Page:Royal riddle book.pdf/5

 With inward rage I burn — but hug the foe.

And breathe out vengeance wheresoe'er I go.

Nay, while thus lovingly we seem t‘ agree,

I serve him just as Jove did Semele,

For ere from me the thoughtless sot retires,

By my embrace consum'd he soon expires.

When Caesar did this Isle invade,

I first expeienc'd royal aid,

Nay, now to majesty belong,

Tho' subject to the vulgar throng.

Who with uncivil usage treat,

And trample me beneath their feet;

With heavy burdens me oppress,

And money gain by my distress.

Yet all their insults I endure,

While they my given braises cure;

I am in every country found,

And traverse all the kingdom round,

Say, what's my name, that so well known

I am a common proverb grown.

I can money procure,

For the rich and the poor,

If I open my mouth pretty wide;

So that there's not a house,

Worth the skip of a louse,

But will for me a lodging provide.

Tho' with Tom, Will, or Bob,

I'm licens'd to rob,

And plunder my country all over;

Yet however unjust,

I keep true to my trust,

And ne'er will my patron discover:

When engag'd for the great,

Or the minions of state,

You'd be shock'd at the havock I make;