Classic Poem

UPON HIS FORGETTING HIS ENGAGEMENT TO DINNER .

The dinner was waiting, — the ven'son was hot,
But Jack Taylor the ven'son and dinner forgot;
Yet the fat was inviting, and tender the lean,
And compos'd a repast fit for George and his Queen!
I request you'll explain to what it was owing,
You came not to meet Poet Pye, and Boscawen?
On the Staffordshire Haunch, though you chose not to feast,
We expected to see you at supper at least;
Where the ladies were ready to relish your fun,
To commend your good humour, and laugh at your pun.
If humanity led you to mansions of care,
I'll accept the excuse for your not being there;
But if for an other your engagement you broke,
My revenge shall be this, I'll not smile at your joke,
Nor defend you when sober, nor praise you when mellow,
As a friendly good-natur'd and humourous fellow.