The Poetical Works of The Rev. Samuel Bishop ... To Which are Prefixed, Memoirs of the Life of the Author By the Rev. Thomas Clare |
 | I. |
| II. |
 | The Poetical Works of The Rev. Samuel Bishop |  |
EPIGRAM CCXLI.
[To ascertain the genuine rust]
SUAVITER UT NUNC EST.
To ascertain the genuine rust,
Which antique medals should encrust,
336
With scientific air and mien,
Licks the blue varnish, or the green;
And forms his judgment by the flavour.
Why older coins should therefore sweeter grow,
Is more, I own, than I pretend to know;
But modern gold, whate'er its taste may be,
Let it have weight enough—is sweet enough for me!
| The Poetical Works of The Rev. Samuel Bishop | |