William Cowper

26 November 1731 – 25 April 1800 / Hertfordshire

On A Miser, 2 (From The Greek)

A miser traversing his house,
Espied, unusual there, a mouse,
And thus his uninvited guest
Briskly inquisitive address'd:
'Tell me, my dear, to what cause is't
I owe this unexpected visit?'
The mouse her host obliquely eyed,
And, smiling, pleasantly replied:
'Fear not, good fellow, for your hoard!
I come to lodge, and not to board.'
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