ANACREONTIC. GAY Bacchus liking Estcourt's wine, The god near Cupid drew his chair, The more to please the sprightly god, Then Cupid nam'd at every glass A lady of the sky ; While Bacchus swore he'd drink the lass, And had it bumper-high. Fat Comus toss'd his brimmers o'er, And always got the most; Jocus took care to fill him more, Whene'er he miss'd the toast. They call'd, and drank at every touch; He fill'd and drank again; And if the gods can take too much, 'Tis said, they did so then. Gay Bacchus little Cupid stung, And Cupid mock'd his stammering tongue, And Jocus droll'd on Comus' ways, And tales without a jest ; While Comus call'd his witty plays But waggeries at best. Such talk soon set them all at odds; I'd sing ye, how they drank like gods, To part the fray, the Graces fly, Bacchus appeas'd, rais'd Cupid up, Jocus took Comus' rosy crown, And gaily wore the prize, And thrice in mirth he push'd him down, As thrice he strove to rise. Then Cupid sought the myrtle grove, Where Venus did recline; And Venus close embracing Love, They join'd to rail at wine. And Comus loudly cursing wit, Bacchus and Jocus, still behind, For one fresh glass prepare; They kiss, and are exceeding kind, And vow to be sincere. But part in time, whoever hear This our instructive song; For though such friendships may be dear, They can't continue long. A FAIRY TALE, IN THE ANCIENT ENGLISH STYLE. IN Britain's isle and Arthur's days, Endow'd with courage, sense, and truth, His mountain back mote well be said Yet spite of all that nature did He felt the charms of Edith's eyes, But one Sir Topaz dress'd with art, Edwin, if right I read my song, 'Twas near an old enchaunted court, Where sportive faeries made resort To revel out the night. His heart was drear, his hope was cross'd, But scant he lays him on the floor, Now sounding tongues assail his ear, Come pranckling o'er the place. But, trust me, gentles, never yet The country lent the sweet perfumes, |