Receiv'd a town mouse at his board, Just as a farmer might a lord. 329 160 A frugal mouse, upon the whole, Yet lov'd his friend, and had a soul, Knew what was handsome, and would do't, On just occasion, coute qui coute. He brought him bacon (nothing lean) 165 Pudding, that might have pleas'd a Dean; Cheese, such as men in Suffolk make, But wish'd it Stilton for his sake; He did his best to seem to eat, And cry'd, "I vow you're mighty neat. "Consider, mice, like men, must die, "Both small and great, both you and L: "Then spend your life in joy and sport, 66 (This doctrine, friend, I learnt at court.)" The veriest hermit in the nation May yield, God knows, to strong temptation. Away they come, through thick and thin, ('Twas on the night of a debate, When all their Lordships had sat late.) GG 2 170 175 180 185 Behold 1 Behold the place, where if a poet The guests withdrawn had left the treat, tail in." Our courtier walks from dish to dish, Tastes for his friend of fowl and fish ; Tells all their names, lays down the law, "Que ça est bon! Ah gouter ça ! "That jelly's rich, this malmsey healing, "Pray, dip your whiskers and your Was ever such a happy swain ?.. He stuffs and swills, and stuffs again. "I'm quite ashamed—'tis mighty rude "To eat so much-but all's so good. "I have a thousand thanks to give"My Lord alone knows how to live." No sooner said, but from the hall Rush chaplain, butler, dogs and all: "A rat! a rat! clap to the door”, The cat comes bouncing on the floor. 190 195 200 205 210 O for O for the heart of Homer's mice, Or gods to save them in a trice! (It was by Providence they think, For your damn'd stucco has no chink.) "An't please your Honour," quoth the peasant, "This same dessert is not so pleasant : "Give me again my hollow tree, "A crust of bread and liberty!" 215 BOOK IV. ODE I. TO VENUS. AGAIN? new tumults in my breast? Ah spare me, Venus! let me, let me rest? I am not now, alas! the man As in the gentle reign of my Queen Anne. Ah sound no more thy soft alarms, Nor circle sober fifty with thy charms. Mother too fierce of dear desires! Turn, turn to willing hearts your wanton fires. To Number five direct your doves, 5 There spread round MURRAY all your blooming loves; Noble and young, who strikes the heart Equal, the injur'd to defend, 10 With ev'ry sprightly, ev'ry decent part; To charm the mistress, or to fix the friend. He, VER. 9. Number five,] The number of Murray's lodgings in King's Bench Walks. |