University of Virginia Library

ODE VIII.

The sublime Peter concludeth in a Sweat.

Thus have I finish'd, for this time,
My odes, a little wild and rambling—
May people bite like gudgeons at my rhime!
I long to see them scrambling—
Then very soon I'll give 'em more (God willing)
But this is full sufficient for a shilling.
For such a trifle, such a heap!
Indeed I sell my goods too cheap.

51

Finish'd!’ a disappointed artist cries,
With open mouth, and straining eyes;
Gaping for praise, like a young crow for meat—
‘Lord! why you have not mentioned me?’
Mention thee!
Thy impudence hath put me in a sweat
What rage for fame attends both great and small!
Better be d**n'd, than mention'd not at all!