Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 17.djvu/451

Rh

Some by publick revenues, which pass'd thro' their hands, Have purchased clean houses, and bought dirty lands: Some to steal from a charity think it no sin, Which at home (says the proverb) does always begin. But if ever you be Assigned a trustee, Treat not orphans like masters of the Chancery; But take the highway, and more honestly seize; For ev'ry man round me may rob, if he please.

What a pother has here been with Wood and his brass, Who would modestly make a few halfpennies pass! The patent is good, and the precedent's old, For Diomede changed his copper for gold: But, if Ireland despise The new halfpennies, With more safety to rob on the road I advise: For Blueskin's sharp penknife hath set you at ease, And ev'ry man round me may rob, if he please.

WITH ev'ry lady in the land Soft Strephon kept a pother; One year he languish'd for one hand, And next year for the other.

Yet, when his love the shepherd told To Flavia fair and coy, Reserv'd,