Our worthy Founder, Gentlemen, this day Appoints our youth an hour's poetic play, And that I yearly at this time should choose A single subject for their varied muse, That you may see how fancy will create A diff'rent image in each youngster's pate. Now, since our Milton, a renowned name, Has been attack'd for stealing into fame, I told them,—"Lads, now be upon your guard; "Exert yourselves, and save your famous bard. "He's call'd a plagiary;—'tis yours to shew "The vain reproach, to silence Milton's foe. "The point at which ye now must take your aim, "Remember as ye rhyme, is MILTON'S FAME; "Fame as a Poet only, as attack'd "For plund'ring verses:—ne'er contest the fact; "Defend your bard, tho' granted; and confine "To three times six, at most, your eager line." Then lend a fav'ring ear while they rehearse Short, and almost extemporary verse, A thought work'd up that came into the mind, With rhymes the first and fittest they could find: Such was their task;—the boys have done their best; Take what you like, Sirs, and excuse the rest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CAMBODIAN BOX by KAREN SWENSON ONCE BEFORE by MARY ELIZABETH MAPES DODGE THE HARP by RALPH WALDO EMERSON OF TREASON by MARCUS VALERIUS MARTIALIS CLANCY OF THE MOUNTED POLICE by ROBERT WILLIAM SERVICE |