The Mélange, containing the Lunarian, a tale, in five cantos. Wonders, in two parts. The Picture Gallery, in nine cantos. And various other pieces, in verse. By F........ C.

Front matter

THE MELANGE, CONTAINING THE LUNARIAN, A TALE, IN FIVE CANTOS. WONDERS, IN TWO PARTS. THE PICTURE GALLERY, IN NINE CANTOS. AND VARIOUS OTHER PIECES, IN VERSE. By F C Short is the date, alas ! of modern rhymes, And 'tis but just to let them live betimes. — Pope. TAUNTON : Printed by J. Poole, in Fore-Street. AND SOLD BY Baldwin & Co. Paternoster-Row, and Otridge, No. 39, Strand, London. 1819. ADYERTISEMENT. IT is observed by Dr. Johnson that when a book is once in the hands of the public, " The reader, if he be free from personal prejudices, takes it up with no other intention than of pleasing or instructing himself; he accom. modates his mind to the Author's design ; and having no interest in refusing the amusement that is offered him, never interrupts his own tranquillity by studied cavils, or destroys his satisfaction in that which is already well, by an anxious enquiry how it might be better ; but is often contented without pleasure, and pleased without perfection."

But the duties of Critics impose upon them other feelings ; they will discover that all is not well, and probably point out errors in the following sheets which escaped the writer until it was too late to correct the press. In the present advanced state of literature, and the Belles Lettres in particular, the Author has not the vanity to look forward to much estimation of his talents ! his object is to amuse, and if he should succeed in promoting rational pleasure, he will have effected his purpose. INDEX. Page. Tlie Lunarian, in Five Cantos 1 Wonders, in Two Parts . . 49 Henry, 65 To Ignorance, 63 The Cadet's Delusion, 72 To Delia, 73 The Lover to his Mistress, . . 74 The Medley, 75 Precedence, ib. An Acrostic, 79 On a Silly Fellow 80 An Epitaph, ib. A Vision, 81 An Acrostic, 86 The Partv of Pleasure, ib.

The Picture Gallery, 97 Canto I. The Invocation, ib. The Bard, 98 Imprudent Lovers, 99 Avaricious Men, ib. Jealousy, 100 Juvenile Hopes, ib. Contentment, 101 Repentauce, _ IOl' A Hymn, 103 Gamin?, ib. Sordid "Fellows, 104 Litigious Men, 105 Religionists, ib. False Friends, 106 Canto II. Widowers, 107 Old Maids, ib. The Conquest, 109 Ambition, ib. The Miser, 110 The Heir, Ill The Unhappy Couple, 112 The Happy Couple, ib. TheSurlv Man, 113 TheScold, Ill The Vixen, 115 TheJilt 116 Canto III. Seduction, 117 The Drunkard, 118 Passionate Men, 119 Page. The Liar, 120 Detractors 122 The Hypochondriack, 123 Canto IV. A Reflection, 186 Prejudice, 127 Pride, 128 Malice, 130 Hatred, ib. Disdain, 131 Slatterns, ib. Snuft'takcrs, 133 Tlie Debauchee, 134 The Duellist, ib. Tormentors, 135 Canto V. Sycophants &c .136 The Courtier, 137 The Busy Body 138 The Quidnunc, 139 The Absent Man, 140 Wits, 142 Bachelors, 1 43 Spiritual Reformers, 144 Designing Servants, 146 Perversion of Talents, ib.

Canto I. Since

men and manners must give way To fictions of the present day ; Since wit and judgment must retreat And quit awhile the muses' seat ; Since nature must her claims resign To compositions term'd — divine ; Since works of fancy now engage The taste of ev'ry class and age ; Why, needless, should I try again To waken into sense the strain ? He, whose reason never dances After legends and romances, Who blames not every breeze that blows For stealing odours from the rose, K Who ne'er to charnels will repair While he can breathe more wholesome air, Nor goblins venture to exhibit While men are spared from the gibbet, What chance has such a bard to write With hopes to yield the least delight ? And yet he feels impell'd by Truth To chronicle in verse, a Youth Who on the twenty fourth of June Arriv'd in safety from the moon.

