Page:Royal riddle book.pdf/11

 But no connexion have with Eve,

The serpent or the devil.

I on our Saviour's law attend,

And fly deceit and voice;

Patriot and Protestant befriend

But infidels despise.

Matthew and Mark both me have got,

But to prevent vexation,

St. Luke and John possess me not

Tho' found in every nation.

My form is awkward, let me tell ye,

Long my legs and large my belly,

Webb'd my feet and short my waist,

My head with orb of glory grac'd.

My neck indented makes the show

Of breast protuberant below;

And what your wonder more command,

I use my feet instead of hands.

Tho' such my shape, my station's warm,

And many I preserve from harm;

So that the belles oft me caress,

And beaux sometimes my aid confess;

Hence learn that all things have their use,

That art or nature does produce.

Why should I my features sham,

Who ugly to a proverb am,

Fierce, obdurate, cruel, strong,

Frightful to the old and young;

Yet, by early education,

Hit the taste of every nation,

Dance and exercise my staff,

But to make spectators laugh;

Often ride before the great,

Oft with the ministers of state;