Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain.

Write how you want, the critic shall show the world you could have written better.

The best way to make your audience laugh is to start laughing yourself.

Alike all ages. Dames of ancient days Have led their children through the mirthful maze, And the gay grandsire, skill'd in gestic lore, Has frisk'd beneath the burden of threescore.

Her modest looks the cottage might adorn, Sweet as the primrose peeps beneath the thorn.

Where wealth and freedom reign contentment fails, And honour sinks where commerce long prevails.

To me more dear, congenial to my heart, One native charm, than all the gloss of art.