Two Poets, (poets, by report, <br />Not oft so well agree,) <br />Sweet harmonist of Flora's court! <br />Conspire to honour thee. <br /> <br />They best can judge a poet's worth, <br />Who oft themselves have known <br />The pangs of a poetic birth <br />By labours of their own. <br /> <br />We therefore pleased extol thy song, <br />Though various yet complete, <br />Rich in embellishment as strong, <br />And learned as 'tis sweet. <br /> <br />No envy mingles with our praise; <br />Though, could our hearts repine <br />At any poet's happier lays, <br />They would -- they must at thine. <br /> <br />But we, in mutual bondage knit <br />Of friendship's closest tie, <br />Can gaze on even Darwin's wit <br />With an unjaundiced eye; <br /> <br />And deem the Bard, whoe'er he be, <br />And howsoever known, <br />Who would not twine a wreath for thee, <br />Unworthy of his own.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lines-addressed-to-dr-darwin-author-of-the-botanic-garden/
