THE CONVERSATION. A TALE. 'It always has been thought discreet 'Agreed! what then?' 'Then, drink your ale! I'll pledge you, and repeat my Tale! 'No matter where the scene is fixed, The persons were but oddly mixed; When sober DAMON thus began (And DAMON is a clever man!): "I now grow old; but still, from youth, The World! I pause for a reply!" ""Sir! either is a good assistant!" "Twas thus, in short, these two went on With "Yea!" and "Nay!" and Pro and Con, Through many points divinely dark, And WATERLAND assaulting CLARK, Till, in Theology half lost, DAMON took up the Evening Post, Confounded Spain, composed the North, "Methinks, we're in the like condition As at the Treaty of Partition! That stroke (for all King WILLIAM'S care!) Begat another tedious war! "MATTHEW, who knew the whole intrigue, Ne'er much approved that mystic League! In the vile Utrecht Treaty too, Poor man! he found enough to do! And told him, where they were mistaken; I never herded with his foes! I still found something to commend! Too far, I own, the Girl was tried! 'PINDAR and DAMON Scorn transition, So on he ran a new division! Till, out of breath, he turned to spit T'other that lucky moment took; Just nicked the time, broke in, and spoke. "Of all the gifts the Gods afford "And, pray, Sir! (it delights me!) tell, "Know him! D'ye question it? Ods-fish! Sir! Does a beggar know his dish? I loved him! As I told you, I Advised him!" Here, a stander-by "DAMON! 'tis time we should retire! Patron through life; and from thy birth, my friend! DORSET! to thee, this Fable let me send! With DAMON'S lightness weigh thy solid worth; The Foil is known to set the Diamond forth! Let the feigned Tale this real Moral give! How many DAMONS, how few DORSETS, live! WHAT! put off with one denial! And not make a second trial! You might see my eyes consenting! All about me was relenting! Women, obliged to dwell in forms, Forgive the Youth who boldly storms! Lovers! when you sigh and languish, When you tell us of your anguish ; To the Nymph, you'll be more pleasing, When those sorrows you are ceasing! We love to try, how far Men dare; And never wish the foe should spare! |