Page:An Epistle from Mr Pope to Dr Arbuthnot - Pope (1735).djvu/9

( 3 )

Seiz'd and ty'd down to judge, how wretched I!
Who can't be silent, and who will not lye;
To laugh, were want of Goodness and of Grace, 35
And to be grave, exceeds all Pow'r of Face.
I sit with sad Civility, I read;
With honest anguish, and an aking head;
And drop at last, but in unwilling ears,
This saving counsel, "Keep your Piece nine Years." 40

 Nine years! cries he, who high in Drury-lane
Lull'd by soft Zephyrs thro' the broken Pane,
Rymes e're he wakes, and prints before Term ends,
Oblig'd by hunger and Request of friends:
"The Piece you think is incorrect? why take it, 45
"I'm all submission, what you'd have it, make it."

 Three things another's modest wishes bound,
My Friendship, and a Prologue, and ten Pound.

 ^[1]Pitholeon sends to me: "You know his Grace,
"I want a Patron; ask him for a Place." 50
Pitholeon libell'd me—" but here's a Letter
"Informs you Sir, 'twas when he knew no better.
"Dare you refuse him? Curl invites to dine,
"He'll write a Journal, or he'll turn Divine."

Bless

1. The Author of Timoleas.