And wit from wisdom differed not in those,
But as 'twas sung in verse, or said in prose.
Then, Œdipus, on crowded theatres,
Drew all admiring eyes and list'ning ears:
The pleased spectator shouted every line,
The noblest, manliest, and the best design!
And every critic of each learned age,
By this just model has reformed the stage.
Now, should it fail, (as heaven avert our fear!)
Damn it in silence, lest the world should hear.