Then  was his classic name,
Fearing the loss of dignity and fame,
To a grave lawyer in a hurry flies,
Opens his purse, and begs his best advice.
The fee secur'd, the lawyer strokes his band,
"The case you put, I fully understand;
"The thing is plain from  reports,
"For rules of poetry an't rules of courts:
"A libel this — I'll make the mummer know it. "
A  constable took up the poet;
Restrain'd the sallies of his laughing muse,
Call'd harmless humour scandalous abuse:
The bard appeal'd from this severe decree:
Th' indulgent public set the pris'ner free;
was to him, what  is to me.