TO
A LADY
WHO SENT THE AUTHOR SOME PAPER
WITH A READING OF SILLAR’S POEMS.
DEAR madam, with joy I read over your letter;
Your kindness still tends to confirm me your debtor;
But can’t think of payment, the sum is so large,
Tho’ farthings for guineas could buy my discharge.
But, madam, the Muses are fled far away,
They deem it disgrace with a milkmaid to stay.
Let them go if they will, I would scorn to pursue,
And can, without sighing, subscribe an adieu.