I wave all former Merits, neither hint
Counsel, that since hath prov'd to you a Mint,
That well your Back hath cloth'd, your Purse well
Ah! let my Wants your soft Compassion find.
Dog Steward then reply'd, Isgrim, 'tis true,
To rob my Master I conspir'd with you,
And I so well did your first Lesson learn,
I onely studied since my own Concern;
By which I rais'd my self in little space
Up from a Scullion, to the Caterer's Place:
A Basket in my Mouth, a Bill that bid
The Butcher furnish me with Veal or Kid,
Beef, Lamb, or Mutton, which I day by day
Brought to the Cook, ne're asking what's to pay:
But once as I went luggering home my Load,
I saw two Mastiffs fighting in the Road;
Straight to be Stickler, down my Charge I set,
When the great Battel prov'd an arrant Cheat,
And they to plundring of my Basket fell:
I thought I might put in my Claim as well;
So we together did divide the Spoil.
My Lord saw this, and laughing all the while,
Tickled with Mischief, and my ready Wit,
Since me to make his Steward hath thought fit;
And I'm no more a down-right Shepherd's Cur,
But as you see; Your humble Servant, Sir,
Confesseth that you rais'd me, nor shall scorn,
As Courtiers use, to make a kind Return:
I'll put you on a handsom Project shall
Once more your Belly fill, fall what may fall.