Note 77 — SOMERVILE.
Reading edition
This epigram was, I believe, never published:
“Should Dennis publish you had stabb’d your brother, Lampoon’d your monarch, or debauch’d your mother; Say, what revenge on Dennis can be had, Too dull for laughter, for reply too mad? On one so poor you cannot take the law, On one so old your sword you scorn to draw, Uncag’d then, let the harmless monster rage, Secure in dullness, madness, want, and age.”
Dr. J.