To John Johnston, Esq., On His Presenting Me With An Antique Bust Of Homer.
By William Cowper
Kinsman beloved, and as a son, by me!
When I behold the fruit of thy regard,
The sculptured form of my old favourite bard,
I reverence feel for him, and love for thee:
Joy too and griefmuch joy that there should be,
Wise men and learnd, who grudge not to reward
With some applause my bold attempt and hard,
Which others scorn; critics by courtesy.
The grief is this, that, sunk in Homers mine,
I lose my precious years, now soon to fail,
Handling his gold, which, howsoeer it shine,
Proves dross when balanced in the Christian scale.
Be wiser thoulike our forefather Donne,
Seek heavenly wealth, and work for God alone.