I had been in these parts? and what news from the other world? and a
thousand particular questions about his old friends; to all which I
responded as well as I could: and having given me a caution to avoid
some people, by whom I was threatened, for exposing them in my letters,
we went to take a bottle together.

Now I presume, gentlemen, you will conclude it high time for me to take
my leave; nor shall I tire your patience much longer, only permit me
to give ye the trouble of some particular services to those honest
gentlemen whose generosity gave me the reputation of a funeral above
what I e'er expected, especially to Dr. S----t for bestowing the ground
I never frequented, to Dr. Garth and the rest for the charge of a hearse
and mourning coaches, which I could not have desired, and to Dr. D----ke
for designing me a monument I know the world will reflect I never
deserved; but for that, let my works testify for me. And though ye are
satisfied my genius was never over-fruitful in the product of verse,
yet knowing these favours require something a little uncommon to make a
suitable return, I shall take my leave in metre, and, if contrary to my
opinion, it meets with a kind acceptance from the town, honest Sam. may
clap it in the next edition of the State Poems, with Buckingham's name
to it.

When a scurvy disease had lain hold of my carcase,
And death to my chamber was mounting the stair-case.
I call'd to remembrance the sins I'd committed,
Repented, and thought I'd for Heaven been fitted;
But alas! there is still an old proverb to cross us,
I found there no room for the sons of Parnassus;
And therefore contented like others to fare,
To the shades of Elizium I strait did repair;
Where Dryden and other great wits o' the town,
To reward all their labours, are damn'd to write on.
Here Johnson may boast of his judgment and plot,
And Otway of all the applause that he got;
Loose Eth'ridge presume on his stile and his wit,
And Shadwell of all the dull plays he e'r writ;
Nat. Lee here may boast of his bombast and rapture,
And Buckingham rail to the end of the chapter;
Lewd Rochester lampoon the King and the court,
And Sidley and others may cry him up for't;
Soft Waller and Suckling, chaste Cowley and others,
With Beaumont and Fletcher, poetical brothers,
May here scribble on with pretence to the bays,
E'en Shakespear himself may produce all his plays,
And not get for whole page