Author: Madison Julius Cawein

---

    Here is a tale for artists and for writers:
    There was an ass, in other words, a critic,
    Who brayed and balked and kicked most analytic,
    And waved long ears above his brother smiters.
    He could not tell a rose-tree from a thistle,
    But oft mistook the one thing for the other;
    Then wagged his ears most wisely at some brother,
    Sent him his he-haw for the Penny Whistle.
    A poet sent his volume to him' kindly
    Asking for criticism. You might know it:
    He made one mouthful of it, weed and flower.
    There rose a cry that he had done it blindly.
    'Twas poetry! What! would he kill a poet!
    Not he! The ass had brayed him into power.

---

Type of Poem: Fable

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem exhibits a sharp, satirical tone, using humor and irony to critique the role of critics in the arts—particularly in the field of poetry. The critic is depicted as an ass, a metaphor that suggests stubbornness, ignorance, and a lack of discernment. The animal metaphor, coupled with the humor and irony, creates a mocking tone, making the poem a critique of critics who, the poet suggests, often misunderstand the works they review, confusing "a rose-tree from a thistle."

The poem's structure mirrors traditional ballad form, employing a loose ABAB rhyme scheme which lends a sense of rhythm and musicality, further enhancing the satirical tone. The poet cleverly employs a narrative within the poem, weaving a tale of a poet who sends his work to the critic, only to have it blindly consumed "weed and flower." This narrative serves as a metaphor for the often harsh and undiscriminating nature of criticism. The central message of the poem is revealed in the concluding lines: the harsh critique of the critic, rather than damaging the poet, actually empowers him. This unexpected twist offers a nuanced perspective on the relationship between the artist and the critic, asserting that even negative criticism can serve as a catalyst for an artist's recognition and success. The poem, therefore, is not just a critique of critics, but also a commentary on the paradoxical nature of the art world.