It then blew rough, the night was dark And certes he had niiss'd his mark Had not Nuretta's brilliant eyes His journey lighted through the skies ; Indeed so bright their glances were He first beheld them from that sphere, And 'twas their lustre made him come So far a wooing from his home. Soon as he left his native clime, Which was at twelve by earthly time, A blaze she shot with all her force Which like a meteor kept its course, And 'twas by sliding on its ray He so correctly steer'd his way That ere Ispahan's clocks struck one Two hundred thousand miles he'd come.* * Strictly speaking, 240,000 miles. It happen'd on the selfsame night When at her srate he did alisfht Her father held a noble feast In all the splendour of the East, When lo ! a sudden gust was heard And like a hero he appear'd. In stature he was four feet ten But seem'd the handsomest of men; His colour shew'd the peaches hue And eyes were deep cerulean blue ; His looks bespoke excessive grace And dignified a manly face ; His hair was thick and flam'd like gold, 1 The points were tied, and brought to fold L With curls which o'er his temples roll'd. The whole, a feather'd turban bound, Which plumes of pearls and di'monds crown'd. His chest was broad, his body strong-, And arms, for one so low, were long ; A mantle o'er his shoulders flung Studded with em'ralds, careless hung ; Its colour lilac, ting'd with green, And in its web were angels seen ; Beneath the mantle shone a vest Which, starr'd with rubies, hid his breast j B2 His pantaloons were made of silk Much whiter than the whitest milk, And spotted o'er with sapphire spars In splendour far outshone the stars ; Around his waist a belt he wore, And in his hand an arrow bore, Gilt leather boots adorn'd his feet And thus the dandie stood compleat.

Nuretta's sire, before the rest Advanc'd, and thus the youth addrest — A stranger of your noble port I hail with welcome to my court ; Whate'er this palace can afford Awaits, alone, your gracious word. My worthy friend the youth replied, 1 claim your daughter for my bride ; I boast not of my birth or riches You see my mantle, vest, and breeches.

The satrap with a bow profound Return'd, in jewels they abound; But jewels of the rarest kind Are always centr'd in the mind, And he who hopes my girl to win With that grand jewel must begin — But Sir, you've travell'd with much speed And doubtless some refreshment need ; Advance this way and take a seat, Tis honor such a guest to greet ; Make known your ev'ry want, and I Will readily your wants supply — This said towards the upper end Of the saloon their steps ascend ; The host then plac'd him on a throne Of gold and velvet near his own — This state room was a furlong's length Upborne by silver shafts of strength, Which in twelve columns richly trend From eastern to the western end ; A dome was in the centre plac'd Which highly finished paintings grac'd ; Beneath the dome a marble bed, Where perfum'd springs their waters spread ; Plants of all climes from either side Its golden rail bloom'd fresh in pride, And sent such grateful odours forth Scarce paradise could match their worth ; Against the shafts and walls were seen Lustres of lights, blue, red, and green, While pendant from the vault appears Three hundred noble chandeliers j On north and south the dome there stood Grand cupolas of cedar wood, In which high galleries were fix'd Where poets and musicians mix'd. Nuretta now, with trembling knees Approach'd the stranger by degrees ; Her veil from half her face she threw That he her looks might better view ; One hand her swelling bosom prest, The other her salam* addrest ; And as with dignity she bent To pay her graceful compliment, Struck with her elegance and charms The hero caught her in his arms, And having closely twice embrac'd Next to himself the fair one plac'd — And now some hundred sounds were sent From ev'ry tuneful instrument.

The flourish ended, Hafiz rose And to the splendid banquet goes ; The lovers near him, side by side, On cushions sat, like groom and bride ; Whate'er the climate could afford Was heap'd upon the sumptuous board ; Four thousand satraps at the least "] With half the beauties of the east L Sat down to grace this noble feast, j * An oriental salutation. Seven hours at the banquet spent Where love and wit their spirit lent To make each female bosom melt With ecstacies before ne'er felt, The Persian youths lit such a fire The nymphs were ready to expire ; Nuretta, far beyond the rest, Perceiv'd love ragingin her breast, And fearful what such feeling meant Directly to her chamber went. The stranger whisper' d in her ear 1 Before her, soon, he would appear, s. And dissipate each doubt and fear. 1 This beauty gone, the ladies all For palanquins begin to call ; Their beaus, tho' worshippers of fire, Much more the warmth of girls admire, v. And therefore with the nymphs retire. j The noble guest a couch was shown Supported on an ivory throne ; Twelve Emirs on his steps attend Whose heads, whene'er he speaks, descend; Nuretta's sire among the rest Obsequious waited on his guest ; But he, now feeling want of sleep, No longer would their persons keep, So bidding all his friends adieu, His dress aside, with quickness threw, And ere his limbs were well compos'd His weary eyes in sleep were clos'd. Here, let us leave him to his rest And view what fill'd his charmer's breast.

