Prepar'd, by just Decrees to stand, or fall.