To a Certain Critic + 

Such guests as you, sir, were not in my mind + 

When I my homely dish with care designed; + 

’Twas certain humble souls I would have fed + 

Who do not turn from wholesome milk and bread: + 

You came, slow-trotting on the narrow way, + 

O’erturned the food, and trod it in the clay; + 

Then low with discoid nostrils sniffing curt, + 

Cried, “Sorry cook! why, what a mess of dirt!” + 