AN EPIGRAM ADDRESSED TO THE GENTLEMEN REFLECTED ON IN THE ROSCIAD, A POEM, BY THE AUTHOR

LET not the hungry Bavius’ angry stroke Awake resentment, or your rage provoke; But pitying his distress, let virtue shine, And giving each your bounty, let him dine; For thus retain’d, as learned counsel can, Each case, however bad, he’ll new japan; And by a quick transition, plainly show ’Twas no defect of yours, but pocket low, That caused his putrid kennel to o’erflow.