( 76 )
EPIGRAM. 1712.
AS Thomas was cudgell'd one day by his wife,
He took to the street, and fled for his life:
Tom's three dearest friends came by in the squabble,
And sav'd him at once from the shrew and the rabble;
Then ventur'd to give him some sober advice—
But Tom is a person of honour so nice,
Too wise to take counsel, too proud to take warning,
That he sent to all three a challenge next morning:
Three duels he fought, thrice ventur'd his life;
Went home, and was cudgell'd again by his wife.
CORINNA, 1712.
THIS day (the year I dare not tell)
Apollo play'd the midwife's part;
Into the world Corinna fell,
And he endow'd her with his art.
But Cupid with a Satyr comes;
Both softly to the cradle creep;
Both stroke her hands, and rub her gums,
While the poor child lay fast asleep.
Then Cupid thus: This little maid
Of Love shall always speak and write.
And I pronounce (the Satyr said)
The world shall feel her scratch, and bite.
Her talent she display'd betimes;
For in twice twelve revolving moons,
She seem'd to laugh and squall in rhymes,
And all her gestures were lampoons.
At
