ADDRESSED TO MR. HAYLEY.
To thy candour now, HAYLEY, I offer the line,
Which after thy model I fain would refine.
Thy skill, in each trial of melody sweeter,
Can to elegant themes adapt frolicksome metre;
And at will, with a comic or tender controul,
Now speak to the humour, and now to the soul.
We'll turn from the objects of satire and spleen,
That late, uncontrasted; disfigured the scene;
To WRAY leave the rage the defeated attends,
And the conqueror hail in the arms of his friends;
Count with emulous zeal the selected and true,
Enroll in the list, and the triumph pursue.
These are friendships that bloomed in the morning of life,
Those were grafted on thorns midst political strife;
Alike they matured from the stem, or the flower,
Unblighted by int'rest, unshaken by power.
Bright band! to whose feelings in constancy tried,
Disfavour is glory, oppression is pride;
Attached to his fortunes, and fond of his fame,
Vicissitudes pass but to shew you the same.
But whence this fidelity, new to the age?
Can parts, though sublime, such attachments engage?
No: the dazzle of parts may the passions allure,
'Tis the heart of the friend makes affections endure.
The heart that intent on all worth but its own,
Assists every talent, and arrogates none;
The feeble protects, as it honours the brave,
Expands to the just, and hates only the knave.
These are honours, my FOX, that are due to thy deeds;
But lo! yet a brighter alliance succeeds;
The alliance of beauty in lustre of youth,
That shines on thy cause with the radiance of truth.
The conviction they feel the fair zealots impart,
And the eloquent eye sends it home to the heart.
Each glance has the touch of Ithuriel's spear,
That no art can withstand, no delusion can bear,
And the effort of malice and lie of the day,
Detected and scorn'd, break like vapour away.
Avaunt, ye profane! the fair pageantry moves:
An entry of VENUS, led on by the loves!
Behold how the urchins round DEVONSHIRE press!
For order, submissive, her eyes they address:
She assumes her command with a diffident smile,
And leads, thus attended, the pride of the Isle.
Oh! now for the pencil of GUIDO! to trace,
Of KEPPEL the features, of WALDEGRAVES the grace;
Of FITZROY the bloom the May morning to vie,
Of SEFTON the air, of DUNCANNON the eye;
Of LOFTUS the smiles (though with preference proud,
She gives ten to her husband, for one to the croud),
Of PORTLAND the manner, that steals on the breast,
But is too much her own to be caught or express'd;
The charms that with sentiment BOUVERIE blends,
The fairest of forms and the truest of friends;
The look that in WARBURTON, humble and chaste,
Speaks candour and truth, and discretion and taste;
Or with equal expression in HORTON combined,
Vivacity's dimples with reason refined.
REYNOLDS, haste to my aid, for a figure divine,
Where the pencil of GUIDO has yielded to thine;
Bear witness the canvas where SHERIDAN lives,
And with angels, the lovely competitor, strives----
While Earth claims her beauty and Heaven her strain,
Be it mine to adore ev'ry link of the chain!
But new claimants appear ere the lyre is unstrung,
Can PAYNE be passed by? Shall not MILNER be sung?
See DELME and HOWARD, a favourite pair,
For grace of both classes, the zealous and fair----
A verse for MORANT, like her wit may it please,
Another for BRADDYLL of elegant ease,
For BAMFYLDE a simile worthy her frame----
Quick, quick--I have yet half a hundred to name----
Not PARNASSUS in concert could answer the call,
Nor multiplied muses do justice to all.
Then follow the throng where with festal delight,
More pleasing than HEBE, CREWE opens the night.
Not the goblet nectareous of welcome and joy,
That DIDO prepared for the hero of TROY;
Not Fiction, describing the banquets above,
Where goddesses mix at the table of JOVE;
Could afford to the soul more ambrosial cheer
Than attends on the fairer associates here.
But CREWE, with a mortal's distinction content,
Bounds her claim to the rites of this happy event;
For the hero to twine civic garlands of fame,
With the laurel and rose interweaving his name,
And while Iö Pæans his merits avow,
As the Queen of the feast, place the wreath on his brow.
INSCRIPTION
_For the_ DUKE OF RICHMOND'_s Bust to the Memory of the
late_ MARQUIS OF ROCKINGHAM.
Hail, marble! happy in a double end!
Raised to departed principles and friend:
The friend once gone, no principles would stay:
For very grief, they wept themselves away!
Let no harsh censure such conjunction blame,
Since join'd in life, their fates should be the same.
Therefore from death they feel a common sting,
And HEAV'N receives the one, and one the K--G.
EPIGRAM.
_Reason for Mr._ FOX'_s avowed contempt of one_ PIGOT'_s Address to
him._
Who shall expect the country's friend,
The darling of the House,
Should for a moment condescend
To crack a [1]PRISON LOUSE.
ANOTHER.
_On one_ PIGOT'_s being called a_ LOUSE.
PIGOT is a _Louse_, they say,
But if you kick him, you will _see_,
'Tis by much the truest way,
To represent him as a FLEA.
ANOTHER,
For servile meanness to the great,
Let none hold PIGOT Cheap;
Who can resist his destined fate?
A LOUSE must always CREEP.
ANOTHER.
PIGOT is sure a most courageous man,
"A word and blow" for ever is his plan;
And thus his friends explain the curious matter,
He gives the first, and then receives the latter.
[1] The substantive in the marked part of this line has been long an
established SYNONYME for Mr. PIGOT, and the PREDICATE, we are assured,
is not at this time less just.
A NEW BALLAD,
ENTITLED AND CALLED
BILLY EDEN,
OR, THE
RENEGADO SCOUT.
_To the Tune of_ ALLY CROAKER.
I.
There lived a man at BECKHAM, in KENT, Sir,
Who wanted a place to make him content, Sir;
Long had he sigh'd for BILLY PITT's protection,
When thus he gently courted his affection:
Will you give a place, my dearest BILLY PITT _O!_
If I can't have a whole one, oh! give a little bit _O!_
II.
He pimp'd with GEORGE ROSE, he lied with the DOCTOR,
He flatter'd Mrs. HASTINGS 'till almost he had shock'd her;
He got the ARCHBISHOP to write in his favour,
And when BILLY gets a beard, he swears he'll be his shaver.
Then give him a place, oh! dearest BILLY PITT _O!_
If he can't have a whole one, oh! give a little bit _O!_
III.
To all you young men, who are famous for changing,
From party to party continually ranging,
I tell you the place of all places to breed in,
For maggots of corruption's the heart of BILLY EDEN.
Then give him a place, oh! dearest BILLY PITT _O!_
If he can't have a whole one, oh! give a little bit _O!_
EPIGRAMS.
_On Sir_ ELIJAH IMPEY _refusing to resign his Gown as_ CHIEF JUSTICE
OF BENGAL.
