Alexander Pope: Minor poems | ||
388
Verbatim from Boileau,
Un jour, dit un Auteur, &c. EPISTLE II.
Once (says an Author, where, I need not say)Two Trav'lers found an Oyster in their Way;
Both fierce, both hungry, the Dispute grew strong,
While, Scale in Hand, Dame Justice past along.
Before her each with Clamour pleads the Laws,
Explain'd the Matter, and would win the Cause;
Dame Justice, weighing long the doubtful Right,
Takes, opens, swallows it, before their Sight.
The Cause of Strife remov'd so rarely well,
There, take (says Justice) take ye each a Shell.
We thrive at Westminster on Fools like you,
'Twas a fat Oyster—Live in Peace—Adieu.
Alexander Pope: Minor poems | ||