The Poetry Corner

An Epigram Addressed To The Gentlemen Reflected On In The Rosciad, A Poem, By The Author

By Oliver Goldsmith

Worried with debts and past all hopes of bail, His pen he prostitutes t' avoid a gaol. ROSCOM. Let not the 'hungry' Bavius' angry stroke Awake resentment, or your rage provoke; But pitying his distress, let virtue shine, And giving each your bounty, 'let him dine'; For thus retain'd, as learned counsel can, Each case, however bad, he'll new japan; And by a quick transition, plainly show 'Twas no defect of yours, but 'pocket low', That caused his 'putrid kennel' to o'erflow.