Of yore, ELIJAH, it is stated,
By angels when to Heav'n translated,
Before the saint aloft would ride,
His prophet's robe he cast aside;
Thinking the load might sorely gravel
His porters on so long a travel;
But our ELIJAH somewhat doubting,
To him SAINT PETER may prove flouting,
And wisely of his mantle thinking,
That its furr'd weight may aid his sinking,
Scornful defies his namesake's joke,
And swears by G--d he'll keep his cloak.
ANOTHER.
_By Mr_. WILBERFORCE.
_On reading Mr._ ROSE'_s Pamphlet on the_ IRISH PROPOSITIONS.
Uncramp'd yourself by grammar's rules,
You hate the jargon of the schools,
And think it most extremely silly;
But reading your unfetter'd prose,
I wish the too-licentious ROSE
Was temper'd by the chaster LILLY[1].
[1] A famous grammarian, well known for his excellent rules,
and still more for the happy classical quotations he has furnished
to Sir GEORGE HOWARD, and others of the more learned Ministerial
speakers.
PROCLAMATION.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS MAY COME.
Whereas it hath been made known to us, from divers good and
respectable quarters, in several parts of the empire, that a practice
of great and salutary consequences to the health, wealth, and good
order of our subjects; to wit, that of TEA-DRINKING, has of late years
been very much discontinued: AND WHEREAS it is a true and admitted
principle in all free governments, that the efficient Minister is the
best and only judge of what suits the constitution, pleases the
appetite, or is adapted to the wants of the subject. NOW IT IS HEREBY
ORDERED, and strictly ordained, by and with the advice of the PRIVY
COUNCIL, that all his Majesty's liege subjects, of all ranks,
descriptions, or denominations whatever, be henceforward, and from the
date hereof, required and enjoined, under the penalty of a
_premunire_, to drink, swill, and make away with a certain quantity of
the said nostrum and salutary decoction in the course of each natural
day, in the order and proportion as directed and ascertained in the
list or schedule herein after following, _viz_.
I. To every DUKE, MARQUIS, EARL, VISCOUNT, and BARON, within his
Majesty's kingdom of GREAT BRITAIN, one pound per day.--If GREEN be
too strong for their nerves, they may use SOUCHONG.--The method of
making it, that is to say, strong, weak, and so on, is left to the
noble personages themselves.
II. To every IRISH ditto, two pound per ditto.--This will be no
inconvenience, as smuggled claret will not be in future to be had.
III. DUCHESSES, DUCHESS DOWAGERS, COUNTESSES, and BARONESSES, one
pound per ditto.--As this regulation is not intended to hurt his
Majesty's Customs, a mixture of LIQUEURS will be permitted as usual.
IV. MAIDS OF HONOUR, CHAPLAINS, the MEMBERS of the CLUB AT WHITE's,
and other young gentlemen of that RANK and DESCRIPTION (being pretty
nearly the usual quantity), two pound per ditto.
V. To COUNTRY 'SQUIRES, FOX-HUNTERS, &c. as a most agreeable
substitute for STINGO and OCTOBER, three pound per ditto.
VI. To DRAYMEN, CHAIRMEN, and BARGEMEN, instead of PORTER, two pound
per ditto.
VII. To the Commonalty of this Realm, to drink with their victuals
and otherwise, at one pound for each person per ditto.
And IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that no excuse or plea whatever shall be
deemed valid, for the non-compliance with the above regulations; AND
that whoever shall pretend, that the said wholesome and benign
decoction, either does not agree with him, or is more expensive than
his finances or state of life will permit, shall be only considered
as aggravating the offence of disobedience, by a contumacious doubt
of the better knowledge of his superiors, and a ridiculous endeavour
to seem to be better acquainted with his own constitution and
circumstances, than the efficient Minister of the country.
GIVEN _at our Palace in_ DOWNING-STREET,
_this 24th Day of June, 1784._
ORIGINAL LETTER.
Many doubts having arisen, principally among the gentlemen who belong
to the same profession with the Master of the Rolls, whether that
distinguished character has _really_ sent a draft to the HIGH BAILIFF
of WESTMINSTER, for the expences of a late trial and verdict in the
Common Pleas; and although the fact is not exactly as it has been
represented, yet the following authentic letter will sufficiently
evince the generous intentions of Sir LL----D, as soon as he becomes
rich enough for him to answer so heavy a demand. At present, all who
know the very circumscribed state of his income, compared with the
liberality of his expenditure--who consider the extent of those
different establishments, which he feels it necessary to keep up
by way of preserving the dignity of his high office--his wardrobe
and table for instance--will acknowledge the plea of poverty to be
justly urged.
_To_ THOMAS CORBETT, _Esq.
Chancery-Lane._
_My dear and faithful friend, Tho. Corbett,_
"I anticipate your application to me, for the expences of defending
yourself against the action brought by that fellow, FOX. If eternally
damning the jury would pay the verdict, I would not scruple to assist
you to the utmost of my abilities.--Though THURLOW is against us upon
this point, and to swear with him, you know, would be just as vain a
thing as to swear with the Devil; but, my friend, the long and the
short of this matter is, that I am _wretched poor_--wretchedly so, I
do assure you, in every sense and signification of the word. I have
long borne the profitless incumbrance of nominal and ideal wealth. My
income has been cruelly estimated at seven, or, as some will have it,
eight thousand pounds per annum. The profession of which I am a
Member, my dear THOMAS, has taught me to value facts infinitely more
than either words or reasons. I shall save myself, therefore, the
mortification of denying that I am rich, and refer you to the constant
habits, and whole tenor of my life. The proof to my friends is
easy--Of the economy which I am obliged to observe in one very necessary
article, my taylor's bill for these last fifteen years, is a record
of the most indisputable authority. There are malicious souls, who
may object to this, as by no means the best evidence of the state of
my wardrobe; they will direct you, perhaps, to Lord STORMONT's
Valet de Chambre, and accompany the hint with an anecdote, that
on the day when I kissed hands for my appointment to the office of
Attorney-General, I appeared in a laced waistcoat that once belonged
to his master. The topic is invidious, and I disdain to enter into
it.--I _bought_ the waistcoat, but despise the insinuation--nor is this
the only instance in which I am obliged to diminish my wants, and
apportion them to my very limited means. Lady K. will be my witness,
that until my last appointment, I was an utter stranger to the luxury
of a pocket handkerchief.
"If you wish to know how I live, come and satisfy yourself--I shall
dine at home this day three months, and if you are not engaged, and
breakfast late, shall be heartily glad of your company; but in truth,
my butler's place is become an absolute sinecure--early habits of
sobriety, and self-denial, my friend, have made me what I am--have
deceived the approach of age, and enabled me to support the laborious
duties, and hard vicissitudes of my station.
