"The lines seem to be a sort of prophecy, and written in verse, as old prophecies usually are, but in a very hobbling kind of measure. Their meaning is very dark, if it be any at all; of which the learned reader can judge better than I: however it be, several persons were of opinion, that they deserved to be published, both as they discover somewhat of the genius of a former age, and may be an amusement to the present." WHEN a holy black Swede, the son of Bob, * * Dr John Robinson, bishop of Bristol, one of the plenipotentiaries at Utrecht. + He was dean of Windsor, and lord privy seal. The New Style (which was not used in Great Britain and Ireland till 1752) was then observed in most parts of Europe. The bishop set out from England the latter end of December O. S.; and on his arrival at Utrecht, by the variation of the style, he found January somewhat advanced. Alluding to the deanery and bishopric being possessed by the same person, then at Utrecht. Earl of Nottingham. Duke of Malborough. The treasurer's wand, taken from Harley, whose second title was Lord Mortimer. And, dear Englond, if ought I understond, Their Conyngs mark thou; for I have been told, The Duchess of Somerset. +Thomas Thynne, of Longleate, Esq. married the above lady after the death of her first husband, Henry Cavendish, Earl of Ŏgle, only son to Henry, Duke of Newcastle, to whom she had been betrothed in her infancy. The marriage was never consummated; and Count Koningsmark having fallen in love with her while abroad, caused Thynne to be shot in his own carriage in Pallmall. To this horrid story, the following lines allude. Count Koningsmark. CORINNA,* A BALLAD. THIS day (the year I dare not tell) And he endow'd her with his art. But Cupid with a Satyr comes; "And I pronounce," the Satyr said, "The world shall feel her scratch and bite." Her talent she display'd betimes; For in twice twelve revolving moons, She seem'd to laugh and squall in rhymes, And all her gestures were lampoons. At six years old, the subtle jade Stole to the pantry-door, and found The butler with my lady's maid : And you may swear the tale went round. She made a song, how little miss Was kiss'd and slobber'd by a lad: And how, when master went to p―, Miss came, and peep'd at all he had. This ballad refers to the history of Mrs Manley, a political writer, whom we have often noticed. It is difficult to say what could have tempted Swift to attack her so severely, at a time when they were both zealously engaged in the same political cause. But wits are not famous for discriminating between friends and enemies. At twelve, a wit and a coquette; Her common-place-book all gallant is, Or memoirs of the New Utopia. THE FABLE OF MIDAS. * MIDAS, we are in story told, Turn'd every thing he touch'd to gold: His empty paunch that he might fill, This cutting satyr upon the Duke of Marlborough, was writ ten about the time when he was deprived of his employments. Swift thus mentions it in his journal: "To-day, I published 'The Fable of Midas,' a poem printed on a loose half sheet of paper. I know not how it will take; but it passed wonderfully at our society to-night; and Mr secretary read it before me the other night, to lord-treasurer, at Lord Masham's, where they equally approved of it. Tell me how it passes with you."-Journal to Stella, Feb. 14, 1711-12. Vol. III. He cock'd his hat, you would have said To think upon a certain leader; per cent.? * The reader will recollect, that the Duke of Marlborough was accused of having received large sums, as perquisites, from the contractors, who furnished bread, forage, &c. to the army. |