Charles Churchill

But, spite of all the criticising elves,
Those who would make us feel, must feel themselves.

But, spite of all the criticising elves,
Those who would make us feel, must feel themselves.

The oak, when living, monarch of the wood;
The English oak, which, dead, commands the flood.

The oak, when living, monarch of the wood;
The English oak, which, dead, commands the flood.

Nor waste their sweetness in the desert air.

Nor waste their sweetness in the desert air.

Who, to patch up his fame--or fill his purse--
Still pilfers wretched plans, and makes them worse;
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Who, to patch up his fame--or fill his purse--
Still pilfers wretched plans, and makes them worse;
Like gypsies, lest the stolen brat be known,
Defacing first, then claiming for his own.

Amongst the sons of men how few are known
Who dare be just to merit not their own.

Amongst the sons of men how few are known
Who dare be just to merit not their own.