University of Virginia Library

Epigram on Dr. CRASSUS.

Occasioned by his taking a Character in a Lampoon to Himself.

Crassus, the Poet's and the Villain's Tool,
Just Wise enough to think himself a Fool,
Swears that in each Lampoon he sees his Face,
And vows Revenge upon the Rhiming Race:
For once dear Crassus let a Foe advise,
Look on thy self with more auspicious Eyes,
To blab thy Weakness, be not thou the first,
For that of all thy Follies is the worst;
Ill-natur'd Scriblers, unoffended, read,
The conscious Ideot is a Wretch indeed!
By other Hands let our Defects be known,
For 'tis the Devil to betray one's own.

On the Same.

Crassus looks grave and learned to the Eye,
His stiff Scarf rustles as he passes by;
Mark that wise Shrug, that deep designing Frown!
His sleek broad Beaver, and his glossy Gown!
Oft he stops short, and at the first Alarm,
Doubles his Speed, and swings his careless Arm:
Sometimes he bites his Nails, and rubs his Head,
Nay (what you'll scarce believe) I've seen him read:
Sure Crassus for a deep Divine may pass—
And so, with your Permission, may an Ass.
Ay, and I will aver, with more Pretence,
For one has spoke, and he spoke better Sense.

On the Same.

Upon the Same.