On one, we fear, your choice must fall—
The least engaging of them all—[356]
Her visage stern—an angry style—
A clouded brow—malicious smile—
A mind on murdered victims placed—
She, only she, can please the taste!
[340] First published in the 1788 edition. It doubtless records the poet's mood a year or two after his first book, the 1786 collection, was given to the public. Its original title was "An Author's Soliloquy." In 1795 the title was changed to "An Author on Authorship." Text from the 1809 edition.
[341] "Time's broad stage."—Ed. 1788.
[342] "Pedants."—Ib.
[343] The poem in the 1788 version is wholly in the first person.
[344] "What most torments my boding mind."—Ed. 1788.
[345] "No critic."—Ib.
[346] "Read."—Ib.
[347] "With dead men's works my book is class'd."—Ib.
[348] This line and the following not in the original version.