Lewis, Matthew Gregory (1775 - 1818) | Matthew Gregory Lewis (Poem Date 1796)
MATTHEW GREGORY LEWIS (POEM DATE 1796)
SOURCE: Lewis, Matthew Gregory. "Preface." In The Monk: A Romance. 1796. Third edition, pp. iii-v. London: J. Bell, 1797.
In the following poem, a preface to his well-known novel first published in 1796, Lewis addresses his work, minimizing both its merit and his own talent.
Imitation of Horace, Ep. 20.—B. 1.
Methinks, Oh! vain ill-judging book,
I see thee cast a wishful look,
Where reputations won and lost are
In famous row called Paternoster.
Incensed to find your precious olio
Buried in unexplored port-folio,
You scorn the prudent lock and key,
And pant well bound and gilt to see
Your volume in the window set
Of Stockdale, Hookham, or Debrett.
Go then, and pass that dangerous bourn
Whence never...
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