A SCHOLAR first my love implored; And then an empty titled Lord. The Pedant talked in lofty strains! Alas! his Lordship wanted brains! I listened not to one or t'other; But straight referred them to my mother.

A Poet next my love assailed,
A Lawyer hoped to have prevailed;
The Bard too much approved himself,
The Lawyer thirsted after pelf.

I listened not to one or t'other;
But still referred them to my mother.

An Officer, my heart would storm,
A Miser sought me too, in form;
But MARS was over-free and bold,
The Miser's heart was in his gold.
I listened not to one or t'other;
Referring still unto my mother.

And, after them, some twenty more Successless were, as those before; When DAMON, lovely DAMON! came, Our hearts straight felt a mutual flame! I vowed I'd have him, and no other; Without referring to my mother.

A BALLAD.

LET who will, complain of the troubles they meet; They're matter of laughter to me!

A dash of the bitter, the sweet makes more sweet; I therefore contented will be!

If FORTUNE looks kindly, I'll bask in her smiles! If, frowning; my comfort is still,

That life's but a span, and Good Humour beguiles The time, be it bad as it will!

My friend proves unfaithful; I'll seek out a new,
Nor trouble my head about that!
I'll pity the changeling! I'll honour the true!
And cheerfully laugh and be fat!

What though I a coach and six horses can't have,
To which I've a very good right;

A pair of good legs hath kind Providence gave,
With a heart that 's both honest and light.

My frame 's not unwieldy, 'tis active and sound!
My appetite, not very great!

A scanty provision sufficient is found,

If cleanly and wholesome to eat.

Let epicures feast on their turtles, for me!
Their ortolans, pheasants, and sturgeon!
With Frenchified dishes, high sauces, and be
A prey to the Doctor and Surgeon!

With all kinds of wine, let them pamper their taste;
Nor aught to their palates deny!

If they, to their latter end wilfully haste;
Themselves are to blame, and not I!

On dress, pomp, and grandeur, I fix not my mind;
They're matters unworthy a care!
Beneath those fine trappings, we oftentimes find
The pang of remorse and despair!

Gay PLEASURE's a phantom exceedingly fair;
Which vainly we hope to embrace!
We grasp at a substance; she melts into air,
And leaves not behind her a trace!

Then, why should we make such a pother about What no one could ever attain?

Though the sweet illusion is tempting, no doubt! 'Tis banished by old age and pain.

But soon we the idle pursuit of her charms,
By dear-bought experience, despise ;

Then, blooming Good Humour! still dwell in my arms!
My motto be-Merry and Wise!

A FABLE.

OLD TIME and PLEASURE, on a day,
Once met, as they did walk,

'Dear TIME!' says PLEASURE, 'prithee, stay! Let's have some friendly talk!'

'Alluring Fair!' said he, 'I know
The World are slaves to thee!
Upon thee, ev'ry thought bestow;
And make no store of me!

'My destined race I still pursue;
Nor can one moment stay,

Lest those blind crowds that follow you,
O'ertake me on my way.'

Then swift along the plain he ran;
While loitering PLEASURE stood,
To intercept the view of Man,
Enticing all she could.

Some few, indeed, kept up with TIME,
That her temptations shun;

But such as with gay PLEASure chime,
Delay, and are undone!

Charlotte Sophia, Queen Consort of George III.

VERSES

HANDED ABOUT, AS THE PRODUCTION OF

HER PRESENT Majesty.

GENTEEL is my DAMON, engaging his Air! His face, like the morn, is both ruddy and fair! Soft Love sits enthroned in the beam of his eyes! He's manly, yet tender! He's fond, and yet wise!

'He's ever good-humoured! He's generous and gay!
His presence can always drive Sorrow away!
No vanity sways him, no folly is seen;
But open his temper, and noble his mien.

'By virtue illumined his actions appear!
His Passions are calm, and his reason is clear
An affable sweetness attends on his speech!
He is willing to learn, though he 's able to teach!

'He has promised to love me! His word I'll believe; For his heart is too honest to let him deceive! Then blame me, ye Fair Ones! if justly ye can; Since the picture I've drawn is exactly the Man!'