E. B.
The author of the lines is Tom Brown, the witty and facetious writer of Dialogues of the Dead, in imitation of Lucian, &c., who being about to be expelled the University of Oxford for some fault, was pardoned by the Dean of Christchurch on the condition that he should translate extempore the epigram from Martial, xxxiii.:
"Non amo te, Zabidi, nec possum dicere quare;
Hoc tantum possum dicere, non amo te;"
which he instantly rendered:
"I do not love thee, Dr. Fell," &c.
R. I. S.
[We are indebted to BOSQUECILLIO VIEGO, and other correspondents, for similar replies.]
Fernseed (Vol. v., p. 172.).
—This was considered a charm of the highest potency. It not only preserved the fortunate possessor against the malignant influences of demon, witch, and sorcerer, but enabled him to render himself invisible at pleasure: