XCVIII.

Firstly, they must allure the conversation, By many windings to their clever clinch; And secondly, must let slip no occasion, Nor _bate_ (abate) their hearers of an _inch_,[mt] But take an ell--and make a great sensation, If possible; and thirdly, never flinch When some smart talker puts them to the test, But seize the last word, which no doubt's the best.