ON JOHNSON
Reading edition
I OWN I like not Johnson’s turgid style, That gives an inch th’ importance of a mile; Casts of manure a wagon-load around, To raise a simple daisy from the ground; Uplifts the club of Hercules—for what? To crush a butterfly or brain a gnat; Creates a whirlwind from the earth, to draw A goose’s feather or exalt a straw; Sets wheels on wheels in motion—such a clatter— To force up one poor nipperkin of water; Bids ocean labour with tremendous roar To heave a cockle-shell upon the shore; Alike in every theme his pompous art, Heaven’s awful thunder or a rumbling cart! John Wolcott (Peter Pindar).