Tales.
107
For when we epic writers use
Machines to disengage the Muse, 105
We're clean acquit of all demands,
The matter's left in abler hands;
And if they cannot loose the knot
Should we be censur'd? I think not.
The scene thus alter'd, both were gay; 110
For pomp and pleasures who but they,
Who might do ev'ry thing but pray?
Madam in her gilt chariot flaunted,
And Pug brought ev'ry thing she wanted;
A slave devoted to her will; 115
But women will be wav'ring still:
Ev'n vice without variety
Their squeamish appetites will cloy;
And having stol'n from Lady Abbess
One of our merry modern Rabbies, 120
She found a trick she thought would pass,
And prove the devil but an ass.
His next attendance happen'd right
Amidst a moonless stormy night,
When Madam and her spouse together 125
Guess'd at his coming by the weather.
He came. "To night," says he, "I drudge
"To fetch a heriot for a judge,
"A gouty nine-i'-th'-hundred knave;
"But, Madam, do you want your slave? 130
Machines to disengage the Muse, 105
We're clean acquit of all demands,
The matter's left in abler hands;
And if they cannot loose the knot
Should we be censur'd? I think not.
The scene thus alter'd, both were gay; 110
For pomp and pleasures who but they,
Who might do ev'ry thing but pray?
Madam in her gilt chariot flaunted,
And Pug brought ev'ry thing she wanted;
A slave devoted to her will; 115
But women will be wav'ring still:
Ev'n vice without variety
Their squeamish appetites will cloy;
And having stol'n from Lady Abbess
One of our merry modern Rabbies, 120
She found a trick she thought would pass,
And prove the devil but an ass.
His next attendance happen'd right
Amidst a moonless stormy night,
When Madam and her spouse together 125
Guess'd at his coming by the weather.
He came. "To night," says he, "I drudge
"To fetch a heriot for a judge,
"A gouty nine-i'-th'-hundred knave;
"But, Madam, do you want your slave? 130
