WHY so misname the writer's task?
The honor all is hers;
"A favor," if a Poet ask,
A favor he confers.
Yet to fulfil the kind request
Is skill she dare not own;–
Who to a poet can suggest
A thought to him unknown?
What can the roving eye explore
That earth or heaven displays,
But his has glanced upon before,
With more enraptured gaze?
Or should a heart its tale reveal
Of hidden joy or wo;–
What is there that a heart can feel,
But his must better know?
Forbear a further plea to bring,
Since taste and truth agree,
That none can touch the sacred string
With truth and taste, but he.
