An Epigram On A Late Debate In The H---- Of C---- Concerning The National Debt Poem by Nicholas Amhurst

Last Week in this Town was a furious Debate,
Between two great Masters and Champions of State;
Dread Havock ensued and most terrible Work,
While one fought for Norfolk, the other for York;
Their Hearts full of Ire and their Tongues sharp as Swords;
Sure never was seen such a Battle of Words!
Stout as Sutton and Figg to their Weapons they stood,
Their Eyes darted Fire and their Speeches drew Blood;
What one Man asserted, the other denyed;
They argued, objected, remark'd and replyed;
At length, quoth Sir William, let Numbers decide.

Then nothing but Numbers, ay Numbers was heard,
Which, on telling of Noses, for Norfolk appear'd;
Though the Champion of York did his Sides so belabour,
He seemed but to want a clear Stage and no Favour.

Yet as it stands now, if the World judge aright,
Another such Triumph would demolish Him quite;
'Twas but a drawn Battle at best, without Doubt;
One triumph'd within Doors, the other without.