To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.

To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.

Each generation produces its squad of "moderns" with peashooters to attack Gibraltar.

Each generation produces its squad of "moderns" with peashooters to attack Gibraltar.

Too nicely Jonson knew the critic's part,
Nature in him was almost lost in art.

Too nicely Jonson knew the critic's part,
Nature in him was almost lost in art.

Reviewers are forever telling authors they can't understand them.
The author might often reply: Is that my fault?

Reviewers are forever telling authors they can't understand them.
The author might often reply: Is that my fault?

I never give them hell; I just tell them the truth and they think it is hell.

I never give them hell; I just tell them the truth and they think it is hell.

All who (like him) have writ ill plays before,
For they, like thieves, condemned, are hangman made,
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All who (like him) have writ ill plays before,
For they, like thieves, condemned, are hangman made,
To execute the members of their trade.

People ask for criticism, but they only want praise.

People ask for criticism, but they only want praise.

A man must serve his time to every trade
Save censure--critics all are ready made.
Take hackney'd read more

A man must serve his time to every trade
Save censure--critics all are ready made.
Take hackney'd jokes from Miller, got by rote,
With just enough of learning to misquote;
A mind well skill'd to find or forge a fault;
A turn for punning, call it Attic salt;
To Jeffrey go, be silent and discreet,
His pay is just ten sterling pounds per sheet;
Fear not to lie, 'twill seem a lucky hit;
Shrink not from blasphemy, 'twill pass for wit;
Care not for feeling--pass your proper jest,
And stand a critic, hated yet caress'd.

Blame where you must, be candid where you can,
And be each critic the Good-natured Man.

Blame where you must, be candid where you can,
And be each critic the Good-natured Man.