Fair criticism on young prodigies and Rosciuses in verse, or on the stage, is arraigned, ­

...as the envious sneaping frost
That bites the first-born infants of the spring.

If there were no better answer, the following a good heart would scarcely admit; ­ but where nine-tenths of the applause have been mere wonderment and miracle-lust (Wundursucht) these verses are an excellent accompaniment to other arguments:­

Well, say it be! ­ Yet why of summer boast,
Before the birds have natural cause to sing?
Why should we joy in an abortive birth?
At Christmas I no more desire a rose,
Than wish a snow in May's new budding shows;
But like of each thing that in reason grows.
Love's Labours Lost. 1

Footnote 1: Slightly altered. Ed.

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Contents, p.5