University of Virginia Library

Upon the first fit of the Gout.

Welcome thou friendly Earnest of Fourscore,
Promise of Health, that hast alone the Power
T'attend the Rich, unenvy'd by the Poor.
Thou that dost Esculapius deride,
And o'er his Gallypots in Triumphs ride:
Thou that art us'd t'attend the Royal Throne,
And under-prop the Head that wears the Crown:
Thou that in Privy-Councils oft dost wait,
And guardst from drousy Sleep the Eyes of State:
Thou that upon the Bench art mounted high,
And warnst the Judges how they tread awry:
Thou that dost oft from pamper'd Prelates Toe,
Emphatically urge the Pains below:
Thou that art always half the City's Grace,
And addst to solemn Noddles solemn Pace:
Thou that art ne'er from Velvet Slippers free,
Whence comes this unsought Honour unto me?
Whence does this mighty Condescension flow
To visit my poor Tabernacle? Oh!
As Jove vouchsaf'd on Ida's top, 'tis said,
At poor Philemon's Cot to take a Bed;
Pleas'd with his poor, but hospitable Feast,
Jove bid him ask and granted his Request.
So do thou grant (for thou'rt of Race Divine,
Begot on Venus by the God of Wine)
My humble Suit; and either give me Store
To entertain thee, or ne'er see me more.