Classic Poem

Grammar, which taught the poet first to write,
Is by the poet now taught to delight.
And poesy, which once unto the school
Ow'd its instructions, now to that's a rule.
Thy grateful pen to science does impart
Civility, and requites art with art.
Yet not like some (who think they hardly should
Be thought to understand, if understood,)
Dost thou the minds of weaker tyros vex,
Or as perplex'd with th'art, the art perplex,
But whate'er seem'd therein obscure, maks't clear,
Brief, what prolix, smooth, what did rough appear;
That so the art to learners now is seen
As in a flat, which hills and woods did screen.
How should they err, their journey's end in view,
Their way so pleasing, and their guide so true!
Rest then secure of fame, nor think thy worth
Can by a private hand be well set forth.
Attempts which to the public profit raise
Expect, nor merit less than public praise.