» You stare-but Sirs, I've got it yet, » And can produce it. » (C Pray, Sir, do: » I'll lay my life the thing is blue. »> « And I'll be sworn that when you've seen » The reptile, you'll pronounce him green ». » Well then, at once to ease the doubt, » Replies the man, « l'll turn him out: » And when before your eyes I've set him, » If you don't find him black, I'll eat him. » He said; then full before their sight Produc'd the beast, and lo!-'twas white. Both star'd, the man look'd wond'rous wiseMy children,» the Cameleon cries, « (Then first the creature found a tongue) A CHA P. XIII. MERRICK. The Youth and the Philosopher. Grecian Youth, of talents rare, Would often boast his matchles skill, Was praise and transport to his breast. And bade his slaves the chariot lead The trembling grove confess'd its fright, The Muses drop the learned lyre, Howe'er the Youth with forward air, Amazement seiz'd the circling crowd; Expect no pre from me, (and sigh’d) Such skill and judgment thrown away. WHITEHEAD. CHA P. XI V.. Sir Balaam.. WHERE London's column, pointing at the skies, Like a tall bully, lifts the head, and lies : There dwelt a Citizen of sober fame ? A plain good man, and Balaam was his name; An added pudding solemniz'd the Lord's : sure, His givings rare, save farthings to the poor. The devil was piqued such saintship to behold, And long'd to tempt him, like good Job of old. But Satan now is wiser than of yore, And tempts by making rich, not making poor. Rous'd by the Prince of Air the whirlwinds sweep The surge, and plunge his Father in the deep; An honest factor stole a gem away; He pledg'd it to the knight; the knight had wit, So kept the di'mond, and the rogue was bit.. Some scruple rose, but thus he cas'd his thought: a I'll now give six-pence where I gave a groat; >> Where once I went to Church, I'll now go >> twice » And am so clear too of all other vice. >> མ་ The Tempter saw his time; the work he ply'd; Stocks and subscriptions pour on ev'ry side, 'Till all the Dæmon makes his full descent In one abundant show'r of Cent per Cent; Sinks deep within him, and possesses whole, Then dubs Director, and secures his soul. Behold sir Balaam now a man of spirit, Ascribes his gettings to his parts and merit; What late he call'd a Blessing, now was Wit, And God's good Providence, a lucky Hit. Things change their titles, as our manners turn: His Compting-house employ'd the Sunday morn : There (so the Devil ordain'd) one Christmas-tide A Nymph of Quality admires our Knight: And one more Pensioner St. Stephen gains. CHA P. X V. Edwin and Emma. FAR in the windings of a vale, . Fast by a sheltering wood, The safe retreat of health and peace, There beauteous Emma flourish'd fair Whose only wish on earth was now The softest blush that nature spreads, Such orient colour smiles thro' heav'n Nor let the pride of great ones scorn That sun which bids their diamond blaze, POPE. Long had she fired each youth with love, And though by all a wonder own'd, 'Till Edwin came, the pride of swains, A soul that knew no art, And from whose eyes serenely mild, A mutual dame was quickly caught, To work them harm, with wicked skill The father too, a sordid man Who love nor pity knew, Was all unfeeling as the rock Long had he seen their mutual flame In Edwin's gentle heart a war Of differing passions strove; Deny'd her sight, he oft behind The spreading hawthorn crept, To snatch a glance, to mark the spot Where Emma walk'd and wept. Oft too in Stanemore's wintry waste Beneath the moonlight shade |