John Gay

Revenge: or Fartherly Kindness

A vixen wife, who felt the horsewhip’s smart, 
Ran to her Father – begg’d he’d take her part. 
“What was your fault? (said he) Come, state the case.” 
“I threw some coffee in my husband’s face, 
“For which he beat me!” – “Beat you, did he? – ’S’life 
“He beat my Daughter! – then I’ll beat his Wife! 
“If for such faults, he gives my dear Child pain, 
“Come but his Wife, I’ll flog her home again!” 
This said, most amply he revenged his daughter, 
And stopt domestic squabbles ever after!