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Poetry · Chapter
Generosity explained
A brief satirical poem about the Mikado's poetic abilities and Dick Watson Gilder's sparing of a laurel leaf.
What happens
A brief satirical poem about the Mikado's poetic abilities and Dick Watson Gilder's sparing of a laurel leaf.
Key passages
“By seven brave poems the Mikado shows His royal fitness for the field of prose. Of bold, bad bards to crown him brother-chief Dick Watson Gilder spares one laurel leaf.”
The Mikado demonstrates his suitability for prose through seven poems, and Dick Watson Gilder, among many bold poets, grants him a single honor.
The poem satirizes the notion of poetic merit and the sparing of recognition.