Page:The Hind and Panther transvers'd to the story of the country mouse and the city mouse (1709).djvu/25

 Bayes.Tis a Trifle hardly worth owning; I was t'other Day at Wills throwing out something of that Nature; and I'gad, the hint was taken, and out came that Picture; indeed the poor Fellow was so civil to present me with a dozen of 'em for my Friends, I think I have one here in my Pocket; would you please to accept it Mr Johnson?

Johns.Really 'tis very ingenious.

Bayes.Oh Lord! Nothing at all, I could design twenty of 'em in an Hour, if I had but witty Fellows about me to draw 'em. I was proffer'd a Pension to go into Holland, and contrive their Emblems. But hang 'em, they are dull Rogues, and would spoil my Invention. But come, Gentlemen, let us return to our Business, and here I'll give you a delicate Description of a Man.

Smith.But how does that come in?

Bayes.Come in? very naturally. I was talking of a Wolf and that supposes a Wood, and then I clap an Epithet to't, and call it a Celtic Wood: Now when I was there, I could not help thinking of the French Persecution, and I'gad from all these Thoughts I took occasion to rail at the French King, and show that he was not of the same make with other Men, which thus I prove. The Divine Blacksmith in th' Abyss of Light, Yawning and lolling with a careless beat, Struck out the mute Creation at a Heat. But he work'd hard to Hammer out our Souls, He blew the Bellows, and stir'd up the Coals; Long time he thought and could not on a sudden Knead up with unskim'd Milk this Reas'ning Pudding: Tender, and mild within its Bag it lay Confessing still the softness of its Clay, And kind as Milk-Maids on their Wedding-Day. Till Pride of Empire, Lust, and hot Desire Did over-boil him, like too great a Fire,