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A LETTER from LIBERTY
To her dear Friend FAMINE.
Dear Famine,
YOU will doubtless be surprized at receiving a petitionary Letter from a perfect Stranger. But Fas est vel ab hoste. All whom I once supposed my unalterable friends, I have found unable or unwilling to assist me. I first applied to Gratitude, entreating her to whisper into the ear of Majesty, that it was I, who had placed his forefathers on the throne of Great Britain—She told me, that she had frequently made the attempt, but as frequently had been baffled by Flattery: and that I might not doubt the truth of her apology, she led me (as the Spirit did the prophet Ezekiel) "to the Door of the Court, and I went in, and saw—and behold! every form of creeping Things." I was however somewhat consoled, when I heard that Religion was high in favour there, and possessed great influence. I myself had been her faithful servant, and always found her my best protectress: her service being indeed perfect Freedom. Accordingly in full confidence of success I entered her mansion—but alas! instead of my kind Mistress, horror-struck I beheld "a painted patched-up oldHarlot."
