The TREATY BROKE: A TALE

When Lun (who long had quarrell'd with Dame Nature,) Had fill'd the Stage with every monstrous Creature, And held poor Reason at Defiance, At last (so Whim or Fate ordain'd, As Sense and Folly often make Alliance,) He by some Means a Peace obtain'd. It was with Drury's Patent-chief agreed, Each other to support in Case of Need. But Harlequin, train'd up to Tricks, Well knew, in modern Politics, Treaties are made for Int'rest sake, As Time shall serve to hold or break. So, spite of the Convention made, He carried on clandestine Trade; And this Day one, and next another, Still gain'd some Subject from his Brother. When little David streight appear'd, Like him who did the Giant slay, His Batt'ry 'gainst the Monsters rear'd, And led them all in Chains away. At this the Keeper stamp'd and cry'd, And louder than his Lion roar'd, To have his Creatures all restor'd, When thus a Stander-by reply'd: "Retaliation is fair Play, "By Right and Reason's Rules; "Your Monsters he has got, you say, "But then you've got his Fools."