Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/136

 She ventures now to leave the skies, Grown by Vanessa's conduct wise: For, though by one perverse event Pallas had cross'd her first intent; Though her design was not obtain'd; Yet had she much experience gain'd, And, by the project vainly try'd, Could better now the cause decide. She gave due notice, that both parties, Coram Regina, prox' die Martis, Should at their peril, without fail, Come and appear, and save their bail. All met; and, silence thrice proclaim'd, One lawyer to each side was nam'd. The judge discover'd in her face Resentments for her late disgrace; And, full of anger, shame, and grief, Directed them to mind their brief; Nor spend their time to show their reading; She'd have a summary proceeding. She gathered under every head The sum of what each lawyer said, Gave her own reasons last, and then Decreed the cause against the men. But, in a weighty case like this, To show she did not judge amiss, Which evil tongues might else report, She made a speech in open court; Wherein she grievously complains, "How she was cheated by the swains; On whose petition (humbly shewing, That women were not worth the wooing, And that, unless the sex would mend, The race of lovers soon must end) — " She