A Parliament, [by Play-Bill, summon’d here];

When e’er in want, to you for aid they fly,

And a new Play’s the Speech that begs supply:

But now—

The scanted Tribute is so slowly paid,

Our Poets must find out another Trade;

They’ve tried all ways th’ insatiate Clan to please,

Have parted with their old Prerogatives,

Their Birth-right Satiring, and their just pretence

Of judging even their own Wit and Sense;