[141] From the Time-Piece, November 13, 1797.
ODE XII[142]
The Crows and the Carrion
A Medical Story
If Ephraim on his bed complains
Of feverish pulse and boiling veins,
And throbs and pulses in his brains,
Then round him flock a ghastly crew
Of doctors old and doctors new,
And doctors, some—the Lord knows who.
Hoping the men had learned their trade,
Poor Ephraim begs them for their aid,
And promises they shall be paid.
Each quotes some book, by way of sham,
Or reads some text from Sydenham,
Which some approve, and some condemn.
At once he hears a barbarous noise,
Like that from herds of butchers' boys,
That ever hope of life destroys.