An Extempore Invitation To The Earl Of Oxford, Lord High Treasurer

My Lord, Our weekly friends to-morrow meet At Matthew's palace in Duke-street, To try for once if they can dine On bacon-ham and mutton-chine. If, wearied with the great affairs Which Britain trusts to Harley's cares, Thou, humble statesman, may'st descend Thy mind one moment to unbend, To see thy servant from his soul Crown with thy health the sprightly bowl, Among the guests, which e'er my house Received it never can produce Of honour a more glorious proof, Though Dorset used to bless the roof.