Parte ff. 9–10 - ‘A Rebus’ (author unknown)

First line: ‘There is a Pair, I’ll spare their name’.

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Transcript

A Rebus

There is a Pair, I’ll spare their name,
Not to create Offence,
Who for their noise, & evil fame
Have long been banish’d hence.

Many by this accursed Pair
Have been to ruin brought,
Stript of their Lands, & Mansions fair,
And left not worth a Groat.

But when two Pair of such appear,
As t’were† in Reason’s spite,
They captivate each list’ning Ear,
And every Eye delight.

Ye sprightly Swains, & Nymphs so nice,
I pray you let me know,
By what strange power from double vice
Can so much virtue flow.

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The indentation of the lines has not been reproduced.

† Sic.