Alex. Mackenzie Inv! et Sculp. 1762

The HUNGRY MOB of SCRIBLERS and
Etchers

If thine Enemy be hungry give him Bread to eat;
and if he be thirsty give him water to drink Proverbs 25. 21.

Let each Scribler that will ply his Needle or Quill
In Despite of the Beadle or Gallow's
And their Venom throw out all the Kingdom about
No Regard should be paid to such Fellows

Was a God to alight from Olimpus height
Or Pallas to Guide in this Nation
The hungry Tribe against her Rules would Subscribe
And endeavour to blacken her Station.

Then in Pit-y behold; how they Scratch and they Scold
And Spew from their Airy Dominions.
Not any of Sense can sure take Offence?
Or be Bi-Afscl by such weak Opinions?

If their snarling youd stop give the Hellhounds a Sop
Like Cerberus, that Infernal Growler.
They'l Riggle and bow; and Prais'es bestow,
Tho' now they breathe nothing but Toul Air.

1762