Poems (Hoffman)/Accepted and Rejected
ACCEPTED AND REJECTED
A modern bard of some renownScribbled a few weak couplets downAnd sent them to his printer,Then fell asleep to wait the feeThat purchased gaiety and easeFor all the coming winter.
The printer read the name thereto,"Not time to look the poem throughWhat use to question further?"No doubt a treasure he possessed.The sum is sent with the requestEre long for such another.
An humble, unknown pen inscribedA poem, yet by gold unbribed,Inwrought with Truth's pure spirit,Rich with the costly gems of thoughtAnd all with glistening beauty fraughtOf real and lasting merit.
The printer giving half askanceThe signature a passing glanceConsigned it to the stubble,Ignored the simple terms proposedBut kept the return stamp enclosedTo pay him for his trouble.