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By Joseph Carson

to Mr George Carlin of Belfast

(Note: both the Epistle and Answer were published in the Belfast Newsletter)

My worthy friend, ne'er grudge and carp
Tho fortune use you hard an' sharp,
Come kittle up your moorland harp,
Wi gleesome touch.
Ne'er mmd how Fortune waft and warp -
She’ s but a bitch.
(Burns)

Accept these few lines, my dear Daniel Magerry
from a poor brother weaver that lives near the Bann,
When fortune appears with an aspect uncheery,
‘Tis wisdom to bear the reverse like a man.

This life's all a scene of her frowns and her favours,
There's few but have witness'd the change, high or low,
But when with a buffet she spurns our endeavours,
I own it's not easy to 'smile at the blow.

For me, with the Muse, I keep hearty and merry,
Tho' born and matured in adversity's vale,
No mortal more happy from Dublin to Derry,
Beguiling the time with a song or a tale.

Should care for a moment unwittingly tease me,
While toiling, in reverie wrapt, at the loom,
I steal down to yon happy cottage to ease me,
Where the smile of my Bessy disperses the gloom.

How pleasant on us is the smile of all faces,
While blown o'er the waves by prosperity's gale;
But mark how they alter, whenever it ceases
To urge on our bark with a full swelling sail.

But cheer up your spirits, my dear brother weaver,
Let nothing deter you the shuttle to ply;
Call Hope to assist you and do your endeavour,
And soon you may D--n and B---t defy.

Beware of the Justice - may justice look o'er him,
And teach him to balance with caution each scale;
If Lavery compels you to venture before him,
Poor Daniel may chance to sing dirges in jail.

Farewell, my dear friend, and may Fortune in anger,
No longer your once happy cottage infest,
If she dares, out of doors may Prosperity bang her,
And I hope Mr. Carlin will grant your request.