Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/162

152 Which he resolv'd to keep for ever hence, And strictly too, as doth his reverence. Apply the tale, and you shall find, How just it suits with humankind. Some faults we own: but, can you guess? Why virtues carried to excess, Wherewith our vanity endows us, Though neither foe nor friend allows us. The Lawyer swears (you may rely on't) He never squeez'd a needy client; And this he makes his constant rule; For which his brethren call him fool: His conscience always was so nice, He freely gave the poor advice; By which he lost, he may affirm, A hundred fees last Easter term. While others of the learned robe Would break the patience of a Job; No pleader at the bar could match His diligence and quick dispatch; Ne'er kept a cause, he well may boast, Abore a term or two at most. The cringing Knave, who seeks a place Without success, thus tells his case: Why should he longer mince the matter? He fail'd, because he could not flatter; He had not learn'd to turn his coat, Nor for a party give his vote: His crime he quickly understood; Too zealous for the nation's good; He found the ministers resent it, Yet could not for his heart repent it. The