Page:The Poetical Works of Elijah Fenton (1779).djvu/60

I ne'er was vers'd in modish vice,
But sure those whoreson gloating eyes
Have travell'd much on love-affairs,
Between the key-hole and the stairs. 50
O! cheat the gibbet of a sign,
And with his head commute for mine.
When first I heard his damn'd intent,
To Tryphon's bed by night I went,
Where he lay bless'd with dreams of gain, 55
Furs, scarlet, and a golden chain.
I rouz'd the wretch, and weeping said,
"O! take my wit, and spare my head,
“Urge not the wags to sneer and jape us,
"Just as of old they us'd Priapus." 60
But as a whelp starts up with fear
When a bee's humming at his ear,
With upper lip elate he grins,
Whilst round the little teazer spins,
But when aloof in air it soars, 65
He straight forgets th' alarm, and snores;
So did his fellow-creature slight
The fleeting vision of the night.
My pray'rs were lost, tho' while I stay'd
I smelt they strong impressions made. 70
There is a Knight who takes the field
With Saxon pen and Sable Shield,
Who, doubtless, can relieve my ghost,
And disenchant me from the post;