A New Year's Gift For Bec [1]

1723-4     Returning Janus[2] now prepares,     For Bec, a new supply of cares,     Sent in a bag to Dr. Swift,     Who thus displays the new-year's gift.         First, this large parcel brings you tidings     Of our good Dean's eternal chidings;     Of Nelly's pertness, Robin's leasings,     And Sheridan's perpetual teazings.     This box is cramm'd on every side     With Stella's magisterial pride.     Behold a cage with sparrows fill'd,     First to be fondled, then be kill'd.     Now to this hamper I invite you,     With six imagined cares to fright you.     Here in this bundle Janus sends     Concerns by thousands for your friends.     And here's a pair of leathern pokes,     To hold your cares for other folks.     Here from this barrel you may broach     A peck of troubles for a coach.     This ball of wax your ears will darken,     Still to be curious, never hearken.     Lest you the town may have less trouble in     Bring all your Quilca's [3] cares to Dublin,     For which he sends this empty sack;     And so take all upon your back.