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110 WILLIAM CONGREVE [EPILOGUE
My business here was humbly to petition;
But we're so used to rail on these occasions,
I could not help one trial of your patience:
For 'tis our way (you know) for fear o' th' worst,
To be beforehand still, and cry fool first.
How say you, sparks? how do you stand affected?
I swear, young Bays within is so dejected,
Twould grieve your hearts to see him; shall I call him?
But then you cruel critics would so maul him!
Yet, may be you'll encourage a beginner;
But how?—Just how the devil does a sinner.
Women and wits are used e'en much at one,
You gain your end, and damn 'em when you've done.