Classic Poem

An Extempore Answer to an Invitation from some Ladies to the Author, to spend the Afternoon with 'em, " if he could throw away his Time on two such insipid Mortals, " as they term'd themselves .

Your Greetings have this Moment reach'd my Hand,
By which the Ladies Pleasure I command
Next Wednesday; 'tis well, I will be there;
(Full twenty Years in Love's Account, my Fair!)
But what Injustice to yourselves to say,
(Not think I trust) " if you can throw away,
With two insipid Mortals such as we,
Your Ev'ning, " and for what? A Dish of Tea!
Peace, Ladies, Peace; I cannot, must not hear
This grating Language to my wounded Ear:
Why J OVE himself would quit his Godship 's Throne
To visit You — his J UNO left alone:
To a mere Mortal, like Myself, 'tis more
Than I deserve — but Ladies as before.