Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/51

And, as you in commission sit.
To rule the dairy next to Kit^[1];
In each capacity I mean
To sing your praise. And first as dean:
Envy must own, you understand your
Precedence, and support your grandeur:
Nor of your rank will bate an ace,
Except to give dean Daniel place.
In you such dignity appears,
So suited to your state and years!
With ladies what a strict decorum!
With what devotion you adore 'em!
Treat me with so much complaisance,
As fits a princess in romance!
By your example and assistance,
The fellows learn to know their distance.
Sir Arthur, since you set the pattern,
No longer calls me snipe and slattern;
Nor dares he, though he were a duke,
Offend me with the least rebuke.
Proceed we to your preaching^[2] next;
How nice you split the hardest text!
How your superiour learning shines
Above our neighbouring dull divines!
At Beggar's Opera not so full pit
Is seen, as when you mount our pulpit.
Consider now your conversation:
Regardful of your age and station,
You ne'er were known, by passion stirr'd,
To give the least offensive word:
But still, whene'er you silence break,
Watch every syllable you speak:

1. My lady's footman.
2. The author preached but once while he was there.

Your