Await alike exposure, dreaded power!
The paths of folly lead but to disgrace.
Yes; still my name to rescue from neglect,
Some frail memorial that on bookstalls lie,
With uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture deck’d,
Implore the passing tribute of a sigh.
For who, to dumb forgetfulness a prey,
Such pleasing transient laurels e’er resign’d,
Left his proud height, the idol of a day,
Nor cast one longing, ling’ring look behind?