Classic Poem

News for your Ear, my gaping Clown;
A Story's got about the Town,
That Master T APLIN late has sold
His Carcase for a Piece of Gold:
No sure, says Bumpkin, that can't be;
But tell, my Friend, what was the Fee?
Just Half a Guinea — further still —
At three Weeks Date, to D IGWEED 's Will,
He's promis'd to resign his Self,
To be dissected — foolish Elf!
What! put in Case at Surgeon's Hall?
O Marcy ! what a timeless Fall! —
Peace to your Fears — the Jest I smoke,
Friend T APKIN 's all this while in Joke;
Why, Man, he loves his Life too well —
Go home, and sound by Crier's Bell,
That D IGWEED is the laugh'd-at Tool,
'Tis he that plays the public Fool.