“The Lines are weak another’s pleased to say
Lord Fanny spins a thousand such a day.”[47]
and
“Like gentle Fanny’s was my flow’ry theme
A painted mistress or a purling stream.”
These allusions stung Lord Hervey’s shallow feelings. This was his idea of a refined and witty rejoinder.
“To the imitator of the Satires of the Second Book of Horace.”
“Thus whilst with coward hand you stab a name
And try at least t’ assassinate our fame;
Like the first bold assassins be thy lot;