225 THE CONVERSATION. A TA LE. T always has been thought difcreet, IT To know the company you meet; And fure there may be fecret danger, In talking much before a stranger. Agreed: What then?" Then drink your ale; I'll pledge you, and repeat my tale. No matter where the fcene is fixt: "I now grow old; but ftill, from youth, "Sir, either is a good assistant,” “And Modesty adorns our looks: "Strict "Strict juftice is the fovereign guide, "That o'er our actions should prefide This Queen of Virtues is confest "Like lines concurrent to their center.” "Methinks we 're in the like condition, "As at the Treaty of Partition : "That ftroke, for all King William's care, Begat another tedious war. “Matthew, who knew the whole intrigue, "Ne'er much approv'd that myftic league: "In the vile Utrecht Treaty too, "Poor man! he found enough to do. "Sometimes to me he did apply; "But down-right Dunstable was I, "And told him where they were mistaken, "And counfel'd him to fave his bacon: "But (pafs his politicks and profe) "I never herded with his foes Nay, in his verses, as a friend, "I ftill found fomething to commend. "Sir, I excus'd his Nut-brown Maid; "Whate'er feverer critics faid: "Too far, I own, the girl was try’d: "The women all were on my fide. "For Alma I return'd him thanks; ›‹‹ I lik'd her with her little pranks: "Indeed, poor Solomon in rhyme “Was much too grave to be fublime." Pindar and Damon fcorn tranfition, So on he ran a new divifion; Till, out of breath, he turn'd to fpit; 66 reprove: Juft nick'd the time, broke in, and spoke. "Of all the gifts the gods afford (If we may take old Tully's word), The greatest is a friend; whofe love "Knows how to praise, and when "From fuck a treasure never part, "But hang the jewel on your heart: "And, pray, Sir, (it delights me) tell; "You know this Author mighty well?" "Know him! d'ye queftion it? Ods-fish! "Sir, does a beggar know his difh? I lov'd him; as I told you, I "Advis'd him -"Here a stander-by Twitch'd Damon gently by the cloke, And thus, unwilling, filence broke; "Damon, 'tis time we fhould retire: "The man you talk with is Mat Prior. Patron through life, and from thy birth my friend, With Damon's lightnefs weigh thy folid worth: THE FEMALE PHAETON. THUS Kitty, beautiful and young, And wild as colt untam'd, Befpoke the Fair from whence the fprung, Inflam'd with rage at fad restraint,. "Shall I thumb holy books, confin'd Or I am much mistaken. Muft Lady Jenny frisk about, And vifit with her coufins ? At balls must be make all the rout, And bring home hearts by dozens? *Lady Catharine Hyde, now duchefs of Queensberry Wha What has she better, pray, than I, Dearest Mamma! for once let me, I'll foon with Jenny's pride quit score, They 'll grieve I was not loos'd before ; Fondness prevail'd, Mamma gave way; Obtain'd the chariot for a day, THE JUDGEMENT OF VENUS. HEN Kneller's works of various grace WH Were to fair Venus fhown; The Goddefs fpy'd in every face Some features of her own. Just fo! (and pointing with her hand) *The Earl of Effex married Lady Jane Hyde. Lady Ranelagh. Q3 When |