 | Poems on Several Occasions |  |
The Fox and Goat.
A FABLE.
I
Old Reynard, once, with Thirst opprest,Feasted a Goat, which nigh did dwell,
But wanting Liquids for his Guest,
He led him to a Neighbouring Well.
II
Manners being past, they Bumpers drink,Health to Themselves and Friends, go round;
152
Amidst their Cups, they may be drown'd.
III
Sir Crafty, put to his Wit's End;Bids Grey-beard stand, erected, up,
Promising to help his Friend,
Whose Horns wou'd favour his Escape.
IV
But, when, secure, He reach'd the Brink,His Neighbour perishing beneath;
Th'ungrateful Whelp cry'd, Die, or Drink,
'Tis all alike to Reynard, Faith!
V
Thus I, who, long, have propp'd the Great,Am dropp'd, where I have been most kind;
Mine is, exactly, Grey-beard's Fate,
They're up, and I am left behind.
153
VI
And yet, to screen these Men, in Power,I wrote The Conduct of Th' Allies;
And what can mortal Man do more,
Than stretch his Wit, to vent his Lies?
VII
Nay! I did swear I was for Brunswick,With Conscience scrupulous and tender;
But Wrote and Rode, 'till I was Bum-sick,
In hopes to forward the Pretender.
VIII
I wrong'd, moreo'er, the Nation Scotch:In Rhime and Prose was very smart on
The Injur'd Catalan and Dutch,
Brave Marlbro', and my Friend Tom Wharton.
154
IX
Remember then, my Dear Dick Steele,Who hazarded your very Throat;
Who never turn'd'st with Fortune's Wheel;
Remember well, The Fox and Goat.
| Poems on Several Occasions | |