AN EPIGRAM.[1] INSCRIBED TO THE HONOURABLE SERGEANT KITE.
Reading edition
AN EPIGRAM.[1] INSCRIBED TO THE HONOURABLE SERGEANT KITE.
"In your indignation what mercy appears. While Jonathan's threaten'd with loss of his ears; For who would not think it a much better choice, By your knife to be mangled than rack'd with your voice. If truly you [would] be revenged on the parson, Command his attendance while you act your farce on; Instead of your maiming, your shooting, or banging, Bid Povey[2] secure him while you are haranguing. Had this been your method to torture him, long since, He had cut his own ears to be deaf to your nonsense."
[Footnote 1: Now first published from a copy in the Dean's handwriting; in possession of J. Connill, Esq. [S.]]
[Footnote 2: Povey was sergeant-at-arms to the House of Commons.]