Classic Poem

IN Art some hold Themselves content
If they but compass what they meant;
Others prefer, their Purpose gained,
Still to find Something unattained —
Something whereto they vaguely grope
With no more Aid than that of Hope.
Which are the Wiser? Who shall say!
The prudent Follower of G AY
Declines to speak for either View,
But sets his Fable 'twixt the two.

Once — 'twas in good Queen A NNA'S Time —
While yet in this benighted Clime
The Genius of the A RTS (now known
On mouldy Pediments alone)
Protected all the Men of Mark,
Two Painters met Her in the Park.
Whether She wore the Robe of Air
Portrayed by V ERRIO and L AGUERRE ;
Or, like B ELINDA , trod this Earth,
Equipped with Hoop of monstrous Girth,
And armed at every Point for Slaughter
With Essences and Orange-water,
I know not: but it seems that then,
After some talk of Brush and Pen, —
Some chat of Art both High and Low,
Of V AN'S " Goose-Pie " and K NELLER'S " Mot , " —
The Lady, as a Goddess should,
Bade Them ask of Her what They would.
" Then, Madam, my request, " says B RISK ,
Giving his Ramillie a whisk,
" Is that your Majesty will crown
My humble Efforts with Renown.
Let me, I beg it — Thanks to You —
Be praised for Everything I do,
Whether I paint a Man of Note,
Or only plan a Petticoat. "
" Nay, " quoth the other, " I confess "
(This One was plainer in his Dress,
And even poorly clad), " for me,
I scorn Your Popularity.
Why should I care to catch at once
The Point of View of every Dunce?
Let me do well, indeed, but find
The Fancy first, the Work behind;
Nor wholly touch the thing I wanted . . . . "
The Goddess both Petitions granted.

Each in his Way, achieved Success;
But One grew Great. And which One? Guess.