19 April 2007

W.B. [To] Mr. Butts August 16, 1803

“And the pen is my terror. the pencil my shame
All my Talents I bury, and Dead is my Fame

I am either too low or too highly prizd

When Elate I
am Envy'd, When Meek I'm despisd

My person degrade & my temper chastise

Then my verse I dishonour. My pictures despise

Then I'm silent &
passive & lose every Friend
When I look each one starts! when I speak I offend


Why was I not born like the rest of my race

O why was I born with a different face”

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