Yet still forbear: your wit (consider well)

'Tis great to show, but greater to conceal;

As it is great to seize the golden prize

Of place or power; but greater to despise.

If still you languish for an author's name,

Think private merit less than public fame,

And fancy not to write is not to live;

Deserve, and take, the great prerogative.

But ponder what it is; how dear 'twill cost,

To write one page which you may justly boast.