Xlvii. Continency Poem by Ellis Walker

When you're inform'd that any one thro' spight
Or an ill-natur'd, scurrilous delight
Of railing, slanders you, or doth accuse
Of doing something base, or scandalous,
Disquiet not yourself for an excuse,
Nor, blust'ring, swear he wrongs you with a lye,
But slight th' abuse, and make this calm reply:
'Alas! he's ignorant! for had he known
My other faults and follies, he had shewn
Those too, nor had he spoke of this alone.'