University of Virginia Library



THE Argument.

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The attribution of this poem is questionable.

Once on a time the Greek Gurmudgeons,
Were soundly banged by the Trojans;
But an old Gypsie, called Nox,
Sav'd the Rogues ears from further knocks:
But lousie Greeks in terrour micle,
Being scap'd, soon call'd a Conventicle.
There, while Atrides doth perswade
His bold Dragoons homeward to wade,
'Cause Jove made such a deadly pester;
Tydides, and old Crump-back'd Nestor,
Stood up and swore it should not be:
Then driveling Nestor (do you see?)
After he had well supt and bowzed
To th' Jury this Advice proposed:
That some good Beadles should be sent
Forthwith unto Achilles Tent,


To move by words, (not Sword or Hanger)
That he should straight depose his Anger.
But he, an ill-bred Clown, they say,
For all their Nauls did still cry nay:
And having play'd at Cards one game,
Sent 'um home like Fools as they came.
This doughty Message being told
To th' Greeks, they think it very bold;
Some their Mustachoes stroke and stare,
Some weep, while others curse and swear;
Some wash away sad thoughts with Nectar,
While others at Achilles Hector:
Thus for a while, Great Sir, they keep;
Then fall (like men of War) to sleep.