The Poetical Works of Thomas Moore :: :: University of Virginia Library

Dear John, as I know, like our brother of London,
You've sipp'd of all knowledge, both sacred and mundane,
No doubt, in some ancient Joe Miller, you've read
What Cato, that cunning old Roman, once said—
That he ne'er saw two rev'rend soothsayers meet,
Let it be where it might, in the shrine or the street,
Without wondering the rogues, 'mid their solemn grimaces,
Didn't burst out a laughing in each other's faces.
What Cato then meant, though 'tis so long ago,
Even we in the present times pretty well know;
Having soothsayers also, who—sooth to say, John—
Are no better in some points than those of days gone,
And a pair of whom, meeting (between you and me),
Might laugh in their sleeves, too—all lawn though they be.

224

But this, by the way—my intention being chiefly
In this, my first letter, to hint to you briefly,
That, seeing how fond you of Tuum must be,
While Meum's at all times the main point with me,
We scarce could do better than form an alliance,
To set these sad Anti-Church times at defiance:
You, John, recollect, being still to embark,
With no share in the firm but your title and mark;
Or ev'n should you feel in your grandeur inclin'd
To call yourself Pope, why, I shouldn't much mind;
While my church as usual holds fast by your Tuum,
And every one else's, to make it all Suum.

Thus allied, I've no doubt we shall nicely agree,
As no twins can be liker, in most points, than we;
Both, specimens choice of that mix'd sort of beast,
(See Rev. xiii. 1.) a political priest;

225

Both mettlesome chargers, both brisk pamphleteers,
Ripe and ready for all that sets men by the ears;
And I, at least one, who would scorn to stick longer
By any giv'n cause than I found it the stronger,
And who, smooth in my turnings, as if on a swivel,
When the tone ecclesiastic wo'n't do, try the civil.

In short (not to bore you, ev'n jure divino)
We've the same cause in common, John—all but the rhino;
And that vulgar surplus, whate'er it may be,
As you're not us'd to cash, John, you'd best leave to me.
And so, without form—as the postman wo'n't tarry—
I'm, dear Jack of Tuam,

Yours,
Exeter Harry.

Mirari se, si augur augurem aspiciens sibi temperaret a risu.

So spelled in those ancient versicles which John, we understand, frequently chants:—

“Had every one Suum,
You wouldn't have Tuum,
But I should have Meum,
And sing Te Deum.”

For his keeping the title he may quote classical authority, as Horace expressly says, “Poteris servare Tuam.” —De Art. Poet. v. 329.—Chronicle.