To a Friend in Town, sent from Bath.

With clouded Head, and out of Time,
Still I'm resolv'd to scribble Rhime;
Thanks for your kind, obliging Letter,
It merits a Return much better.

I'm glad, nay much rejoic'd to find,
That Liberty so hits your Mind;
The Parson too approves my Brat —
I'm pleas'd, extremely pleas'd with that.

A Piece of News, for private Ear —
No matter — shortly 'twill appear,
As public as a Press can make it,
And therefore let the Winds all take it.

G AINSBRO ', an Artist in this Place,
I told you was to draw my Face;
And, gratis , promis'd to supply,
A Picture for the public Eye:
Apostate like, denies his Word,
In fine, has acted so absurd,
And treated me with such Neglect,
Though I've behav'd with all Respect,
That I've engag 'd — am in Advance,
To treat him with satyric Dance;
In Manner — on Churchilliad Plan,
I'll lash this petty Gentleman .
A second H OGARTH to your View —
When maul'd in my corroding Stew,
His Usage he shall quickly rue.

You tell me W- LK - S , with full Intent
To gain a Seat in Parliament,
Is just return'd from exil'd State,
And much befriended by the Great —
I'm sorry for't, without Disguise;
I've given up, to public Eyes,
My Thoughts in honest, recent Rhimes ,
Touching the past licentious Times ;
And much I fear, if mad-cap Zeal
Should fix him in the Public-Weal,
Confusion may again prevail,
Like Ship depriv'd of Helm and Sail. —
Well, let the Times go as they will,
My Recipe is pow'rful still —
Integrity of Heart — a Mind
Of equal Ballance — thus inclin'd —
You must be happy; Time and Place,
Will ever wear a pleasing Face.

B UT hold — we'll put a finish here —
Believe me your's, most sincere.