"Besides, my dear BAILIFF, there are many persons to whom your
application would be made with infinitely more propriety than to me.
The nature of PEPPER ARDEN is mild, gentle, accommodating to the
extreme, and I will venture to engage that he would by no means
refuse a reasonable contribution. MACDONALD is, among those who
know him, a very proverb for generosity; and will certainly stand
by you, together with DUNDAS and the LORD ADVOCATE, if there be
fidelity in Scotchmen. BEARCROFT too will open his purse to you with
the same blind and improvident magnanimity with which he risqued his
opinion in your favour: besides, you are sure of PITT.--A real zeal
for your welfare, a most disinterested friendship, and some
consciousness that I have materially helped to involve you; and,
believe me, not the sordid motive of shifting either the blame,
or the expence upon the shoulders of others, have made me thus
eagerly endeavour to put you in the way of consulting your best
friends in this very critical emergency.
"As to myself, you are possessed already of the circumstances which
render any immediate assistance on my part wholly out of the question.
Except half a dozen pair of black plush breeches, which I have but
this instant received, I can offer you nothing. My superfluities
extend no further. But better times may soon arrive, and I will not
fail you then. The present Chief Justice of the King's Bench cannot
long retain his situation; and as you are one whom I have selected
from among many to be the friend of my bosom, I will now reveal to
you a great secret in the last arrangement of judicial offices.
Know then, that Sir ELIJAH IMPEY is the man fixed upon to preside
in the chief seat of criminal and civil jurisprudence of this country.
I am to succeed him in BENGAL; and then, my dear THOMAS, we may set
the malice of juries at defiance. If they had given FOX as many
diamonds by their verdict as they have pounds, rest assured that
I am not a person likely to fail you, after I shall have been there
a little while, either through want of faith, or want of means.
Set your mind, therefore, at ease; as to the money--why, if PITT is
determined to have nothing to do with it, and if nobody else will
pay it, I think the most adviseable thing, in your circumstances,
will be to pay it yourself. Not that you are to be ultimately at the
expence of a single shilling. The contents of this letter will fully
prove that I mean to reimburse you what I am able. For the present,
nobody knows better than yourself, not even Lady K----, how ill
matters stand with me, and that I find it utterly impossible to obey
the dictates of my feelings.
"I am, my dear HIGH BAILIFF,
Your very affectionate friend,
And humble servant,
L.K."
"_Lincoln's-inn-fields_,
_June 20, 1786._"
A CONGRATULATORY ODE,
ADDRESSED TO THE
RIGHT HON. CHARLES JENKINSON,
on his being created LORD HAWKESBURY.
Quem vimm aut heroa lyra vel acri
Tibia sumes celebrare, Clio?
Quem Deum? Cujus recinet jocosa
Nomen imago? HOR.
JENKY, for you I'll wake the lyre,
Tho' not with Laureat WARTONS fire,
Your hard-won meed to grace:
Gay was your air, your visage blythe,
Unless when FOX has made you writhe,
With tortur'd MARSYAS' face.
No more you'll dread such pointed sneer,
But safely skulk amidst your Peers,
And slavish doctrines spread;
As some ill-omen'd baneful yew
That sheds around a poisonous dew,
And shakes its rueful head.
Your frozen heart ne'er learn'd to glow
At other's good, nor melt at woe;
Your very roof is chilling:
There Bounty never spreads her ray;
You e'en shut out the light of day[1],
To save a paltry shilling,
A Prince, by servile knaves addrest,
Ne'er takes a DEMPSTER to his breast,
JACK ROB'SON serves his ends;
Unrivall'd stood the treach'rous name,
Till envious EDEN urg'd his claim,
While both betray their friends.
On whom devolves your back-stairs cloak,
When, prophet-like, "you mount as smoke[2]?"
Must little POWNEY catch it?
But as 'tis rather worse for wear,
Let mighty BUCKS take special care
To brush it well and patch it.
While o'er his loyal breast so true,
Great G---- expands the riband blue,
There--Honour's star will shine:
As RAWDON was bold RICHMOND's Squire,
To install a Knight so full of fire
--Let ASTON, BUCKS, be thine.
JENKY, pursue Ambition's task,
The King will give whate'er you ask,
Nor heed the frowns of PITT;
Tho' proud, he'll truckle to disgrace,
By feudal meanness keep his place[3],
And turn the royal spit.
With saintly HILL divide your glory[4],
No true King's friend, on such a Tory
The peerage door will shut;
Canting, he'll serve both Church and Throne,
And make the Reverend Bench your own,
By piety and smut.
BANKS at his side, demure and sly,
Will aptly tell a specious lye,
Then speed the royal summons:
He's no raw novice in the trade,
His honour's now a batter'd jade--
PITT flung it to the Commons.
While THURLOW damns these cold delays,
Mysterious diamonds vainly blaze,
The impending vote to check;
K.B. and Peer, let HASTINGS shine,
IMPEY, with pride, will closely twine
The collar round his neck.
Ennobling thus the mean and base,
Our gracious S--------'s art we trace,
Assail'd by factions bold;
So prest, great FREDERICK rose in fame,
On _pots de chambre_ stamp'd his name[5],
And pewter pass'd for gold.
Should restive SYDNEY keep the seal,
JENKY, still shew _official_ zeal,
Your friend, your master, charm;
Revive an ANGLO-SAXON place[6],
Let GEORGE's feet your bosom grace,
Your love will keep them warm.
[1] Mr. JENKINSON exhibited a laudable example of political oeconomy,
by shutting up several of his windows at his seat near Croydon, on the
passing of the Commutation Act. His Majesty's _bon mot_ on this
occasion should not be forgot. "What! what! (said the Royal Jester) do
my subjects complain of?--JENKY tells me he does not pay as much to the
Window Tax as he did before. Why then don't my people do like JENKY?"
[2] A beautiful oriental allusion, borrowed from Mr. HASTINGS's Ode,
"And care, _like smoke_, in turbid wreathes,
Round the gay ceiling flies."
[3] FINCHFIELD.--Co. ESSEX.----JOHN CAMPES held this manor of King
EDWARD III. by the service of _turning the spit_ at his coronation.
_Camden's Britannia--article Essex._
[4] The King magnanimously refused to create either Sir RICHARD HILL,
or Mr. BANKS, Peers, that the singular honour bestowed _solely_ by his
Majesty might be more conspicuous, and that Mr. PITT's humiliation
might no longer be problematic. Sir RICHARD had composed a beautiful
sacred cantata on the occasion, dedicated to his brother, the Rev.
ROWLAND HILL. The first stanza alludes, by an apt quotation from the
68th Psalm, to the elevation and dignities of the family:
"Why hop so high, ye little H_I_LLS?"