Altho' with love her bosom swell'd Yet not one virtuous thought rebell'd : 'Tho oft address'd by many a beau Her cheeks ne'er knew what twas to glow ; She heard of blisses, raptures, flames, But felt them not like other dames ; On love, the Persian bards had writ And shew'd some metaphysic wit, But poets songs nor rapid's dart E'er found a passage to her heart ; The stranger first soft passion woke And wounded her each time he spoke; His language varied from her own, Yet well he made his feelings known ; His person seem'd of diff'rent form From men who on this earth are born ; Nay ev'ry look and sigh he sent Breath'd quite another element, And what he eat he swallow'd so It seem'd against his taste to go. When he was distant far from hence She held with him intelligence, And always at the full of moon When viewing her, was apt to swoon ; He touch'd a plantain with his dart, Divided it, and gave her part ; The juice her blood began to fire And she was fill'd with strange desire, Her body into flame was turn'd And ev'ry nerve and muscle burn'd. In vain she strove to close her eyes Sweet sleep was broken by her sighs ; The promise given by her lover That he would soon himself discover So deeply had her mind impress'd She could not for an instant rest ; Perplex'd with doubts she therefore rose And going to her wardrobe, chose A dress so rich that e'en the sun Was forc'd to own itself outshone ; All day she pin'd and kept her room Yet studied to improve her bloom.

Canto II. The

fair Nuretta was not tall But she was elegant tho' small ; Not Venus could in shape or air With this young Persian girl compare ; Her hair was of the deepest black And fell in ringlets down her back ; Two side locks round her head were brought And fix'd by di'monds in a knot ; Some graceful curls her temples deck And some lay wanton on her neck, While others over rows of pearl Luxuriantly their tendrils twirl — Her body was a golden tissue From which a glory seem'd to issue, For on its surface might be seen Stones, purple, yellow, pink, and green ; Such precious jewels never yet Within so small a compass met ; And in the centre was display'd A noble star of brilliants made. Her robe with pheasant colours glow'd, And train, just like the peacock's flow'd — Her sleeves were of the richest lace, And these, twelve di'mond armlets brace ; The petticoat was white brocade With gems of various tints inlaid; Across her breast a veil was thrown Which o'er her shoulder reach'd a zone Of ev'ry hue and ev'ry die That birds or quarries could supply ; Her ears two costly pendants bore And on her fingers rings she wore, While Indian sandals grac'd her feet And perfumes added sweet to sweet.

No sooner was Nuretta drest To captivate the foreign guest, Than he who spent the tedious day In viewing what was grand and gay Grew now impatient for her sight And gaz'd upon her with delight; But when he seiz'd her trembling hand Both totter'd so they scarce could stand ; He bow'd and led her to a seat, And knelt down graceful at her feet ; He vow'd till then he ne'er knew bliss And printed on her lips a kiss; He would have added hundreds more Had not Old Hafiz ope'd the door. This Persian, of his guest grown proud, Had summons'd all his friends aloud ; The ceremonies now begin Satraps and Emirs soon rush in, Beauties in all their charms appear From Media, Bactria, and Cashmere, And each her breast expos'd to view In hopes the stranger to subdue. The palace look'd so rich and bright It made the clearest noon seem night, For artists had contriv'd it so A million lamps at once should glow ; The trumpets notes begin to sound, From vaults the trumpets notes rebound ; Two hundred harpers touch the string, And twice two hundred poets sing ; With rapture ev'ry ear was fill'd, With wonder every tongue was still'd, Eyes only spoke what each enjoy 'd And those were all on love employ'd. Three seats upon a platform plac'd Good Hafiz and the lovers grac'd ; The fair Nuretta sat between, And seem'd of this world's orb, the queen And now from ev'ry part advance The beaus and belles to join in dance ; Some play at chess, some form a ring, Some walk about, some chat and sing ; The betel nut and sweet sherbet Make ancients all their cares forget When Hafiz saw that ev'ry guest Was deep engag'd, or sat at rest, y He rose, and thus his friend addrest.

