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Sad Philomel thus-but let similes drop-
And now that I think on't, the story may stop.
To be plain, my good lord, it's but labour mis-
plac'd,

To send such good verses to one of your taste; You've got an odd something-a kind of discerning

A relish a taste-sicken'd over by learning; At least, it's your temper, as very well known, That you think very slightly of all that's your

own:

So, perhaps, in your habits of thinking amiss, You may make a mistake, and think slightly of this.

RETALIATION.

A Poem.

FIRST PRINTED IN MDCCLXXIV., AFTER THE AUTHOR'S DEATH.

Dr. Goldsmith and some of his friends occasion. ally dined at the St. James's coffee-house. One day it was proposed to write epitaphs on him. His country, dialect, and person, furnished subjects of witticism. He was called on for retaliation, and at their next meeting produced the following poem.

RETALIATION.

CF old, when Scarron his companions invited, Each guest brought his dish, and the feast was united:

If our landlord* supplies us with beef and with

fish,

Let each guest bring himself, and he brings the best dish.

Our dean+ shall be venison, just fresh from the

plains,

Our Burke shall be tongue, with a garnish of

brains,

Our Will § shall be wild-fowl, of excellent flavour,

And Dick || with his pepper shall heighten the

savour:

* The master of St. James's coffee-house, where the doctor, and the friends he has characterised in this poem, occasionally dined.

† Doctor Bernard, dean of Derry in Ireland.

Mr. Edmund Burke.

§ Mr. William Burke, late secretary to general Conway, and member for Bedwin.

Mr. Richard Burke, collector of Granada.

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