An Extempore Invitation To The Earl Of Oxford, Lord High Treasurer

By Matthew Prior

My Lord,

Our weekly friends to-morrow meet

At Matthew's palace in Duke-street,

To try for once if they can dine

On bacon-ham and mutton-chine.

If, wearied with the great affairs

Which Britain trusts to Harley's cares,

Thou, humble statesman, may'st descend

Thy mind one moment to unbend,

To see thy servant from his soul

Crown with thy health the sprightly bowl,

Among the guests, which e'er my house

Received it never can produce

Of honour a more glorious proof —

Though Dorset used to bless the roof.