From whence arriv'd, or who you are, Of this earth native, or a star, So much unlike all men you seem You turn existence to a dream ; To my first question you replied " You claim'd my daughter for your bride" And wishing to decline long speeches Alluded to your vest and breeches ; Here sits the maid, whose costly dress Than your's in splendour, shines no less ; Explain then what your language meant ? If you on marriage should be bent Declare your rank, your fortune, name, And lastly say from whence you came ? To this the stranger answer'd soon I am a native of the — moon. My name Lunardo, Teckla's King, And from Diana's loins I spring ; O'er mighty kingdoms there I reign Scarce less than Persia's grand domain, And this my sceptr'd dart controuls The fate of many million souls. Here Hafiz colour'd to the ears And seem'd quite overwhelm'd with fears ; Nuretta likewise felt opprest And sunk upon her father's breast ; Her hand Lunardo fondly squeez'd And soon her tumults were appeas'd. True Sir, said he, 1 hate long speeches And did refer you to my breeches ; But at that moment I forgot That you, an earth born man, could not The trite allusion comprehend, And therefore now will condescend In clearer language to elicit What then I answer'd so explicit.

In my world none but monarchs dare Breeches, or pantaloons, to wear, Nor vests nor mantles durst adorn A man who is not princely born ; My hint had you then uuderstood You'd found me sprung from Royal blood. The Satrap now began to stare And softly ask'd if men went bare ? Where innocence and virtue reign His majesty replied again The want of clothes is little felt, But still both sexes wear a belt From which a coat of silk or frieze Depends, and reaches to the knees. Planets that most imbibe warm rays Are those which Venus chiefly sways, And folks who by the sun are stew'd In actions often will be — rude ; Tis vice alone that makes it sin For either sex to show their skin ; But more of this hereafter we Will talk, when from engagements free ; Your num'rous guests, at present, all For kind attention loudly call, And I have also much to say To this nymph in a private way.

The graceful and majestic tone In which Lunardo thus made known His rank, his country, and his name The Satrap's nerves quite overcame ; He lik'd him much, but would as soon His treasures lay not in the moon ; Much rather had he that this earth To Teckla's realms had given birth ; Yet still he felt a noble pride In being to a king allied. And now much more he wish'd to hear About Lunardo and his sphere, But deem'd it proper to be civil To guests he wish'd all at the devil- When Hafiz left his seat, the band Struck up in style sublimely grand ; The choiristers began to sing The praises of the Persic king ; His virtues, talents, happy reign Compos'd the subject of their strain. Which ended — on the southern side ~| A golden gate flew open wide S And lo! a temple was descried ; Across a park the structure stood Quite semicircled by a wood, And altho' seen by light of moon Appear'd as gorgeous as at noon ; Lamps shew'd its turrets flam'd with gold And that it was of ancient mould ; A little sea before it spread Whose waters form'd a shining bed, And on its bosom soon were seen The Persian monarch and his queen ; A hundred barges on them wait Glowing in all the pomp of state : Ten thousand troops on either side The lake, keep pace, as on they glide ; Emirs, the temple stairs surround, And trumpets from all quarters sound, To which the royal steeds, fed high In lofty neighings make reply.

Arriv'd, their majesties alight And quick ascend the marble flight — The portico was high and grand, And could a vast extent command ; Here oft they came the ev'ning's gale To breathe, and all its sweets inhale ; And now both sov'reigns with surprise On Hafiz's palace cast their eyes, They ask the cause it shines so bright, And hear he entertains a knight, Though all confess his state and name They know no more than whence he came — The Satrap, now, himself appears And ev'ry doubt and wonder clears ; The king first thought the man was mad, But when he found such guest he had, He bid him with his moonish friend At noon, next day, the court attend. Hafiz salam'd, and came away, The king and queen retir'd to pray, c For both were Moslems in their creed Tho' sprung from Zoroaster's seed. Whilst Hafiz on this mission went, Their time, the lovers sweetly spent ; Their tender looks and sighs spoke more Than if ten thousand oaths they'd swore.

