Question

thy visage was so irksome in my sight, yet being mine own, at length affection would thy blemishes amend, if so i could: i washd thy face, but more defects i saw, and rubbing off a spot, still made a flaw. i stretcht thy joynts to make thee even feet, yet still thou runst more hobling then is meet: in better dress to trim thee was my mind, but nought save home - spun cloth, i th house i find. in this array mongst vulgars mayst thou roam. in critics hands, beware thou dost not come; and take thy way where yet thou art not known, if for thy father askt, say, thou hadst none: and for thy mother, she alas is poor, which causd her thus to send thee out of door. what does the first line of the poem mean? what do these lines describe? the regret of having published a book the dissatisfaction with ones appearance a decision to stop trying to write poetry

Explanation:

The lines describe a person trying to improve something (perhaps a work, similar to refining a piece of writing or a creation) but finding more flaws along the way, which is indicative of dissatisfaction with one's creation or appearance - like trying to perfect one's looks. There is no mention of a book - publishing regret or a decision to stop writing poetry.

Answer:

the dissatisfaction with one's appearance