On Poet-Ape

LVI.
 ? ON POET-APE.
  
       Poor POET-APE, that would be thought our chief, 
    Whose works are e'en the frippery of wit, 
 From brokage is become so bold a thief, 
    As we, the robb'd, leave rage, and pity it.
 
 At first he made low shifts, would pick and glean, 
    Buy the reversion of old plays ;  now grown 
 To a little wealth, and credit in the scene, 
    He takes up all, makes each man's wit his own : 
 And, told of this, he slights it.
  Tut, such crimes 
    The sluggish gaping auditor devours ; 
 He marks not whose 'twas first : and after-times 
    May judge it to be his, as well as ours.
 
 Fool !  as if half eyes will not know a fleece 
    From locks of wool, or shreds from the whole piece ?  

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