Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/268

256 We think you quite mistake the case, The virtue lies not in the place: For, though my raillery were true, A cottage is Wood Park with you.

, be content, since out it must, For Stella has betray'd her trust; And, whispering, charg'd me not to say That Mr. Ford was born to day; Or, if at last I needs must blab it, According to my usual habit, She bid me, with a serious face, Be sure conceal the time and place; And not my compliment to spoil, By calling this your native soil; Or vex the ladies, when they knew That you are turning forty-two: But, if these topicks shall appear Strong arguments to keep you here, I think, though you judge hardly of it, Good manners must give place to profit. The