On stupid Humphry Clinker shine in vain.
As through the hall and kitchen now you pass,
Pray deign to peep among the lower class:
The cook’s at work; but, madam, who can know
Whether her hands or tongue more swiftly go?
They’re nimble both; but diff’rent is th’ effect;
One merits praise, the other disrespect.
Poor Mary sighs beneath a load of woes,
Hard and uneasy ev’ry turn she does:
How light soe’er the task, she’ll pond’ring say,