Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/160

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Erato cry'd, since Grizel's Days,
Since Troy-Town pleas'd, and Chivey-chace,
No such Design was known ;
And 'twas their Bus'ness to take care,
It reach'd not to the publick Ear,
Or got about the Town:
 
Nor came where Evening Beaux were met
O'er Billet-doux and Chocolate, 50
Lest it destroy'd the House ;
For in that Place, who cou'd dispence
(That wore his Cloaths with common Sense)
With mention of a Spouse?

'Twas put unto the Vote at last,
And in the Negative it past,
None to her Aid shou'd move;
Yet since Ardelia was a Friend,
Excuses 'twas agreed to send,
Which plausible might prove:60
 
That Pegasus of late had been
So often rid thro' thick and thin,
With neither Fear nor Wit ;
In Panegyrick been so spurr'd,
He cou'd not from the Stall be stirr'd,
Nor wou'd endure the Bit.

Melpomene had given a Bond,
By the new House alone to stand,
And write of War and Strife;
Thalia, she had taken Fees,70
And Stipends from the Patentees,
And durst not for her Life.