A History of Indian Literature v3.c35.s2.126

v3.c35.s2.126

*kāvye śubhepi racite khalu no khalebhyaḥ*
*kaścid guṇo bhavati yadyapi sampratīha* ।
*kuryāṁ tathāpi sujanārthamidaṁ yataḥ kiṁ*
*yūkābhayena paridhānavimokṣaṇaṁ syāt* ॥
“Thou knowest, my friend, even if thou art the most wonderful poet,
Yet thou receiveth neither mercy, nor favour from the gang (of critics),
Still composeth thou for the pleasure of those who appreciate :
Would anybody give up wearing clothes for fear of lice?”