Don’t think the truth I utter too severe;
And do not say—“thou little groveling elf,
Turn thine eyes inward—look upon thyself.”
Most flattering words from eager lips may fly,
But shall I pause to harmonize a lie?
If, with my pen, I use most comic art,
To ’mend the manners, or reform the heart,
Don’t think I do it out of any spite;
Surely! I would not libel one, a mite.
I use fictitious names—the facts I give