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Poem
May 28, 1791
Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
A satirical poem offering advice to book reviewers: never admit errors or ignorance, but provide copious extracts from works so readers can judge for themselves. Signed 'JOHN' for the Gazette of the United States.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.
D
E
S.
O D EV.
ONE MORE HINT TO REVIEWERS.
DUNCEICAL, you see, without the touch upon
My shoulder blade, of gentle Basil's hand,
To your assistance, here comes honest John,
While age Instruction by his side doth stand.
"Tis a plain, homespun, truth, I know,"
That all mankind are caught by show;
That many, who to wit, and sense,
Can have but very small pretence,
By caution, and by constant care,
Upon their fellows so impose,
That wisdom seems to fill their air,
And science wrinkle up their nose.
On you, my dear Reviewers. let me press
This great, important, and eternal law—
Let naught entice you error to confess,
Or own your judgement can admit a flaw.
But if a Book of such a kind appears
That your own ignorance you can't but feel,
Say, that your Readers have both eyes and ears,
And you will nothing from their pleasure steal.
Then, with the liberality of Heaven,
Let copious extracts from the Work be given.
JOHN.
D
E
S.
O D EV.
ONE MORE HINT TO REVIEWERS.
DUNCEICAL, you see, without the touch upon
My shoulder blade, of gentle Basil's hand,
To your assistance, here comes honest John,
While age Instruction by his side doth stand.
"Tis a plain, homespun, truth, I know,"
That all mankind are caught by show;
That many, who to wit, and sense,
Can have but very small pretence,
By caution, and by constant care,
Upon their fellows so impose,
That wisdom seems to fill their air,
And science wrinkle up their nose.
On you, my dear Reviewers. let me press
This great, important, and eternal law—
Let naught entice you error to confess,
Or own your judgement can admit a flaw.
But if a Book of such a kind appears
That your own ignorance you can't but feel,
Say, that your Readers have both eyes and ears,
And you will nothing from their pleasure steal.
Then, with the liberality of Heaven,
Let copious extracts from the Work be given.
JOHN.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Epigram
What themes does it cover?
Satire Society
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Reviewers
Satire
Book Criticism
Ignorance
Extracts
Honest John
What entities or persons were involved?
John.
Poem Details
Title
One More Hint To Reviewers.
Author
John.
Subject
Hint To Reviewers
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
"Tis A Plain, Homespun, Truth, I Know,"
That All Mankind Are Caught By Show;
Let Naught Entice You Error To Confess,
Or Own Your Judgement Can Admit A Flaw.
Then, With The Liberality Of Heaven,
Let Copious Extracts From The Work Be Given.