Their minds and hearts such thoughts display'd As shew'd them for each other made ; She urg'd her fears that he might soon Desert her, and ascend the moon, But deep he vow'd upon his dart Nor earth nor moon should see them part ; He felt her palm, her bosom swell'd And instantly his blood rebell'd. Leaving their seats they each descend And both awhile their minds unbend — The crowd below, a mighty throng, Surround them and begin the sons' ; The song concluded, some advance And hem them round in mazy dance ; The nymphs affecting no disguise ~) Attempt to catch Lunardo's eyes L And ev'ry smile a hint supplies. Their feet, their arms, their bosoms all, Aloud, upon his feelings call ; But he, tho' not to beauty blind, 1 Consolidated still could find y Their charms in his Nuretta's mind. Now youths and maids together pair And seek the banquet's luscious fare; Here song and music both unite With ev'ry aid to yield delight ; Here beauties of superior sort In wanton pleasures laugh and sport ; Their lovers passions they inflame By ev'ry art the muse can name ; Such vows, such incense, and such sighs To Venus ne'er were known to rise.

The morning sun began to peep Yet none once talk'd or thought of sleep ; The Satrap, therefore, to each guest Propos'd 'twas time to go to rest ; Nurettabow'd and stole away, Yet bid a sigh behind her stay ; Lunardo caught it and retir'd, ~) But love his breast so hotly fir'd, I It was not sleep that he — desir'd. C2

Canto III. The

Satrap, who, two nights before "J Had drank till he could drink no more, v. Enjoy 'd about six hours sound snore. He then array'd, and rang his bell, And bid an Emir humbly tell His royal guest 'twas time that they Their duty to the king should pay ; Lunardo, who could get no rest, The messenger found ready drest ; And when they each had eat a date And drank some milk, set out in state. They found the king upon his throne Which rich with pearls and di'monds shone ; The Satrap with a bow profound At once fell prostrate on the ground, Then rose, and thus the king address'd : " Thou sun of suns behold my guest !" This said, he touch'd the monarch's feet *And on a cushion took his seat. But Teckla's sov'reign firm as oak Stood proudly up, and thus he spoke. From Hafiz, Sire, I understand It was your majesty's command * Answerable to the privilege enjoyed by a Scotch Lord of wearing his hat in the King of England's presence.

That I — born in another sphere, Before your presence should appear ; Crown'd heads should never make long - speeches You see my mantle, vest, and breeches ! The monarch with a gracious air Bid him ascend a golden chair, Which stood contiguous to his own And serv'd for royalty alone — With grace Lunardo rais'd his dart And plac'd its point against his heart, He bent, but not a word he said Altho' his left hand touch'd his head ; With dignity he took the seat And rested, on a globe, his feet — Five hundred officers of state Around the throne obsequious wait ; With awe they look, with wonder hear, And scarcely draw their breath for fear. The Sultan paus'd — then thus began, You honor greatly, Ispahan In making it the favour' d place Which, with your presence, first you grace ; I am inform'd in air balloon You late descended from the moon Whose splendid orb, more blest than earth Claims the high glory of your birth !

True Sire it is, Lunardo said, In Phoebe I was born and bred ; O'er Teckla's realms I hold my sway And millions my command obey ; The Persians once the moon adord But now she seldom is implor'd. The earthly sov'reign low replied How came it you this place descried ?' What secret beauty have we here That could attract you from your sphere r There is great Sire, Lunardo said In Ispahan a certain maid — But — here he made a moments pause — I came to study earthly laws ; Her customs and religious rites The soul inquisitive, invites ; Her kingdoms all by name I know, And how her various oceans flow, For these are regulated still By Luna, move she how she will ; But what her politics and arts I only learnt by fits and starts ; And ere from this world I retire I must confess tis my desire Each realm to visit in its turn That I their governments might learn.

Your resolution I admire Rejoin'd the Persic king with fire ; It shows Lunarians have a soul Which even perils can't controul ; What information we can errant From Persians you shall never want ; Then Sire ere further we proceed Grant us in turn, a mutual meed, And in your noble artless way Before us Phoebe's secrets lay ; Her laws, religion, arts, and sports, Climates, productions, realms, and ports, In fine, whate'er by sea or land Includes the useful and the grand ! To you Sire, Teckla said, tis known How partial men are to their own ; The charming sphere that gave me birth Is vastly smaller than your earth ; But tho' she's not one twelfth in size More virtuous is she, and more wise ;. Full fifty other kings beside Myself, throughout her realms preside ; The moon's inhabitants are small As are her beasts, birds, fishes, all, But altho' little is the breed Their sense aftd worth, few worlds, exceed.

