Page:The Dunciad - Alexander Pope (1743).djvu/116

Book II. And hears the various vows of fond mankind; Some beg an eastern, some a western wind: All vain petitions, mounting to the sky, With reams abundant this abode supply; Amus'd he reads, and then returns the bills Sign'd with that Ichor which from Gods distils. In office here fair Cloacina stands, And ministers to Jove with purest hands. Forth from the heap she pick'd her Vot'ry's pray's, And plac'd it next him, a distinction rare! Oft had the Goddess heard her servant's call, From her black grottos near the Temple-wall, List'ning delighted to the jest unclean Of link-boys vile, and watermen obscene; Where as he fish'd her nether realms for Wit, She oft had favour'd him, and favours yet. Renew'd by ordure's sympathetic force, As oil'd with magic juices for the course,