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Letters
Note: Dashes were used as intentional
censorship, in this case likely to avoid libel laws
Sir, I Am now very ferioufly employ'd in a Work that, I hope, may be
useful to the Publick, which is a Poem of the
Art of Cookery, in Imitation of
Horace's Art of Poetry, inscrb'd
to Dr. Lifer, as hoping it may be in time.
read as a preliminary to his Works: but I have not Vanity enough to
think it will live so long. I have in the mean time sent you and
Imitation of Horace his Invitation
of Torquatus to Supper, which is
the 5th Epistle of his first Book. Perhaps you will find so many
faults in this, that you may save me the Trouble of my other Proposal,
but how-ever take it as it is.
If Bellvill can his gen'rous Soul confine
To a small Room, few Difhes, and some Wine
I shall expect my Happinefs at Nine.
Two Bottle of smooth Palm, or Anjou white,
Shall give a Welcome, and prepare Delight.
Then for the Bordeaux you may freely afk,
But the Champaigne is to each Man his Flask.
I tell you with what Force I keep the Field,
And if you can exceed it, speak, I'll yield.
The Snow-white Damask Ensigns are display'd,
And glitt'ring Salvers on the Side-board laid.
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Thus we'll disperse all busie Thoughts and Cares,
The General's Counsels, and the Statesman's Fears:
Nor shall Sleep reign in that precedent Night,
Whole joyful Hours lead on the glorious Light,
Sacre to British Worth in
Blenheim's Fight.
The Blessings of Good Fortune seem, refus'd,
Unless sometimes with generous Freedom us'd.
'Tis Madnefs, not Frugality, prepares
A vast Excess of Wealth for squandring Heirs.
Must I of neither Wine, nor Mirth partake,
Left the censorious World should call me Rake?
Who unacquainted with the gen'rous Wine,
E'er spoke bold Truths, or fram'd a great Defign?
That makes us fancy ev'ry Face has Charms;
That gives us Courage, and then finds us Arms :
Sees Care difburthen'd and each Tounge employ'd,
The Poor grown Rich, and ev'ry Wish enjoy'd.
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This I'll perform and promise you shall fee,
A Cleanliness, from Affectation free:
No Nose, no Hurry, when the MEat's set on,
Or when the Dish is chan'd, the Servants gone
For all things ready, nothing more to fetch,
What e'er you want is in the Master's Reach.
Then for the Company I'll see it chose,
Their Emblematick Signal is the Rose.
If you of Freeman's Raillery
approve,
Of Cotton's Laugh and
Winner's Tales of Love,
And Bellai's charming Voice may be
allow'd,
What can you hope for better from a Crowd?
But I shall not prescribe, consult your Ease,
Write back your Men, and number as you please:
Try your Back-stairs, and let the Lobby wait,
A Stratagem in War is no Deceit.
I am, Sir, yours &c.