There would be no abiding in the room,155
Should two such ignorant pretenders come.
However by this trusty bearer write,
If I should any other scabs invite;
Though if I may my serious judgment give,
I'm wholly for king Charles's number five:160
That was the stint in which that monarch fix'd,
Who would not be with noisiness perplex'd:
And that, if thou'lt agree to think it best,
Shall be our tale of heads, without one other guest.
I've nothing more, now this is said, to say,165
But to request thou'lt instantly away.
And leave the duties of thy present post,
To some well-skill'd retainer in a host;
Doubtless he'll carefully thy place supply,
And o'er his grace's horses have an eye.170
While thou, who slunk through postern more than once,
Dost by that means avoid a crowd of duns,
And, crossing o'er the Thames at Temple stairs,
Leav'st Philips with good words to cheat their ears.
To LORD HARLEY, on his MARRIAGE,
1713.
AMONG the numbers who employ
Their tongues and pens to give you joy,
Dear Harley! generous youth, admit
What friendship dictates more than wit.
Forgive me, when I fondly thought
(By frequent observations taught)
