The theatre for a young poet's rhymes

Is a bold venture in our knowing times:

An author cannot easily purchase fame;

Critics are always apt to hiss, and blame:

You may be judged by every ass in town,

The privilege is bought for half-a-crown.

To please, you must a hundred changes try;

Sometimes be humble, then must soar on high;

In noble thoughts must everywhere abound,

Be easy, pleasant, solid, and profound;