With joy, the Lord's anointed f_i_lls;
Let's pray with one accord!
In sleepless visions of the night,
NORTH's cheek I smote with all my might,
For which I'm made a Lord, &c. &c.
[5] The King of PRUSSIA replenished his exhausted treasury in the war
of 1756, by a coinage of pewter ducats.
[6] "Besides the twenty-four officer above described, there were
eleven others of considerable value in the courts of the ancient
Princes, the most remarkable of which was, that of the King's
feet-bearer; this was a young gentleman, whose duty it was to sit
on the floor, with his back towards the fire, and hold the King's
feet in his bosom all the time he sat at table, to keep them warm
and comfortable."
_Leges Wallicæ, p.58.--Henry's History of Great Britain, v.2,p.275_
ODE
_to_ SIR ELIJAH IMPEY.
Æli, vetusto nobilis a Lamo,
Quando et priores hinc Lamia ferunt
Denominatos, &c.
ELI-JAH noblest of the race
Of [1]IMPS, from whom the IMPEYS trace,
If common fame says true,
Their origin; and that they found
Their claim on just and solid ground,
Refer for _proof_ to you--
You, who could post nine hundred miles,
To fathom an old woman's wiles,
Possess'd of _dangerous_ treasure;
Could hurry with a pedlar's pack
Of affidavits at your back,
In quest of health and pleasure.
And all because the jealous JOVE[2]
Of Eastern climes thought fit to prove
The _venom_ of his reign;
On which, to minds of light esteem,
_Some few severities_ might seem
To leave a transient stain.
Soon [3] on your head from yon dark sky,
Or WOODFALL'_s Hasty Sketches_ lye,
The gather'd storm will break!
Deep will the vengeful thunder be,
And from the sleep he owes to thee,
Shall NUNDCOMAR awake!
Then arm against the rude attack,
Recall thy roving memory back,
And all thy proofs collect!--
Remember that you cannot gain
A second hearing to _explain_,
And [4] _therefore_ be correct.
[1] MILTON makes honourable mention of the founder of the family:
"Fit vessel, fittest _Imp_ of Fraud."
_Paradise Lost, b._ IX.
It may be observed, in proof of the descent, as well as to the credit
of the present Representative, that he has not degenerated from the
characteristic "obliquity" of his Ancestor.
[2] Late Tyrannus.
[3] Demissa tempestas ab Euro
Sternet--Nisi fallit Augur
Anosa Cornix.
[4] See Declaration of Sir E---- I----, offered to the House by
Mt. DEMPSTER.
SONG.
_To the Tune of_ "LET THE SULTAN SALADIN," _in_ RICHARD COEUR DE LION.
I.
Let great GEORGE his porkers bilk,
And give his maids the sour skim-milk;
With her stores let CERES crown him,
'Till the gracious sweat run down him,
Making butter night and day:
Well! well!
Every King must have his way;
But to my poor way of thinking,
True joy is drinking.
II.
BILLY PITT delights to prose,
'Till admiring Grocers dose;
Ancient Virgins all adore him,
Not a woman falls before him;
Never kissing night nor day:
Well! well!
Every child must have its way;
But to my poor way of thinking,
True joy is drinking.
III.
You too, HASTINGS, know your trade!
No vile fears your heart invade,
When you rove for EASTERN plunder,
Making Monarchs truckle under,
Slitting windpipes night and day:
Well! well!
Governors will have their way;
But to my poor way of thinking,
True joy is drinking.
A NEW SONG,
ENTITLED
MASTER BILLY'S BUDGET;
OR,
A TOUCH ON THE TIMES.
_To the Turn of_ "A COBLER THERE WAS," &c.
Ye boobies of Britain, who lately thought fit
The care of the state to a child to commit,
Pray how do you like your young Minister's budget?
Should he take your last farthing, you never can grudge it.
Deny down, &c
A tax on your heads! there'd be justice in that;
But he only proposes a tax on your hat;
So let every ENGLISHMAN throw up his beaver,
And hollo. Prerogative BILLY for ever!
Deny down, &c
Not being much favour'd with female applauses,
He takes his revenge on their ribands and gauzes;
Then should not each female, Wife, Widow, or Miss,
To Coventry send master BILLY for this?
Deny down, &c
How oft has he told us his views were upright!
That his actions would all bear the test of the light!
Yet he sure in the dark must have something to do,
Who shuts out both day-light and candle-light too.
Deny down, &c
JOHN BULL's house is tax'd, so he plays him a trick,
By cunningly laying a duty on brick;
Thus JOHN for his dwelling is fore'd to pay twice,
But BILLY hopes JOHN will not smoke the device.
Deny down, &c
What little we may have by industry made,
We must pay for a licence to set up a trade;
So that ev'ry poor devil must now be tax'd more
For dealing in goods that paid taxes before.
Deny down, &c
The Callico-printers may beg if they please;
As dry as a sponge he their cotton will squeeze;
With their tears let them print their own linens, cries he,
But they never shall make an impression on me,
Deny down, &c
The crazy old hackney-coach, almost broke down,
Must now pay ten shillings instead of a crown;
And to break him down quite, if the first will not do't,
Ten shillings a-piece on his horses to boot.
Deny down, &c
The tax upon horses may not be severe,
But his scheme for collecting it seems very queer;
Did a school-boy e'er dream of a project so idle?
A tax on a horse by a stamp on a bridle!
Deny down, &c
The tax upon sportsmen I hold to be right;
And only lament that the tax is so light;
But, alas! it is light for this palpable cause,
That sportsmen themselves are the makers of laws!
Deny down, &c
He fain would have meddled with coals, but I wot
For his fingers the Gentleman found them too hot;
The rich did not like it, and so to be sure,
In its place he must find out a tax on the poor.
Deny down, &c
Then last, that our murmurs may teaze him the less,
By a tax upon paper he'd silence the press;
So our sorrow by singing can ne'er be relax'd,
Since a song upon taxes itself must be tax'd.
Deny down, &c
But now it is time I should finish my song,
And I wish from my soul that it was not so long,
Since at length it evinces in trusting to PITT,
Good neighbours, we all have been cursedly bit.
Deny down, &c
EPIGRAM.
While BURKE, in strains pathetic, paints
The sufferings dire of GENTOO saints,
From HOLY CITY[1] driven;
Cries HASTINGS, I admit their worth,
I thought them far too good for earth,
So pack'd them off to Heaven.
ANOTHER.
MAJOR SCOTT'_s Defence of the_ ROHILLA MASSACRE.
So poor ROHILLAS overthrown,
That HASTINGS has no mercy shown
In vain, cries SCOTT, to prove you strive;
By G--d he never murder'd one,
For half are still alive.
[1] BENARES, the MECCA of HINDOSTAN.
