O Harlow, how I envied thee Thy unabash'd effrontery, Who dar'st a foe with freedom blame, And call a coxcomb by his name! When I return'd him answer none, Across the Thames, the Lord knows where, "Well, I'm at leisure to attend you.". "Are you? (thought I) the De'il befriend you." As fast as other men write prose; That Beard cannot with, me compare. Not Cooke can move with such a grace." Here I made shift with much ado To interpose a word or two. "Have you no parents, sir, no friends, Despatch me, sir, 'tis now too late, wait To Rufus' Hall we now draw near; Where he was summon'd to appear, Refute the charge the plaintiff brought, Or suffer judgment by default. "For Heaven's sake, if you love me, One moment! I'll be with you straight.” Glad of a plausible pretence"Sir, I must beg you to dispense With my attendance in the court, My legs will surely suffer for't.” "Nay, prithee, Carlos, stop awhile?" "Faith, sir, in law I have no skill. Besides, I have no time to spare, I must be going you know where." "Well, I protest, I'm doubtful now, Whether to leave my suit or you!" "Me without scruple! (I reply) Me by all means, sir "" No, not I. Allons Monsieur!" "Twere vain (you know) To strive with a victorious foe. So I reluctantly obey And follow, where he leads the way. You and Newcastle are so close, Still hand and glove, sir--I suppose.— Newcastle (let me tell you, sir) Has not his equal every where. Well. There indeed your fortune's made, I should serve charmingly by way What think you, sir? 'twere a good jest, One of his shining character. Have but the will-there wants no more 'Tis plain enough you have the pow'r. He knows, and is so shy at first.- Lord, sir, you'll quickly bring him to!"- Sir, it shall be no fault of mine. Denied, what think you of a bribe? But at the most convenient time Labour, like this, our want supplies; While thus he wittingly harangu'd, For which you'll guess I wish'd him hang'd Campley, a friend of mine, came by, Who knew his humour more than I We stop, salute, and-" why so fast, Friend Carlos! Whither all this haste?". Fir'd at the thoughts of a reprieve, I pinch him, pull him, twitch his sleeve, Nod, beckon, bite my lips, wink, pout, Do ev'ry thing, but speak plain out: While he, sad dog, from the beginning, Determin'd to mistake my meaning; Instead of pitying my curse, By jeering made it ten times worse. "Campley, what secret, (pray!) was tha You wanted to communicate ?" "I recollect. But 'tis no matter. Carlos, we'll talk of that hereafter. E'en let the secret rest. "Twill tell Another time, sir, just as well." Was ever such a dismal day? The bailiff seiz'd him quick as thought Aye marry, sir, I'll do my best."” The mob huzzas. Away they trudge, ADDRESSED TO MISS ON READING THE PRAYER FOR INDIFFERENCE. [1762.*] AND dwells there in a female heart, Dwells there a wish in such a breast Its nature to forego To smother in ignoble rest At once both bliss and wo! Far be the thought, and far the strain, Come then, fair maid, (in nature wise) In justice to the various pow'rs For Mrs. Greville's Ode, see Annual Register, vol. v p 202. |