Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 8.djvu/228

 My lady could not choose but wonder: "Captain, I fear you've made some blunder: But pray, to-morrow go at ten, I'll try his manners once again; If rudeness be th' effect of knowledge, "My son shall never see a college." The captain was a man of reading, And much good sense, as well as breeding; Who, loath to blame, or to incense, Said little in his own defence. Next day another message brought: The doctor, frighten'd at his fault, Is dress'd, and stealing through the crowd. Now pale as death, then blush'd and bow'd, Panting — and faltering — humm'd and ha'd, "Her ladyship was gone abroad; The captain too — he did not know Whether he ought to stay or go;" Begg'd she'd forgive him. In conclusion, My lady, pitying his confusion, Call'd her good nature to relieve him; Told him, she thought she might believe him; And would not only grant his suit, But visit him, and eat some fruit; Provided, at a proper time He told the real truth in rhyme: 'Twas to no purpose to oppose, She'd hear of no excuse in prose. The doctor stood not to debate, Glad to compound at any rate; So, bowing, seemingly complied; Though, if he durst, he had denied. But first, resolv'd to show his taste, Was too refin'd to give a feast: He'd