[BNP/E3, 77 – 57]

To the Critic.

To its own father that child fair doth seem

Which unbribed eyes may but indifferent deem;

Therefore this book, my child's first son too dear,

Do thou inspect with careful search austere.

If good, I better promise to indict;

If bad, I will not think thou sayest right.

'Tis not my pride, but human nature, friend,

Owning no wrong doth covertly amend.

Alexander Search.

1904. June.