Oh! Mr. Best, you’re very bad
And all the world shall know it;
Your base
By me, a
You used to go to Harrowgate
Each summer as it came,
And why I pray should you refuse
To go this year the same?–
The way’s as plain, the road’s as smooth,
The Posting not increased;
You’re scarcely stouter than you were,
Not younger Sir at least.–
If
Why now
You may not live another year,
It is your duty
To give your health repair.
Vain else your Richard’s pills will be,
And vain your Consort’s care.
But yet a nobler Duty calls
You now towards the North.
Arise ennobled–as Escort
Of
She wants your aid–she
With a distinguished call.
Stand forth to be the friend of her
Who is the friend of all.–
Take her, and wonder at your luck,
In having such a Trust.
Her converse sensible and sweet
Will banish heat and dust.–
So short she’ll make the journey seem
You’ll bid the Chaise stand still.
T’will be like driving at full speed
From
Convey her safe to Morton’s wife
And I’ll forget the past,
And write some verses in your praise
As finely and as fast.
But if you still refuse to go
I’ll never let your rest,
Buy haunt you with
Oh! wicked Mr. Best!–
Jane Austen
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