To a Poet
Who Would Have Me Praise Certain Bad Poets, Imitators Of His And Mine
To a Poet - meaning Summary
Praise, Imitation, and Irony
The speaker rejects a friend's suggestion to praise mediocre poets for tact. He recalls having praised others before, but argues that flattering poor imitators would be absurd and self-defeating. The final image—asking whether a dog would praise its fleas—frames such praise as unnatural and degrading. The poem casts praise as moral choice, not mere politeness, and insists on integrity over expedient compliments.
Read Complete AnalysesYou say, as I have often given tongue In praise of what another's said or sung, 'Twere politic to do the like by these; But was there ever dog that praised his fleas?
Feel free to be first to leave comment.