University of Virginia Library

Invocation to the Lobster:

Somewhat more Solemn than the Rest of the POEM.

Patron of Numbers which Rare Poets use,
Thy Self unstrung, tune Thou my Doggrel Muse;
Within whose hollow Arch soft Warblings dwell,
Harmonious Madrigals, that far excel
Those of the winged Minstrels vocal Shell:
Frequent in Feet no more my Metre shun,
And tho' Thou crawl'st, O teach my Verse to run:
To my blith Rhimes thy num'rous Succours bring,
And of thy Self instruct thy Bard to Sing.