Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/288

( 276 ).

. 1724.

scolded in so loud a din, That Will durst hardly venture in: He mark'd the conjugal dispute; Nell roar'd incessant, Dick sat mute; But, when he saw his friend appear, Cry'd bravely, Patience, good my dear! At sight of Will, she bawl'd no more, But hurry'd out, and clapt the door. Why Dick! the Devil's in thy Nell, (Quoth Will) thy house is worse than Hell: Why what a peal the jade has rung! D—n her, why don't you slit her tongue? For nothing else will make it cease. Dear Will, I suffer this for peace: I never quarrel with my wife; I bear it for a quiet life. Scripture, you know, exhorts us to it; Bids us to seek peace, and ensue it. Will went again to visit Dick; And entering in the very nick, He saw virago Nell belabour, With Dick's own staff, his peaceful neighbour: Poor Will, who needs must interpose, Receiv'd a brace or two of blows. But now, to make my story short, Will drew out Dick to take a quart. Why, Dick, thy wife has devilish whims; Ods-buds! why don't you break her limbs? If