Be caused by verse like mine: though that 's no cause

For his defrauding me of just applause.

LXXXV

"Aha, he fears the Forty, this poltroon?

First let him fear me! Change smooth speech to rough!

I 'll speak my mind out, show the fellow soon

Who is the foe to dread: insist enough

On my own merits till, as clear as noon,

He sees I am no man to take rebuff

As patiently as scribblers may and must!