MINISTERIAL UNDOUBTED FACTS.
"_And whoever believeth not all this shall be damned._"
ST. ATHANASIUS.
The Members of Opposition are all equally poor--YET _the poor ones
are wholly maintained by the rich_.
Notwithstanding the above is their only support--YET _their only means
of living arises at the gaming table_.
Though these poor dogs win so much money at BROOKES's--YET _the
Members of_ BROOKES's _are all equally indigent_.
OPPOSITION cannot raise a shilling--YET _they maintain an army of
scribblers, merely to injure an immaculate Minister, whom it is not
in their power to hurt_.
They are too contemptible and infamous to obtain a moment's attention
from any gentleman or man of sense, and the people at large hold them
in general detestation--YET _the gentlemen and men of sense, who
conduct the Ministerial papers, are daily employed to attack these
infamous wretches, and in endeavouring to convince people who are
already all of one mind_.
Their characters are so notorious that no person can be found to give
them credit for a shilling--YET _they are constantly running in debt
with their tradesmen_.
They are obliged to sponge for a dinner, or else must go without--YET
_they indulge themselves in every species of debauchery and
dissipation_.
Their prose is as devoid of argument as their verse is of wit--YET
_whole troops of ministerial writers are daily employed in answering
the one and criticising the other_.
Their speeches are laughed at and despised by the whole nation--YET
_these laughable and despicable speeches were so artfully framed, as
alone to raise a clamour that destroyed the wisest of all possible
plans_, THE IRISH PROPOSITIONS.
They have traiterously raised a flame in IRELAND--YET _the_ IRISH _are
too enlightened to attend to the barkings of a degraded faction_.
Their ROLLIADS and ODES are stark nonsense--YET _the sale has been so
extensive as to have new clothed the whole_ BLUE AND BUFF GANG.
They are possessed of palaces purchased out of the public plunder--YET
_they have not a hole to hide their heads in_.
The infernal arts of this accursed faction, and not his measures,
have rendered Mr. PITT unpopular--YET _is Mr_. PITT _much more popular
than ever_.
In short, OPPOSITION are the most unpopular, _popular_; poor, _rich_;
artless, _artful_; incapable, _capable_; senseless, _sensible_;
neglectful, _industrious_; witless, _witty_; starving, _pampered_;
lazy, _indefatigable_; extravagant, _penurious_; bold, _timid_;
hypocritical, _unguarded_; set of designing, _blundering_; low-minded,
_high-minded_; dishonest, _honest_; knaves, as were ever honoured with
the notice of the MINISTERIAL NEWSPAPERS.
JOURNAL
OF THE
RIGHT HON. HENRY DUNDAS.
_October, 1787._
Told the Chairman the Company had long been in want of four regiments
of King's forces--said it was the first he had heard of it--told him
he must require them as absolutely necessary for the safety of
India--the man appeared staggered; reminded me of my usual caution;
grumbled out something about recruits being cheaper; muttered that I
expected too much from him, and talked of preserving appearances.--Called
him a fool, and ordered him to do as he was bid.
_October, November, December, January_.--Employed in disputes with
those damned fellows the Directors--would not have my regiments--told
them they must--swore they would not--believe the Chairman manages
very badly--threatened to provide transports, to carry out the troops
at the Company's expence--found afterwards I had no right--ordered
PITT to bring in a Declaratory Bill!
_February_ 25th.----Bill brought in--badly drawn--turn away RUSSEL,
and get another Attorney-General--could not make MULGRAVE speak--don't
see what use he's of.
_March_ 3d.--Bill read a second time--Sheridan very troublesome--much
talk about the constitution--wish Pitt would not let people wander
so from the question.
_March_ 5th.--Bill in a Committee--Members begin to smell
mischief--don't like it--PITT took fright and shammed sick--was obliged
to speak myself--resolved to do it once for all--spoke four hours--so
have done my duty, and let PITT now get out of the scrape as well as he
can.
_March_ 7th.--PITT moved to recommit the bill--talked about checks and
the constitution--believe he's mad. Got into a damned scrape about
cotton--second time I've been detected--won't speak any more.--N.B.
Not to let BARING come into the Direction again.--FOX spoke--PITT
could not answer him, and told the House he was too hoarse--forgot at
the time to disguise his voice.
_March_ 9th.--Got THURLOW to dine with us at _Wimbledon_--gave him my
best Burgundy and Blasphemy, to put him into good humour.--After a
brace of bottles, ventured to drop a hint of business--THURLOW damned
me, and asked PITT for a sentiment--PITT looked foolish--GRENVILLE
wise--MULGRAVE stared--SYDNEY's chin lengthened--tried the effects of
another bottle.--PITT began a long speech about the subject of our
meeting--SYDNEY fell asleep by the fire--MULGRAVE and GRENVILLE
retired to the old game of the board, and played push-pin for
ensigncies in the new corps--Grenville won three.--Mem.--To punish
their presumption, will not let either of them have one.
THURLOW very queer.--He swore the bill is absurd, and my
correspondence with those cursed Directors damned stupid.--However,
will vote and speak with us--PITT quite sick of him--says he growls at
every thing, proposes nothing, and supports any thing.
N.B. Must look about for a new Chancellor--Scott might do, but cants
too much about his independence and his conscience--what the devil
has he to do with independence and conscience--besides he has a
snivelling trick of retracting when he is caught in a lie--hate such
puling fellows--GEORGE HARDINGE not much better--must try him
tho'--will order him to speak on Wednesday.
Took PITT to town in my chariot--drove to Berkeley-street--got PITT
to the door, but he would not come in--lounged an hour with
CHARLOTTE--promised her a company in one of the new regiments for a
disbanded private of the Horse Guards.--Why not order the whole House
to be qualified at DRUMMOND's, and charge it to the Company's secret
service?
_March_ 10th.--Sent for TWINING--when he came, had by me a large bason
of his SOUCHONG--drank it without a wry face--the most nauseous black
draught I ever swallowed--swore it was excellent--quoted a sentence
from CICERO, which I got from PRETTYMAN for the occasion--promised to
put TWINING on my House-list next year, give him one of the Chairs,
and put the Tea-Trade under the Secret Committee--TWINING to procure
a requisition for a General Court--gave him hints for a speech--to
abuse Baring damnably.
Called at WHITEHALL--took away the last letters from CORNWALLIS, that
PITT may not see them before they are _properly copied_ out by my
private Secretary.--Left orders for PITT and SYDNEY to follow me
to my house, where they would find my dispatches for India ready
for signing.
_March_ 11th.--Dined with the Directors--almost too late; _London
Tavern_ not near enough.--Mem. to order the Directors in future always
to dine in my neighbourhood, and allow them to charge the additional
coach-hire to the Company--Why not buy a _long stage_ to carry them
about wherever I may want them?
