Sonnet XLIX

ON THE USE OF NEW AND OLD WORDS IN POETRY.

While with false pride, and narrow jealousy,

Numbers reject each new expression, won,

Perchance, from language richer than our own,

O! with glad welcome may the Poet see

Extension's golden vantage! the decree

Each way exclusive, scorn, and re-enthrone

The obsolete, if strength, or grace of tone

Or imagery await it, with a free,

And liberal daring!—For the Critic Train,

Whose eyes severe our verbal stores review,

Let the firm Bard require that they explain

Their cause of censure; then in balance true

Weigh it; but smile at the objections vain

Of sickly Spirits, hating for they do!