Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/298

286 I sometimes give advice in writing, But never of my own inditing. I am a courtier in my way; For those who rais'd me, I betray; And some give out that I entice To lust, and luxury, and dice; Who punishments on me inflict, Because they find their pockets pickt. By riding post, I lose my health; And only to get others wealth.

I am by nature blind, I wisely choose to walk behind; However, to avoid disgrace, I let no creature see my face. My words are few, but spoke with sense; And yet my speaking gives offence: Or, if to whisper I presume, The company will fly the room. By all the world I am opprest; And my oppression gives them rest. Through me, though sore against my will, Instructors every art instil. By thousands I am sold and bought, Who neither get nor lose a groat; For none, alas! by me can gain, But those who give me greatest pain. Shall man presume to be my master, Who's but my caterer and taster? Yet, though I always have my will, I'm but a meer depender still: A