Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/148

138 Religion came in next, though he'd no more Than the noble peer, his punk, or confessor. 'Oh! the sad times, if once the king should die! Sir, are you not afraid of popery?' 'No more than my superiors: why should I? Come popery, come anything,' thought I, ’So heaven would bless me to get rid of thee! But 'tis some comfort, that my hell is here; I need no punishment hereafter fear.' Scarce had I thought, but he falls on anew: 'How stands it, sir, betwixt his grace and you?' 'Sir, he's a man of sense above the crowd, And shuns the converse of a multitude.' 'Ay, sir,' says he, 'you're happy who are near His grace, and have the favour of his ear; But let me tell you, if you'll recommend This person here, your point will soon be gained. Gad, sir, I'll die, if my own single wit Don't fob his minions, and displace 'em quite, And make yourself his only favourite.' 'No, you are out abundantly,' said I, 'We live not, as you think; no family Throughout the whole three kingdoms is more free From those ill customs, which are used to swarm In great men's houses; none e'er does me harm, Because more learned, or more rich than I; But each man keeps his place, and his degree.' ' 'Tis mighty strange,' says he, 'what you relate.' 'But nothing truer, take my word for that.' 'You make me long to be admitted too Amongst his creatures; sir, I beg, that you Will stand my friend; your interest is such, You may prevail; I'm sure you can do much; He's one that may be won upon, I've heard, Though at the first approach access be hard. I'll spare no trouble of my own, or friends, No cost in fees, and bribes to gain my ends;