Epistle XI. To C. S. Esquire

I've waited long to find thee here;
Peep'd into th' house, but could not see thee there
I went to th' other House, but they're so new,
They no such name or person ever knew.

'Twas for this cause, my pen has slept so long;
I hop'd to see thee in that learned throng:
And did believe some Borough would in pity,
Have sent thee up to dignifie our City:
But Corporations do not well discern
What's for their good, and they're too old to learn.

Had our whole Senate been such men as thou,
They'd not been routed, but sate still till now
But they'd be medling, and to voting fall,
Against the sword, and that out-votes them all;
Had they observ'd thy Councel, they'd been safe;
Stick to the strongest side, and think, and laugh.

What matter i'st what those in Office say,
When those that are in power, do answer nay?
A Cutlers shop affords us stronger law,
Then Cook or Littleton e'r read, or saw:
But be content, let them do what they will,
Be thou a Justice I'm Atturney still.
A poor Atturney is a safer thing
Now, then to be Protector or a King.
Our noble Sheriff's a dying, and I fear
Will never feast us more in Taunton-shire.

Pray tell your lovely Sue, I love her still,
As Well's I dare, let her not take it ill,
I write not to her, I've time enough, 'tis true,
But have not wit enough to deal with Sue.