Now expectation hath, at full receiv'd,
What we late promised; if in aught we've pleas'd,
'Tis all we sought t'accomplish; and much more
Than our weak merit dares to attribute
Unto itself, till you vouchsafe to deign,
In your kind censure, so to gratify
Our trivial labours.——
If it hath pleased the judicial ear,
We have our author's wish; and, void of fear,
Dare ignorant men to show their worst of hate,
It not detracts, but adds unto that state
Where desert flourisheth.
We'll rest applauded in their derogation,
Though with a hiss they crown that confirmation.
For this our author saith, if't prove distasteful,
He only grieves you spent two hours so wasteful;
But if it like,[403] and you affect his pen,
You may command it, when you please, again.