Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 18.djvu/438

424 I esteem you so well, that to tell you the truth, The greatest objection against you's your youth; Then be not concerned you are now laid aside; If you live, you shall certainly one day preside." Another, low bending, Apollo thus greets, "'Twas I taught your subjects to walk through the streets ." "You taught them to walk! why, they knew it before: But give me the bard that can teach them to soar. Whenever he claims, 'tis his right, I'll confess, Who lately attempted my style with success; Who writes like Apollo has most of his spirit, And therefore 'tis just I distinguish his merit; Who makes it appear, by all he has writ, His judgment alone can set bounds to his wit; Like Virgil correct, with his own native ease, But excels even Virgil in elegant praise; Who admires the ancients, and knows 'tis their due, Yet writes in a manner entirely new; Though none with more case their depths can explore, Yet whatever he wants he takes from my store; Though I'm fond of his virtues, his pride I can see, In scorning to borrow from any but me; It is owing to this, that, like Cynthia, his lays Enlighten the world by reflecting my rays." This said, the whole audience soon found out his drift: The convention was summon'd in favour of S. APOLLO'S