PITT frightened when we got into the City, lest the mob should
hiss--talked about _Grocers' Hall_ and better times; asked me if I was
not glad they were going to pull down _Temple bar_, and hoped there
would be no further occasion for it.
Tried to prevent his being melancholy--threw a shilling among the
blackguards--would not do--no huzzaing. N.B. Not to forget to make the
Chairman repay me, the money being disbursed in the Company's service.
Got to the LONDON TAVERN at six. Drew up my Commissioners in the
passage, and gave them their orders--told PITT to follow next to me,
and bid MULGRAVE speak in his upper voice, and be affable.--Tried to
laugh as we entered the room--MULGRAVE put us out by one of his
growling sighs--damn the fellow! must get rid of him.--Told DEVAYNES
to laugh for us all--did it well--make him Chairman next year.
Dinner good--don't see why we should not dine with them always.--N.B.
Ordered twelve dozen of their claret to be carried to
_Wimbledon_--LUSHINGTON grumbled, and asked by what authority I did
it.--A very troublesome fellow that--remove him.
PITT peevish and out of spirits; ordered MOTTEUX to sing a song--began
"_Ah si vous pouviez comprendre._" PITT turned red, and thought
the Chairman alluded to some dark passages in the India Bill--endeavoured
to pacify him, and told the _Secret Committee_ to give us a soft air;
they sung in a low voice "_the cause I must not, dare not
tell_"--MANSHIP groaned, and drank Colonel CATHCART. By G--, if I
thought he meant to betray me, I'd indict him for perjury!--Somebody
struck up "_if you trust before you try._"--PITT asked if the
Directors wished to affront, him, and began a long harangue about his
regard and friendship for the Company;--_nine_ Directors offered to
swear for it--told them they need not--bowed, and thanked me.
LE MESURIER begged our attention to a little French Air, "_Sous le nom
de l'amitié en finesse on abonde_"--cursed _mal-à-propos_.
PITT swore he was insulted, and got up to go away. The Alderman, much
terrified at what he had done, protested solemnly he meant no offence,
and called God to witness, it was a very harmless song he learnt some
time ago in _Guernsey_--Could not appease PITT--so went away with him,
after ordering MULGRAVE not to let SYDNEY drink any more wine, for
fear he should begin talking.
PITT desired the servants to put out the flambeaux, as we went through
the city--(a sad coward!) asked me if I did not think FOX's a very
able speech--sighed, and said he had promised to answer it
to-morrow--wished however to do nothing in a hurry--expressed much
diffidence in his own abilities, and paid me many compliments--thought
I had a fine opportunity to shew my talents--assured me he should think
nothing of waving _his_ right to reply; and that he had not the least
objection to letting _me_ answer FOX--begged to decline the offer.
N.B. He seemed very uneasy and much frightened--never knew him
_diffident_ before--wish to-morrow was well over.
Came home--opened a bottle of champaigne which I brought in the
carriage with me from the Directors' dinner--looked over my list of
_levee_ men--found nine field officers yet unprovided for. Wrote to
ROSS, enclosing the copy of a letter to be sent to me from Lord
C----LL--S requiring more King's troops--finished my bottle and
went to bed.
_March_ 12.--Went to the levee--He looked surly--would hardly speak to
me--don't like him--must have heard that I can govern INDIA without
consulting him.--Nothing ever escapes that _damned_ fellow SHERIDAN!
Between four and five went to the House--worse than the levee--PITT
would not speak, pretended it was better to wait for FOX--put him in
mind of the excuse he made at the end of the last debate, and his
_promise_ to answer _calumnies_--don't mind promises--a damned good
quality that--but ought to consider his friends--GEO. HARDINGE spoke
in consequence of my orders--forgot I was sitting below him--attacked
Lord NORTH's administration--got into a cursed scrape with
POWIS--won't do for CHANCELLOR--why not try BURGESS?--SCOTT defended
what he had said in the last debate--made it worse than ever--quoted
from DEBRETT's debates--talked about an _adder_--thought he was
alluding to PITT--our lawyers somehow don't answer--ADAM and
ANSTRUTHER worth them all--can't they be bought?--_Scotchmen!_--damned
strange if they can't--Mem. to tell ROSE to sound them.
ADAM severe on me and the rest that have betrayed Lord NORTH--a
general confusion all round PITT--no one to defend us--VILLIERS
grinned--GRAHAM simpered--MULGRAVE growled--by G--d I believe PITT
enjoyed it--always pleased when his friends get into a scrape.--Mem.
to give him a lecture upon that--MULGRAVE spoke at last--wish he'd
held his tongue--SHERIDAN answered him--improves every day--wish we
had him----very odd so clever a fellow shouldn't be able to see his
own interest--wouldn't venture on a reply myself, for fear of another
lick from that clumsy boor Sir EDWARD ASTLEY--said my long speech was
dull and tiresome--what's the matter with the fellow?--used to vote
with us--believe LANSDOWN's got him.--Mem. to tell STEELE to look out
for another Member for the county of Norfolk.
Jogged PITT--told him SHERIDAN's speech _must_ be answered--said, _I_
might do it then, for he _couldn't_--PULTENEY relieved us a little,
pretending to be gull'd by the _checks_--too great nonsense to have
any effect on the House.--BASTARD forgot his last abuse of PITT, and
talked again about confidence; but was against the Bill--what's
confidence without a vote?--came to a division at last--better than
the former--had whipped in well from SCOTLAND--the House seems
tired--hope we shan't have much more of this.
Mem. to give orders to MANNERS to make a noise, and let nobody speak
on third reading--a very useful fellow that MANNERS--does more good
sometimes than ten speakers.
_March_ 14th. God's infinite mercy be praised, AMEN! This is the last
day that infernal DECLARATORY BILL stays in the House of Commons--as
for the _Lords_--but that's no business of mine; only poor
SYDNEY!--Well--God bless us all--AMEN!
Got up and wrote the above, after a very restless night--went to bed
again--but could not sleep--troubled with the _blue devils_--thought I
saw POWIS--recovered myself a little, and fell into a slumber--Dreamt
I heard SHERIDAN speaking to me through the curtains--woke in a
fright, and jumped out of bed.
Went down stairs--found some of the DIRECTORS waiting in the
hall--_damned their bloods_, and told them this was all their
doing--informed me a General Court was called by the enemy--bid them
make such a noise, that nobody might be heard--DEVAYNES undertook
it--ordered the SECRET COMMITTEE to stay, and sent the rest about
their business.
After breakfast wrote to HAWK----Y, and begged his acceptance of a
_Lieut. Colonelcy, 2 Majorities, a Collectorship, 3 Shawls_ and a
piece of _India Muslin_ for the young ladies--sent back one of the
_Shawls_, and said he'd rather have another _Collector's
place_--Damnation! but it must be so, or SYDNEY will be left to
himself.--N.B. Not to forget THURLOW's _Arrack_ and _Gunpowder Tea_,
with the _India Crackers_ for his children.
