html.skin-theme-clientpref-night @media(prefers-color-scheme:dark){html.skin-theme-clientpref-os }O Thou! to man the earnest of fourscore,
Guest of the rich, unenvied by the poor,
Thou that great Esculapius dost deride,
And o'er his galley-pots in triumph ride;
Thou that was wont to hover near the throne,
And underprop the head that wears the crown;
Thou that dost oft' in privy councils wait,
And guard from steep the drowsy eyes of state;
Thou that upon the bench art mounted high,
And warn'st the judges when they tread awry;
Thou that dost oft' from pamper'd prelates toe,
Emphatically urge the pains below;
Thou that are always half the city's grace.
And add'st to solemn noddle solemn pace;
Thou that art us'd to sit on lady's knee,
To feed on jellies, and to drink cold tea;
Thou whose luxurious sense can scarcely bear
The velvet slipper and the feather'd chair;
Whence does thy mighty condescension flow,
To visit my poor tabernacle?—Oh!
Her knee indulgent here no lady lends,
To watch thy looks no liv'ry'd train attends,
No costly jellies, and no chairs of down,
Invite soft slumbers, or the banquet crown.
Yet what I have for solace or for state,
I give, and envy for thy sake the great.
Jove, who vouchsaf'd in ancient times, 'tis said,
At poor Philemon's cot to take a bed;
Pleas'd with the mean, but hospitable feast,
First bid him ask, and granted his request—
O! then (for thou art of the race divine,
Begot on Venus by the God of wine)
Since, not incognito thy visit paid,
I meet thee conscious of my wants dismay'd.
Do thou to entertain thee give me store,
Or with thy presence honour me no more.