A POEM. 61 



But when the dog seems well, you'd best apply, 

 For a short time, the same or by and bye, 

 With double virulence again 'tis seen, 

 When an omission of the salve has been. 

 Syrup of buckthorn you must also give, 

 One ounce, not more, his bowels to relieve. 

 A cleanlier remedy by far than this, 

 Are found the leaves of noxious digitalis, 

 Applied upon the sore, that is, infus'd ; 

 If oft, with care, th' above is freely us'd, 

 This direful scourge effectually t' assail 

 It mostly will, and seldom 's known to fail, 

 If ta'en in time : but if neglectfulness 

 Has made it virulent, the first, than this, 

 I should prefer : 'fore either 's us'd, the part 

 Lave with soft soap and water, to the heart 

 Of the disease the application dives, 

 Thus sooner th' irritable patient thrives. 

 The nauseous flavour surely will prevent 

 A second taste, if on that scheme he's bent ; 



