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.