Classic Poem

A WELCOME pledge your letter brings, I own,
The formal gift of an Italian gown;
Not such a one as old Fabricius wore,
But such as gay Maecenas donned of yore.
Less precious were it from another hand—
Not every victim heaven can command—
But sent from you I must the name approve,
E'en if the gift itself I did not love;
And more than gift and name do I commend
The kindly judgment of my learned friend.