Perhaps by th’ Speaker he might be addrest.
Should he by chance some Gallant deed Achieve,
He might th’ Honourable Speaker’s thanks receive.
’Twas usual that, when Heroes took their Seat,
A flowery flow of grateful thanks to meet.
Whate’er John thought, he’d not point out a Flaw,
The Speaker surely’d not offend the Law.
His praise, so general, savour’d of Insanity,
Tho’ often just—it flatter’d each one’s Vanity.
Now in true earnest set about his Task,