Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/182



NOW all men by these presents, Death the tamer, By mortgage has secur'd the corpse of Demar: Nor can four hundred thousand sterling pound Redeem him from his prison under ground. His heirs might well, of all his wealth possess'd, Bestow to bury him one iron chest. Plutus the god of wealth will joy to know His faithful steward in the shades below. He walk'd the streets, and wore a threadbare cloak; He din'd and supp'd at charge of other folk: And by his looks, had he held out his palms, He might be thought an object fit for alms. So, to the poor if he refus'd his pelf, He us'd them full as kindly as himself. Where'er he went, he never saw his betters; Lords, knights, and squires, were all his humble debtors; And under hand and seal the Irish nation Were forc'd to own to him their obligation. He that could once have half a kingdom bought, In half a minute is not worth a groat. His coffers from the coffin could not save, Nor all his interest keep him from the grave. A golden monument would not be right, Because we wish the earth upon him light. Oh London tavern ! thou hast lost a friend, Though in thy walls he ne'er did farthing spend: He