The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift/Volume 7/Upon Stealing a Crown When the Dean Was Asleep

1560669The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7
— Upon stealing a Crown, when the Dean was asleep
c. 1725Thomas Sheridan (1687-1738)

UPON STEALING A CROWN WHEN THE DEAN WAS ASLEEP.



DEAR Dean, since you in sleepy wise
Have op'd your mouth, and clos'd your eyes;
Like ghost, I glide along your floor,
And softly shut the parlour door:
For, should I break your sweet repose,
Who knows what money you might lose;
Since oftentimes it has been found,
A dream has given ten thousand pound?
Then sleep, my friend; dear dean, sleep on,
And all you get shall be your own;
Provided you to this agree,
That all you lose belongs to me.