Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/405

( 393 ).

. 1728.

,

was a most unfriendly part In you, who ought to know my heart, Are well acquainted with my zeal For all the female commonweal — How could it come into your mind To pitch on me, of all mankind, Against the sex to write a satire, And brand me for a woman hater? On me, who think them all so fair, They rival Venus to a hair; Their virtues never ceas'd to sing, Since first I learn'd to tune a string? Methinks I hear the ladies cry, Will he his character belie? Must never our misfortunes end? And have we lost our only friend? Ah, lovely nymphs! remove your fears, No more let fall those precious tears. Sooner shall, &c.

[Here several verses are omitted.]

The hound be hunted by the hare, Than I turn rebel to the fair. 'Twas you engaged me first to write, Then gave the subject out of spite: The