Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/438

426 With too much freedom treat my betters, Not sparing even men of letters: You, who are skill'd in lawyers' lore, What's your advice? Shall I give o'er? Nor ever fools or knaves expose Either in verse or humourous prose; And, to avoid all future ill, In my scrutoire lock up my quill?

Since you are pleas'd to condescend To ask the judgment of a friend, Your case consider'd, I must think You should withdraw from pen and ink, Forbear your poetry and jokes, And live like other Christian folks; Or, if the Muses must inspire Your fancy with their pleasing fire, Take subjects safer for your wit Than those on which you lately writ. Commend the times, your thoughts correct, And follow the prevailing sect; Assert that Hyde, in writing story, Shows all the malice of a tory; While Burnet, in his deathless page, Discovers freedom without rage. To Woolston recommend our youth, For learning, probity, and truth; That noble genius, who unbinds The chains which fetter freeborn minds; Redeems us from the slavish fears Which lasted near two thousand years; He can alone the priesthood humble, Make gilded spires and altars tumble. DR.