MULGRAVE called to know if I wanted him to speak to-day--told him
not--had enough of him last time.
Went down to the House--ANSTRUTHER played the devil with all our
_checks_ and _guards_--serves us right for introducing such
nonsense--GEORGE NORTH asked when I meant to open my budget--said,
when the RAVENSWORTH arrives--pray God she be lost! Mem. When I do
open my budget, to state all the accounts in _Tales, Pagodas_, and
_Mohurs_--has a fine effect on the country gentlemen, and prevents
many impertinent observations.
Waited very patiently for PITT's _promised answer_ to FOX's
_calumnies_ till eight o'clock--fresh inquiries about it every
minute--began to be very uneasy--saw OPPOSITION sneering--SHERIDAN
asked PITT if he was _hoarse_ yet--looked exceedingly foolish--pitied
him, and, by way of relieving his aukward situation, spoke myself--made
some of my boldest assertions--said a good thing about "_A Mare's
Nest_"--coined a few clauses, which I assured the House were in Fox's
Bill, and sat down with much applause--was afterwards unfortunately
detected in every thing I had said, and universally scouted by all
sides.--Mem. I should not have got into that scrape, if I had not
tried to help a friend in distress.--N.B. Never to do it again--there's
nothing to be gained by it.
As soon as I recovered myself, asked PITT whether he really meant to
answer FOX, or not--Owned at last, with tears in his eyes, he could
not muster courage enough to attempt it--sad work this!--N.B. Observed
GRENVILLE made a note, that a man need not be an orator, to be
_Chancellor of the Exchequer_--he seemed pleased with the precedent.
Nothing left for it but to cry _question!_--divided--only 54
majority--here's a job!
SHERIDAN read a cursed malicious paper, in which he proved PITT an
impostor: and that what FOX had openly demanded, the _Board of
Controul_ had secretly stolen.--Brother Commissioners all turned
pale--was obliged to rub their noses with _Thieves Vinegar_, and then
slunk out of the House as fast as I could.----N.B. Believe OLD
PEARSON's a sneering son of a bitch--tried to whistle as I went
through the lobby--asked me if I was unwell--damn his impudence.
Came home in a very melancholy mood--returned thanks in a short prayer
for our narrow escape--drank a glass of brandy--confessed my
sins--determined to reform, and sent to WILBERFORCE for a good book--a
very worthy and religious young man that--like him much--always votes
with us.
Was beginning to grow very dejected, when ROSE called to inform me
of an excellent scheme about BANK STOCK--a snug thing, and not more
than twenty in the secret--raised my spirits again--told the servant
I would not trouble Mr. WILBERFORCE--ordered a bottle of best
burgundy--set to it with ROSE, hand to fist--congratulated one another
on having got the DECLARATORY BILL out of our House--and drank good
luck to SYDNEY, and a speedy progress through the Lords.
INCANTATION,
FOR RAISING A PHANTOM, IMITATED FROM MACBETH, AND LATELY PERFORMED
BY HIS MAJESTY'S SERVANTS IN WESTMINSTER.
_Thunder. A Cauldron boiling.
Enter three Witches._
_First Witch_. Thrice the Doctors have been heard,
_Second Witch_. Thrice the Houses have conferred.
_Third Witch_. Thrice hath SYDNEY cock'd his chin,
JENKY cries--begin, begin.
_First Witch_. Round about the cauldron go.
In the fell ingredients throw.
Still-born Foetus, born and bred,
In a Lawyer's puzzled head,
Hatch'd by Metaphysic Scot,
Boil thou in the' enchanted pot.
_All_. Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and Cauldron bubble.
_Second Witch_. Skull that holds the small remains
Of old CAMDEN's addle brains;
Liver of the lily's hue,
Which in RICHMOND's carcase grew;
Tears which stealing down the cheek
Of the rugged THURLOW, speak
All the poignant grief he feels
For his Sovereign--or the Seals;
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a Hell-broth, boil and bubble.
_All_. Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn, and Cauldron bubble.
_Third Witch._ Clippings of Corinthian brass
From the visage of DUNDAS;
Forg'd Address, devis'd by Rose,
Half of PEPPER ARDEN's nose;
Smuggled vote of City Thanks,
Promise of insidious BANKS;
Add a grain of ROLLO's courage,
To enflame the hellish porridge.
_First Witch_. Cool it, with LLOYD KENTON's blood.
Now the charm is firm and good.
_All_. Double, double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn, and Cauldron bubble.
_Enter_ HECATE, _Queen of the Witches._
_Hecate_. Oh! well done! I commend your pains,
And ev'ry one shall share i'th' gains,
_Cauldron sinks. Witches fly away upon broomsticks; thunder, &c._
TRANSLATIONS
OF LORD BELGRAVE'S MEMORABLE QUOTATIONS, AS INTRODUCED IN A SPEECH
DELIVERED BY HIS LORDSHIP IN A LATE DEBATE.
[_It is with singular satisfaction we communicate the following most
excellent versions of_ Lord BELGRAVE's _never-to-be-forgotten
quotation; trusting, as we sincerely do, that so mark'd an attention
to his Lordship's scholarship may considerably console him under his
melancholy failure as an orator._]
Lord BELGRAVE's Quotation.
{Ton dapameibomenos prosephe podas okus Achilleus.}
Translation by Lord _Grosvenor_.
His dam was Thetis, Æacus his Sire,
And for his paces he was nam'd Highflyer.
Another by Sir _Joseph Mawbey_.
Achilles, who was quite a man of whim,
And also had a swift foot, answer'd him----
Another by Sir _Cecil Wray_.
There was a man, Achilles he was call'd, }
He had two feet, they were so swift, he ball'd, }
Or otherwise, he mought, I say, have fall'd. }
Another by Lord _Mornington_, and Lord _Graham_.
With lightest heels oppos'd to heaviest head,
To Lord Atrides, Lord Achilles said----
Another by the _Chancellor_.
To him Achilles, with a furious nod,
Replied, a very pretty speech, by G--d!
Another by Mr. _Grenville_.
The Grecian speaker rose with look so big,
It spoke his bottom and nigh burst his wig----
Another by _Brook Watson_.
Up stood Achilles on his nimble pegs,
And said, "May I _pree-seume_ to shew my legs?"
Another by Mr. _Wilberforce_.
Achilles came forward to snivel and rant;
His spirit was spleen and his piety cant.
Another by Mr. _Pitt_.
Frantic with rage, uprose the fierce Achilles:
"How comfortably calm!" said Nestor Willis----
Translation by Sir _John Scott_.
