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.