On these he scarce vouchsafes a scornful smile,
But on their powerful patrons turns his style:
A style so keen, as even from faction draws
The vital poison, stabs to the heart their cause.
Take then, great bard, what tribute we can raise;
Accept our thanks, for you transcend our praise.
TO
THE UNKNOWN AUTHOR[486]
OF THE FOLLOWING POEM,
AND THAT OF
ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL.
Thus pious ignorance, with dubious praise,
Altars of old, to gods unknown, did raise: