[19] The compliments passed between these celebrated geniuses indeed
were mutual; Mr. A. commending ROSCIUS for his fine acting, and
Roscius in return Mr. A. for his fine writing. The panegyric on both
sides was equally modest and just; and yet some snarling epigrammatist
could not forbear throwing out the following ill-natured jeu d'esprit
on the occasion.
On the poetical compliments lately passed between Mess. G. and A.
_When mincing masters, met with misses,
Pay mutual compliments for kisses;
Miss Polly sings no doubt divinely,
And master Jacky spouts as finely.
But, how I hate such odious greeting,
When two old stagers have a meeting
Foh! out upon the filthy pother!
What!_ men _beslobber one another!_
Tho' humble HIFFERNAN in pay, I keep,
Still my fast friend, when he is fast asleep;
Tho' long the Hodmandod my friend hath been,
With the land-tortoise earth'd at Turnham-Green:[20]
Tho' HARRY WOODFALL, BALDWIN, EVANS, SAY,[21]
My puffs in fairest order full display;