I’VE penned a score of essays bright,
In Addison’s best style;
I’ve taken many a lofty flight,
The Muses to beguile.

Of novels I have written few—
I think no more than ten;
With history I’ve had to do,
Like several other men.

And still, to my intense regret,
Through all my woe and weal,
I’ve never penned a volume yet,
A foreigner would steal.