The Echo · Advice to a Young Author

The Echo

    (After Heine)

Through the lonely mountain land
     There rode a cavalier.
"Oh ride I to my darling's arms,
     Or to the grave so drear?"
     The Echo answered clear,
     "The grave so drear."

So onward rode the cavalier
     And clouded was his brow.
"If now my hour be truly come,
     Ah well, it must be now!"
     The Echo answered low,
     "It must be now."

Advice to a Young Author

First begin
Taking in.
Cargo stored,
All aboard,
Think about
Giving out.
Empty ship,
Useless trip!

Never strain
Weary brain,
Hardly fit,
Wait a bit!
After rest
Comes the best.

Sitting still,
Let it fill;
Never press;
Nerve stress
Always shows.
Nature knows.

Critics kind,
Never mind!
Critics flatter,
No matter!
Critics curse,
None the worse.
Critics blame,
All the same!
Do your best.
Hang the rest!