Part 4 — EPIGRAMS OF JOSEPH ADDISON. THE COUNTESS OF MANCHESTER.
Reading edition
Written on his admission to the Kit-Cat Club, in compliance with the rule that every new member should name his toast, and write a verse in her praise.
While haughty Gallia's dames, that spread O'er their pale cheeks an artful red, Beheld this beauteous stranger there, In nature's charms divinely fair; Confusion in their looks they showed, And with unborrowed blushes glowed.
TO AN ILL-FAVORED LADY. [IMITATED FROM MARTIAL.]
While in the dark on thy soft hand I hung, And heard the tempting syren in thy tongue, What flames, what darts, what anguish I endured! But when the candle entered I was cured.
TO A CAPBICIOUS FEIEND. [IMITATED FROM MARTIAL.]
In all thy humors, whether grave or mellow, Thou 'rt such a touchy, testy, pleasant fellow; Hast so much wit, and mirth, and spleen about thee, There is no living with thee, nor without thee.
TO A ROGUE. [IMITATED FROM MARTIAL.]
Thy beard and head are of a different dye: Short of one foot, distorted in an eye: With all these tokens of a knave complete, Should'st thou be honest, thou 'rt a dev'lish cheat.