AN EPIGRAM ADDRESSED TO THE GENTLEMEN REFLECTED ON IN THE ROSCIAD, A POEM, BY TH...

By Oliver Goldsmith

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.