Classic Poem

Address'd to a certain Witling , ( who dated a Letter from Canterbury in the Public Advertiser Sept . 17, 1767) in which he thought fit to exercise his Multiplicity of Prose Ideas in dissecting the Motives which induced the Author to write some Lines (vide p. 66) to a certain Lady .

I.

" How widely you've mistook my Aim, "
Sweet Witling Prose Adviser,
Turn to my Lines, I'm clear you'll find,
In that same Advertiser:

II.

Not Prejudice, injurious Cause ,
Provok'd my just Retort,
I know the Lady — have been wrong'd —
Thus told her of the Fault.

III.

To you she's totally unknown ,
(If we may take your Word)
Why warmly then espouse her Fame?
Indeed 'twas quite absurd.

IV.

The Sex I honour and esteem,
Nay with respectful Care;
I note the Phaenix you possess,
Long live your jingling Fair!

V.

O! now I have it; she, dear Soul,
Took to herself my Hint,
And fearful least a Sister Wit
Shou'd be deter'd from Print;

VI.

Commanded Spouse to draw his Quill,
(She kindly gave a Lift)
Had you refus'd, in troth you'd lost
Your yearly pillow Gift.