A kindly word if you should please br Don't wave the blade without relent, br No hate nor scorn that cuts me through br And has no space for sentiment. br br The critics hand although precise br Has often never held a quill, br And yet he always feels it fit br To savage and impose his will. br br When rambling prose can reap reward br Against a finely crafted rhyme, br So easy to the ear and eye br Yet criticized as if a crime. br br I shall not change my style or ways br To suit the mentors of this land, br And those who care to follow me br I'll shake them warmly by the hand.