Fifty eight thousand miles an hour To fly, your planet has a pow'r, And when her race is once begun She drags us with her round the sun ; Your brains move something like your world Which at that furious rate is hurl'd, And hence it is we often see When Luna is in perigee, Your fair ones going into fits And gallants running from their wits — Perhaps, great Sire, you would discern How 1 your language came to learn ? Such wish is laudable, and I No longer will your wish deny. A soul, which once a bard had been Upon this earth, expir'd of spleen ; Soon as he left his native seat, In Phoebe's orb he sought retreat ; This spirit, well, had learnt by rote Each learned British bard of note, And as I long'd their works to read He taught me how I might succeed ; So fast he wrote, in twelve months time I understood their prose and rhyme ; And as the Persic tongue he knew He taught me in that language too ; Tis true I do not speak it well But in the English I excel ; And as it must Sire be confest — Those people understand tis best, I studied deeply with my friend Their polity to comprehend — Their customs, civil, and religious, Appear indeed, to me, prodigious ; Some Persians follow Zoroaster, These Islanders, a heav'nly master, And still the more I search I see How both in morals disagree.

The Persian realms abound with slaves, The Northern isles with wags and knaves ; But tho' the English have most wit, Securer on your thrones, you sit, For you, your subjects, curb so well Tis seldom that they dare rebel, Whereas the British are so stubborn Each tells his monarch how to govern- Yet one advantage they have got Which, in this empire, you have not ; I mean two great assemblies, where Men may their sentiments declare — Here Persia's monarch glow'd with ire And roar'd — nor such do I desire j I know their uses and their pow'r ! Men there rate sov'reigns by the hour ; And what is all their noise about But you are in, and we are out ? The in's, turn'd out, are low and sad, And out's, got in, with joy run mad, Self int'rest all, still keep in view And all, when in, like paths pursue.

Lunardo now with bow polite Declar'd his majesty was right ; Reflection came to aid his wit, He knew how Persians champ'd the bit, And therefore with address extreme Dismissal this most unwelcome theme. He told the king, round Luna's sphere We doubted of an atmosphere; But that to shew 'twas all mistake Their sun did neither fry, nor bake. Of seas, he own'd they could not boast, And consequently had no coast, But lakes, like seas, and noble rivers In ev'ry kingdom, they had divers ; Their lofty mountains rose so high Their heads were buried in the sky, And hills and rocks so much abound They nearly cover'd half their ground ; Of min'rals, metals, fossils too, Lunarians boasted not a few, And said their quarries and their mines Were full of ev'ry gem that shines — All animals for food or use Their sphere, in plenty, did produce ; Indeed so fertile was its soil Grain, fruits, and plants, requir'd no toil ; Their poultry and their game were good, And fish was very common food ; The seasons little variance knew, Men neither froze nor did they stew, They all were like their climates, light, And intellects were very bright, And when their ladies pregnant were Six months produc'd the son and heir — Religion, only, was their law ; The moon, attornies, never saw ; And when disputes arose, the priest Gave him the most who had the least ; Thus balancing between them each That justice which their doctrines teach.

No idler was allow'd to live ; When men fell ill, their kings would give From out the public treasure chest What state Physicians might request, But nothing to the sick they gave Lest Charity should feed a knave. Of ranks there were but two degrees Denominated " Silk" and " Frieze"; Green turbans both the sexes wore ; Their breasts and backs were cover'd o'er With mats, so rich and quaintly made They sometimes rivall'd gold brocade ; Red leather boots their legs and feet Secur'd, and made their dress compleat. All, in a providence believ'd, Who never yet their hopes deceiv'd, Because their hopes were never built On disobedience or on guilt; Due homage, and each pious rite They paid their maker, day and night. Where pride, he said, was never known, The trump of war could not be blown, And hence, of course, it follow'd they No armies had to clothe and pay ; Some plied the loom, some plough 'd the field, Some merchants turn'd, and some would build, But tho' in traffic much they deal None ever borrow, lend, or steal, And what is strange they sell and buy Without a single oath or lie — Authors they had ; but such as writ Without sound judgment, taste, and wit, Were to their monarchs forc'd to pay A fine for throwing time away, And these compos'd so vast a store *They fed the old, infirm, and poor — Their subjects, rarely, taxes pay And all men work the king's high way.