Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/212

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WITH PINE'S HORACE FINELY BOUND.

BY DR. J. SICAN.

— (Horace speaking.)

OU'VE read, sir, in poetick strain, How Varus and the Mantuan swain Have on my birthday been invited, (But I was forc'd in verse to write it) Upon a plain repast to dine, And taste my old Campanian wine; But I, who all punctilios hate, Though long familiar with the great, Nor glory in my reputation, Am come without an invitation; And, though I'm us'd to right Falernian, I'll deign for once to taste Iernian; But fearing that you might dispute (Had I put on my common suit) My breeding and my politesse, I visit in my birthday dress; My coat of purest Turkey red, With gold embroidery richly spread; To which I've sure as good pretensions, As Irish lords who starve on pensions. What though proud ministers of state Did at your antichamber wait; What though your Oxfords and your St. Johns, Have at your levee paid attendance; And Peterborow and great Ormond, With many chiefs who now are dormant, Have