Classic Poem

On a Flatterer.

I HATE a flatt'rer as I hate the devil,
But Tom's a very, very pleasing dog,
Of course let's speak of him in terms more civil —
I hate a flatt'rer as I hate a hog;
Not but applause is music to my ears,
He is a knave who says he likes it not;
But when in Friendship's guise Deceit appears,
'Twould fret a Stoic's frigid temper hot.