—Thus, once again, if not for ever,

I had to curse th' infernal fever

That did my upright form disgrace,

And rob me of my welcome place.

—At length, brimfull of discontent,

Half-mad, I to the Office went;

Where Fortune seem'd to change my view,

For there she made me known to you.

"Thus, Sir, I've told my tedious story,
And now a suppliant stand before you:
But in my story, right or wrong,
Truth was the rudder of my tongue.
—I've done, and, in all patience, wait,
To know how you may rule my fate;
And if my hist'ry will commend
Quæ Genus, (such may be his end,)
To you, Sir Jeff'ry, as his friend."
}