_Epigrams_ (Vol. vii., p. 175.).--The true version of the epigram on Dr.
Toe, which I heard or read about fifty years ago, is as follows:
"'Twixt Footman John and Doctor Toe,
A rivalship befel,
Which should become the fav'rite beau,
And bear away the belle.
"The Footman won the Lady's heart;
And who can wonder? No man:
The whole prevail'd against the part,--
'Twas _Foot_-man versus _Toe_-man."
Perhaps the "John" ought to be "Thomas;" for I find, on the same page of my
Common-place Book, the following:
"Dear Lady, think it no reproach,
It show'd a generous mind,
To take poor Thomas in the coach,
Who rode _before behind_.
"Dear Lady, think it no reproach,
It show'd you lov'd the more,
To take poor Thomas in the coach,
Who rode _behind before_."