17.12.2012, 17:02
As there is strength or weakness, or the want
Of beauty when the contrary prevails,
That envied radiance where it sometimes fails,
'Tis saidihaX many rather would be scant
Of the enduring theme of Blair or Mant,
So is it in th' Epigrammatic way —
Compressing where you otherwise descant,
Nature condenses in the diamond's ray —
There's either excellence or proving short,
Of what you are not vastly long in testing.
As gold is to the potent trial brought,
So is your aptitude for wit and jesting,
In which the wisest may show, like the fool,
A voluntary placing on correction's stool.
Of beauty when the contrary prevails,
That envied radiance where it sometimes fails,
'Tis saidihaX many rather would be scant
Of the enduring theme of Blair or Mant,
So is it in th' Epigrammatic way —
Compressing where you otherwise descant,
Nature condenses in the diamond's ray —
There's either excellence or proving short,
Of what you are not vastly long in testing.
As gold is to the potent trial brought,
So is your aptitude for wit and jesting,
In which the wisest may show, like the fool,
A voluntary placing on correction's stool.