And then I should be as stupid as Kain,
Who preach'd on three heads, though he mention'd but twain.
Now Wardel's in haste, and begins to complain;
Your most humble servant, dear sir, I remain,
Get Helsham, Walmsley, Delany,
And some Grattans, if there be any[1];
Take care you do not bid too many.
DR. SWIFT'S REPLY.
THE verses you sent on the bottling your wine
Were, in every one's judgment, exceedingly fine;
And I must confess, as a dean and divine,
I think you inspir'd by the Muses all nine.
I nicely examin'd them every line,
And the worst of them all like a barndoor did shine,
O, that Jove would give me such a talent as thine!
With Delany or Dan I would scorn to combine.
I know they have many a wicked design;
And, give Satan his due, Dan begins to refine.
However, I wish, honest comrade of mine,
You would really on Thursday leave St. Catharine[2],
Where I hear you are cramm'd every day like a swine;
With me you'll no more have a stomach to dine,
Nor after your victuals lie sleeping supine:
So I wish you were toothless, like lord Masserine.
- ↑ i. e. in Dublin, for they were country clergy.
- ↑ The seat of lady Mountcashel, near Dublin.
