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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 ?  






Book: Reflection on the Important Things