If nought peculiar through your labours run,

They're duplicates, and twenty are but one.

Think frequently, think close, read nature, turn

Men's manners o'er, and half your volumes burn;

To nurse with quick reflection be your strife,

Thoughts born from present objects, warm from life:

When most unsought, such inspirations rise,

Slighted by fools, and cherish'd by the wise:

Expect peculiar fame from these alone;

These make an author, these are all your own.