Classic Poem

Septimius, sure, of all mankind
Best knows what grace with you I find;
For when he prays in such a way,
As to compel me to obey,
That I in such a point of view
Wou'd place him as to come to you,
One worthy to be lov'd and hous'd,
By him, who merit has espous'd,
When he supposes that my fate
Is nearer to your intimate
Than I can possibly descry,
He knows my secrets more than I.
Much did I urge to be excus'd,
But was in a degree confus'd,
Lest I shou'd seem to act a part ,
And to dissemble in my heart,
Pretending that my pow'r was none,
Quite bent on serving NUMBER ONE .
Thus to avoid a worse offence
I fly to town-bred confidence.
But if assurance in the cause
Of friendship merit your applause,
The bearer in your list enroll,
A brave good fellow and a soul .