Some are not gaudy, but are flat and dry;

Not to be low, another soars too high.

Would you of every one deserve the praise?

In writing vary your discourse and phrase;

A frozen style, that neither ebbs nor flows,

Instead of pleasing, makes us gape and dose.

Those tedious authors are esteemed by none

Who tire us, humming the same heavy tone.

Happy who in his verse can gently steer,

From grave to light; from pleasant to severe: