The Poetry Corner

Epigram - Frank Carves Very Ill

By Matthew Prior

Frank carves very ill, yet will palm all the meats; He eats more than six, and drinks more than he eats. Four pipes after dinner he constantly smokes, And seasons his whiffs with impertinent jokes: Yet sighing, he says we must certainly break, And my cruel unkindness compels him to speak, For of late I invite him, but four times a week.