Occasional verse, moral and sacred Published for the instruction and amusement of the Candidly Serious and Religious [by Edward Perronet] |
Occasional verse, moral and sacred | ||
AVARICE, A HORSE-LEECH
“One hundred first—but sure 'tis not the last,No, here's a Second, come to see what's past,
And here's a Third; and double this once more,
You have the number that you wanted—Four.
109
Come, please your goodness, pray now make it Six.”
Here 'tis, you wretch—and now 'tis made up even,
[illeg.] you'll tamper for the sacred Seven.
I thank you, Sir; but is it perfect weight?
I beg your kindness to complete the Eight.
Heav'n bless your fists! O bounteous hands divine!
And coud'n't you now, to save me, make up nine?
And Nine's the number of the Muses too:”—
[illeg.] what, you hound, can Muses do for you!
Well, but my friend, to whom my heart is bound,
Cannot you add a Tenth, to make it round.”
[illeg.] Tenth appears; “By Heav'n!” Avaro cried,
These are my Gods! and, as He worshipp'd, died!
Occasional verse, moral and sacred | ||