But fierce George Hardinge swore, if pens or pen
Of woman, women, man or men,
In any wise or shape, in Ode or Tale,
Dared mention that superior Lady, lo!
The law should deal them such a blow!
Hang, pillory, or confine for life in jail.”
When the Doctor was once reproved by an acquaintance for the liberties he took with his sovereign, “I confess there exists this difference between the King and me,” he replied; “the King has been a good subject to me, but I have been a bad subject to him.” This he admitted, but that he was guilty in any sense of serious offence he pooh-poohed:
“Such is the Song: and do not thou, severe,
With ‘Treason! Treason!’ fill a royal ear;
For gentle jokes, at times, on Queens and Kings,