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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EPISTLE TO MR. POPE: THE BLACK MILITIA OF THE PEN by EDWARD YOUNG (1683-1765)

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THESE LABOURING WITS, LIKE PAVIOURS, MEND OUR WAYS
Last Line: COMPOSE THE BLACK MILITIA OF THE PEN.
Subject(s): CRITICISM & CRITICS; WRITING & WRITERS;
@3These@1 labouring wits, like paviours, mend our ways,
With heavy, huge, repeated, flat, essays;
Ram their coarse nonsense down, though ne'er so dull;
And hem at every thump upon your skull;
@3These@1 staunch-bred writing hounds begin to cry,
And honest folly echoes to the lye.
O how I laugh, when I a blockhead see,
Thanking a villain for his @3probity.@1
Who stretches out a most respectful ear,
With snares for woodcocks in his holy leer:
I tickles through my soul to hear the @3cock's@1
Sincere encomium on his friend the @3fox,@1
Sole @3patron@1 of his @3liberties@1 and @3rights!@1
While graceless @Reynard@1 listens -- till he bites.

As when the trumpet sounds, the o'er loaded state
Discharges all her @3poor@1 and @3profligate@1;
Crimes of all kinds dishonour'd weapons wield,
And @3prisons@1 pour their filth into the field;
Thus nature's refuse, and the dregs of men,
Compose the @3black militia of the pen.@1



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