Page:The Deipnosophists (Volume 3).djvu/354

  Another, just three days arrived in port,
Without or wounded mast or shatter'd sail,
With a rich cargo from Byzantium;
He reckons on his ten or twelve per cent.
Clear profit of adventure, is all joy,
All life, all spirits, chuckles o'er his gain,
And looks abroad, like a true sailor, for
Some kind and tender-hearted wench, to share
His happy fortunes, and is soon supplied
By the vile pimps that ply about the port.
This is the man for me; him I accost,
Hang on his steps, and whisper in his ear,
"Jove the preserver," nor withdraw my suit,
Till he has fairly fix'd me in his service.
This is my practice.—If I see some youth
Up to the ears in love, who spends his time
In prodigality and wild expense,
Him I make sure of.—But the cautious man,
Who calls a meeting at a joint expense,
Collects the symbols, and deposits them
Safe in his earthen pot; he may call loud,
And pull my robe, he'll not be heard, I pay
No heed to such mean wretches, for no gain
But blows can be obtain'd by serving them;
Though you work hard to please them night and day,
If you presume to ask such fellow for
The wages you have earn'd, he frowns, and cries,
"Bring me the pot, you varlet;" then bawls out,
"The lentils wanted vinegar;"—again
Demand your money, "Wretch," he loudly cries,
"Be silent, or I'll make you an example
For future cooks to mend their manners by."
More I could tell, but I have said enough.

B. You need not fear the service I require,
'Tis for a set of free and easy girls,
Who live hard by, and wish to celebrate
Gaily the feast of their beloved Adonis.
She who invites is a right merry lass,
And nothing will be spared: therefore be quick,
Tuck up your robe, and come away with me.—Anon.