59

When Surface talks of other people's worth
He has the weakest memory on earth!
And when his own good deeds he deigns to mention,
His memory still is no whit better grown;
But then he makes up for it, all will own,
By a prodigious talent of invention.

First published in Morning Post, Oct. 11, 1802.

60

TO MY CANDLE

THE FAREWELL EPIGRAM

Good Candle, thou that with thy brother, Fire,
Art my best friend and comforter at night,
Just snuff'd, thou look'st as if thou didst desire
That I on thee an epigram should write.

[[970]] Dear Candle, burnt down to a finger-joint,
Thy own flame is an epigram of sight;
'Tis short, and pointed, and all over light,
Yet gives most light and burns the keenest at the point.

Valete et Plaudite.

First published in Morning Post, Oct. 11, 1802.