My low deserts consist not with applause So kindly - when I fain would deem it so, My sad heart, musing on its proper flaws, Thy gentle commendation must forego; As toys, which, glued together, hold awhile, But, haply brought too near some searching fire, Start from their frail compacture, and beguile The child, that pieced them, of his fond desire: I was a very child for that brief tide, Whenas I join'd and solder'd thy good word With my poor merits - 'twas a moment's pride - The flames of conscience sunder'd their accord: My heart dropt off in sorrow from thy praise, Self-knowledge baulk'd self-love so many ways. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VERSES WHY BURNT by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR STREET CORNER COLLEGE by KENNETH PATCHEN THE POET'S SONG FOR HIS WIFE by BRYAN WALLER PROCTER THE FAIR THIEF by CHARLES WYNDHAM THE GIRLS' LOT by AGATHIAS SCHOLASTICUS |