They think all learning fix'd within their walls:
In manners rude, in foolish forms precise,
All modern arts, affecting to despise.
Yet prizing _Bentley's[6] Brunck's[6]_ or _Porson's_[7] note,
More than the _verse, on which the critic wrote_;
With eager haste, they court the tool of power,
(Whether 'tis PITT or PETTY rules the hour:)
To _him_, with suppliant smiles they bend the head,
Whilst mitres, prebends, to their eyes are spread.
But should a storm o'erwhelm him with disgrace,
They'd fly to seek the next, who fill'd his place;
_Such_ are the men who learning's treasures guard,
_Such_ is their _practice_, such is their _reward_;
This _much_ at least we may presume to say,
Th' _reward's_ scarce equal, to the _price_ they _pay_.

1806.

[Footnote 6: Celebrated Critics.]

[Footnote 7: The present Greek Professor at Cambridge.]

* * * * *


TO MARY, ON RECEIVING HER PICTURE.


1.