(For the dean was so shabby, and look'd like a ninny, That the captain suppos'd he was curate to Jenny.*) Never since I was born did I hear so much wit, And, madam, I laugh'd, till I thought I should split: So then you look'd scornful, and snift at the dean, As who should say, Now, am I skinny and lean?† But he durst not so much as open his lips, And the doctor was plaguily down in the hips.' Thus merciless Hannah ran on in her talk, Till she heard the dean call, Will your ladyship walk? Her ladyship answers, I am just coming down:' Then turning to Hannah, and forcing a frown, Altho' it was plain in her heart she was glad, Cry'd Hussy! why sure the wench is gone mad: How could these chimeras get into your brains ?— Come hither, and take this old gown for your pains. But the dean, if this secret should come to his ears, Will never have done with his gibes and his jeers: For your life, not a word of the matter, I charge ye, Give me but a barrack, a fig for the clergy.' *The Doctor's name was Jenny. + A Nick-name for my lady. 195 THE ELEPHANT IN THE MOON. [BUTLER.] A LEARN'D Society of late, The glory of a foreign state, To search the Moon by her own light; Her real estate, and personal; And make an accurate survey The sly surveyors stole a shire: T'observe her country, how 'twas planted, For settling of new plantations, T'attempt so glorious a design. This was the purpose of their meeting, *K Was mounted full against the Moon, To plant an ensign first upon her. Approv'd the most profound and wise, Advancing gravely, to apply To th' optic glass his judging eye, Quoth he, Th' inhabitants o' th' Moon, Who, when the sun shines hot at noon, Do live in cellars under ground, Of eight miles deep, and eighty round, (In which at once they fortify Against the sun and th' enemy) Which they count towns and cities there, Because their people's civiller |