Page:Royal riddle book.pdf/16

 When our master or mistress my services befriends,

I keep moving all day to make them amends;

I inform them when breakfast and dinner is ready,

And in my duty surprisingly steady:

I speak when I’m bid, and if not hold my tongue,

Thus accomplish'd I’m welcome to old and to young,.

Ev'n for their devotions instruction I give,

And can teach the extravagant heir how to live;

But with them to the playhouse when I take a trip;

If not narrowly watch'd I oft give them the slip.

Tho’ good fellows we are,

We can’t hope to be sav’d;

From our very first day,

To our last we’re enslav’d,

Our office is the hardest,

And food sure the worst.

Being cram’d with raw flesh,

Till we’re ready to burst,

Tho’ low in our state,

Ev’n kings we support;

And at balls have

The principal share of the sport.

My lords and gentlemen advance,

Come with a cheerful countenance,

And tell abroad my praise,

Whether you in the senate sit,

Or at the bar display your wit,

’Tis I your spirits raise !

I from the hero banish fear}

I whisper in the poet’s ear,

And teach him how to sing.

At my approach care steals away,

And all the troubles of the day.

Immediately take wing;

'Tis I afflicted souls relieve,