by Coleridge · Cluster: Satire of Society · Epigram · Satire
Abstract
A bitter epigram from Biographia Literaria depicting reviewers as disinterested thieves of reputation and cool murderers of fame; satire of literary criticism.
Connections
Themes & Concepts: Satire of Society, Artist and Society, Deception Forms & Genres: Epigram
Testo integrale / Full text
No private grudge they need, no personal spite,
The viva sectio is its own delight!
All enmity, all envy, they disclaim,
Disinterested thieves of our good name —
Cool, sober murderers of their neighbours’ fame!
First published in Biog. Lit., 1817, ii. 118. First collected in P.
W., 1885, ii. 363.