Volume Ii Part 56 (2/2)
But still were wanting his grimalkin eyes, For which gray worsted stocking paint supplies.
Th' unravell'd thread through needle's eye convey'd, Transferr'd itself into his pasteboard head.
How came the scissars to be thus outdone?
The needle had an eye, and they had none.
O wondrous force of art! now look at Dan-- You'll swear the pasteboard was the better man.
”The devil!” says he, ”the head is not so full!”
Indeed it is--behold the paper skull.
THO. SHERIDAN _sculp._
ON THE SAME
If you say this was made for friend Dan, you belie it, I'll swear he's so like it that he was made by it.
THO. SHERIDAN _sculp._
ON THE SAME PICTURE
Dan's evil genius in a trice Had stripp'd him of his coin at dice.
Chloe, observing this disgrace, On Pam cut out his rueful face.
By G--, says Dan, 'tis very hard, Cut out at dice, cut out at card!
G. ROCHFORT _sculp._
ON THE SAME PICTURE
Whilst you three merry poets traffic To give us a description graphic Of Dan's large nose in modern sapphic;
I spend my time in making sermons, Or writing libels on the Germans, Or murmuring at Whigs' preferments.
But when I would find rhyme for Rochfort, And look in English, French, and Scotch for't, At last I'm fairly forced to botch for't.
Bid Lady Betty recollect her, And tell, who was it could direct her To draw the face of such a spectre?
I must confess, that as to me, sirs, Though I ne'er saw her hold the scissars, I now could safely swear it is hers.
'Tis true, no nose could come in better; 'Tis a vast subject stuff'd with matter, Which all may handle, none can flatter.
Take courage, Dan; this plainly shows, That not the wisest mortal knows What fortune may befall his nose.
Show me the brightest Irish toast, Who from her lover e'er could boast Above a song or two at most:
For thee three poets now are drudging all, To praise the cheeks, chin, nose, the bridge and all, Both of the picture and original.
Thy nose's length and fame extend So far, dear Dan, that every friend Tries who shall have it by the end.
<script>