Hester Lynch SALUSBURY

I had in some humour in the Year 1768 imitated one of Martial’s Epigrams myself in the Character of Doctor Johnson here it is…

Swelling with Envy see some Wretch appears,
While hourly quoted Ramblers grieve his Ears;
Swelling with Envy eyes the crowded Park,
Where Shrugs significant my Person mark;
Swelling with Envy sees one Pension paid
To conscious Worth that scorns the flattring Trade;
Swelling with Envy sees the calm Retreat
That Streatham’s Shades afford my weary Feet,
Swelling with Envy hears the meaner Fame
That Johnson’s Court to Johnson owes its Name;
Swelling with Envy sees each Friend I love
Pleas’d while corrected, & while check’d—approve:
Swelling with Envy which affords no Pow’r
To damp the Pleasures of my social Hour
See him with Envy swelled, and Spleen accurst,
But if he swells with Envy—let him burst.