_Charade attributed to Sheridan_ (Vol. vii., p. 379.).--Several years ago,
I think in 1818 or 1819, a friend gave me some verses nearly similar to
those communicated by your correspondent BALLIOLENSIS, and requested me to
ascertain if they were Mrs. Piozzi's, as my friend had been told that they
were written by that lady. Soon afterwards I asked Mrs. Piozzi if she ever
wrote a riddle on a gaming-table. She replied, "Yes, a very long time ago."
She immediately repeated a line or two, and, after some consideration,
recited the following, which, she assured me, were her original
composition. These lines, it will be observed, differ somewhat from those
attributed to Sheridan, but they were probably the basis of those, and also
of other versions of the riddle, which, I believe, are in existence. This
statement so thoroughly removes all uncertainty about the {464} author of
the original, that I trust you will deem it worthy of insertion in your
journal.
"A place I here describe, how gay the scene!
Fresh, bright, and vivid with perpetual green,
Verdure attractive to the ravish'd sight, }
Perennial joys, and ever new delight, }
Charming at noon, more charming still at night. }
Fair pools where fish in forms pellucid play;
Smooth lies the lawn, swift glide the hours away.
No mean dependence here on summer skies,
This spot rough winter's roughest blast defies.
Yet here the government is curs'd with change,
Knaves openly on either party range,
Assault their monarch, and avow the deed,
While honour fails, and tricks alone succeed;
For bold decemvirs here usurp the sway; }
Now all some single demagogue obey, }
False lights prefer, and hate the intruding day. }
Oh, shun the tempting shore, the dangerous coast,
Youth, fame, and fortune, stranded here, are lost!"