With metaphysic art his speech he plann'd,
And said what nobody could understand.
Another by Mr. _Bastard_.
The Trojan I oppose, he said, 'tis true,
But I abuse and hate Atrides too.
Another by Lord _Fawconberg_.
Enrag'd Achilles never would agree,
A "petty vote," a "menial slave," was he.
Another by Mons. Alderman _Le Mesurier_.
By gar, Achille he say, I make a you
Parler anoder launguage, _ventre bleu!_
Another by Lord _Westcote_.
Pliant and prompt in crane-neck curves to wheel,
Achilles rose, and _turn'd_ upon his heel.
Another by Mr. _Wilbraham Beetle_.
In oily terms he urg'd the chiefs to peace,
For none was more a friend than he to Grease.
Another by Lord _Bayham_.
His conscious hat well lin'd with borrow'd prose,
The lubber chief in sulky mien arose;
Elate with pride his long pent silence broke,
And could he but have _read_, he might have spoke.
Another by Mr. _Dundas_.
Up the bra' chield arose, and weel I wis }
To beath sides booing, begg'd 'em to dismiss }
Their wordy warfare in "a general _peece_."[1] }
Another by Mr. _York_.
This windy war, he swore, he could not hear;
So eas'd his troubles by "a stream of _air!_[2]"
Another by Lord _Fawconberg_.
Achilles swore he felt by no means hurt,
At putting on great Agamemnon's shirt;
He priz'd the honour, never grudg'd the trouble,
And only wish'd the profit had been double.
Another by Lord _Winchelsea_.
With formal mien, and visage most forlorn,
The courtly hero _spoke_ his _silent_ scorn.
Another by Lord _Sydney_.
The chief, unknowing how he shou'd begin, }
First darts around, the' opposing ranks to thin, }
The lightnings of his eye, and terrors of his chin. }
Another by Mr. _Brandling_.
Achilles rose, and said, without the least offence,
The dog has neither courage, worth, nor sense.
Another by Lord _Belgrave_.
Huic, ceu Pititius ipse, cito respondit Achilles,
Namque (ut ego) Græceque seirens erat, & pede velox.
Another by the _Twelve Lords of the Bedchamber_, in a passion.
Frantic with desperate rage, Achilles roar'd--
I beg ten thousand pardons, my dear Lord.
Another by _Eighteen Bishops_, quite cool.
Now't came to pass the Lord Achilles saith,
Hecate and Furies, Tartarus and Death.
Another by Lord _Howe_.
Hawling his wind abaft Atrides' wake,
The copper-bottom'd son of Peleus spake.
Another by Sir _Joseph Mawbey_.
Had great Achilles stood but half as quiet,
He had been by Xanthus drench'd as I by Wyatt.
[1] It is impossible for the reader to comprehend the full force of
this expression, unless he recollect the wonderful effects it produced
in the House of Commons from Mr. Dundas's peculiar dialect, upon that
memorable occasion, when that great _diuretic_ orator, expatiating on
Oriental tranquillity, assured the House, that "at that moment all
India was _peece_--Bengal was at _peece_--Tippo sultan was at
_peece_--The Mahrattas were at _peece_--Every creature in Indostan, he
knew it for a _fawct, was comfortably at peece!!!_"
[2] However sympathetic in politics, it is evident that the two last
of these translators are at variance in philosophy--the former relying
on the _hydraulic_ system---the latter on the _pneumatic_.
FINIS.
Transcriber's notes:
§ Footnotes and imitations, which were originally placed at the
bottoms of the pages on which they were referenced, have been gathered
at the end of each chapter.
§ The original footnote pointers (asterisks, obelisks, etc.) have been
replaced by Arabic numerals.
§ All ligatures present in the original text have been resolved except
æ.
§ Opening quotes in long quotations have been removed, except on the
first line.
§ Transliterations from the Greek are enclosed in curly brackets,
like so:
{podas-okus}
§ Archaic spelling has been retained. If in doubt, no correction has
been made. For example, the following have not been corrected:
page : original : correction
--------------------------------------------------------------------
308 : babes and suckling's mouths : babes and sucklings' mouths
327 : And junto's speak : And juntos speak
422 : independant : independent
§ Spellings, of which it is assumed that they were not intended by
the authors, have been put right. These corrections were only made
after consulting earlier and/or later editions of the Rolliad.
page : original : correction
--------------------------------------------------------------------
iv : Delavalid : Delavaliad
36 : feeedom : freedom
84 : AHPION's lyre : AMPHION's lyre
84 : postion : position
126 : chip : ship
135 : witticism of of his Grace : witticism of his Grace
144 : The' Athenian sages : Th' Athenian sages
168 : depe n d ants : dependants
171 : sigh of love : sight of love
172 : vi on : vision
179 : chatised : chastised
191 : neu te paeniteat calamo : nec te paeniteat calamo
192 : Ex dixit moriens : Et dixit moriens
192 : sparsis etiamnunc pellibus : sparsis etiam nunc pellibus
200 : St. Sephen : St. Stephen
213 : Ægie : Ægle
229 : pecimens : specimens
229 : Versificators Crononæ : Versificators Coronæ
304 : insruct me : instruct me
308 : in worthy strain sbe sung : in worthy strains be sung
316 : his mouth his opes : his mouth he opes
351 : antistrope : antistrophe
358 : sacred patern : sacred pattern
440 : PRETEYMAN : PRETTYMAN
507 : what the devil has he do : what the devil has he to do
§ In the content of the original, subsequent odes were listed as
'Ditto', and at the start of a new page as 'Ode'. This was considered
unnecessary in an e-text. On page iv of the contents, 'Ode' has
therefore been replaced by 'Ditto'.
§ In the eclogue on Jekyll every fifth line is numbered. However,
lines 20, 25 and 35 were too long to accommodate these numbers in
the original. Instead, lines 21, 26 and 36 received a number. In
this e-text, the numbering has been put on 20, 25, and 35.
§ Similarly, in the eclogue on Nicholson the line number 105 did not
fit on the line. For that reason, line 106 bears the line number.
§ In the eclogue on Jenkinson, line number 25 is placed on line 26.
This has been corrected in this e-text.
§ The last word on page 349 and the first word on page 350 are both
'that'. One has been eliminated.
§ The following typographical errors relating to punctuation have been
corrected:
page : original : correction
--------------------------------------------------------------------
224 : " " : "
240 : Sir Joseph : "Sir Joseph
442 : will seem true! : will seem true!"
443 : by outlying, : by outlying.
§ One poem, set in a blackletter script, has been marked like so:
[Blackletter:
...
...]
§ One couplet was struck through and has been marked like so:
[Struck-through:
...
...]
§ The original uses curly brackets that span over several lines to
indicate repetition. In the e-text each of the repeated lines ends