Note 216 — ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL.

In pious times, when poets were well banged For sawcy satire, and for sham plots hanged, A learned bard, that long commanded had The trembling stage in chief, at length ran mad. — — — — — — — — — — For, since he has given o'er to plague the stage With the effects of his poetic rage, Like a mad dog he runs about the streets, Snarling and biting every one he meets: The other day he met our royal Charles, And his two mistresses, and at them snarls; Then falls upon the numbers of state, Treats them all a-la-mode de Billinsgate.