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.