HORACE, Satyr 4. Lib. 1. Paraphrased.
Inscribed to the Honorable Mr ---
1. Absentem qui rodit Amicum 2. Qui non defendit, alio culpante:
3. Solutos Qui captat Risus hominum, Famamque dicacis: 4 Fingere
qui Non Visa potest: 5 Commissa tacere Qui nequit:—Hic Niger est:
Hunc, tu Romane, caveto.
1.
The
Fop, whose Pride affects a Patron's name,
Yet absent, wounds an author's honest fame:
2.
That more abusive Fool, who calls me Friend,
Yet wants the honour, injur'd to defend:
3.
Who spreads a Tale, a Libel hands about,
Enjoys the Jest, and copies Scandal out:
4.
Who to the Dean and Silver Bell can swear,
And sees at C*n*ons what was never there;
5.
Who tells you all I mean, and all I say;
And, if he lyes not, must at least betray:
—Tis not the sober Satyrist you should dread,
But such a babling Coxcomb in his stead.
