The real poet, as he braves every hardship for fame, so he is equally a coward to contempt, and none but those who are unworthy protection condescend to solicit it.
'Having a mind too proud to stoop to such indignities, and yet a fortune too humble to hazard a second attempt for fame, I was now, obliged to take a middle course, and write for bread.

But I was unqualified for a profession where mere industry alone was to ensure success.

I could not suppress my lurking passion for applause; but usually consumed that time in efforts after excellence which takes up but little room, when it should have been more advantageously employed in the diffusive productions of fruitful mediocrity.

My little piece would therefore come forth in the mist of periodical publication, unnoticed and unknown.
The public were more importantly employed, than to observe the easy simplicity of my style, of the harmony of my periods.

Sheet after sheet was thrown off to oblivion.