Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/361

Rh We, by play, as men, by drinking, Pass our nights, to drive out thinking. From my ailments give me leisure, I shall read and think with pleasure; Conversation learn to relish, And with books my mind embellish. Now, methinks, I hear you cry, Mr. dean, you must reply. Madam, I allow 'tis true: All these praises are your due. You, like some acute philosopher, Every fault have drawn a gloss over; Placing in the strongest light All your virtue to my sight. Though you lead a blameless life, Are an humble prudent wife, Answer all domestick ends: What is this to us your friends? Though your children by a nod Stand in awe without a rod; Though, by your obliging sway, Servants love you, and obey; Though you treat us with a smile; Clear your looks, and smooth your style; Load our plates from every dish; This is not the thing we wish. Colonel ***** may be your debtor; We expect employment better. You must learn, if you would gain us, With good sense to entertain us. Scholars, when good sense describing Call it tasting and imbibing: Metaphorick meat and drink Is to understand and think: We