We'll throw a better light still on the science, With all that sophistry which truth assails; We'll show them proofs as good as mathema tical. The state to which allusion has been made, Possesses minds, no matter how benighted, The doubting, curious, and all much-delighted, By scenes, events, and actions all detailing, Which, far or near, were at the time prevailing. One instance out of many late transpired In London, of a warehouse waggish boy, Describing scenes, events, and many a ploy That ancient, sacred, venerable dome, Where blasted worth and merit lie inurned; Where heroes, patriots, side by side consume With conquerors, from bloody fields returned; Where senators and sages find a tomb 'Mong poets, who their midnight lamp have burned: He saw, described, and read each flattering stone, And many a marble statue dwelt upon. Then from Westminster Abbey took a range And sketched the heathen gods' romantic faces; Reviewed the House of Commons, Tower, and shows, And fifty other things we may suppose. 'Tis needless thus on one so much descanting, When numbers equally attention claim; Whose names, without that vulgar sin of vaunting, Are rich emblazoned on the page of Fame: At home, ay, at our doors, they are not wanting, Who from experience can attest the same: And who on earth can contradict this teacher, Although at times one may dispute a preacher ? 'Twas recently one being in this state Saw every act a neighbour then was doing: His motions, movements, all he did narrate, With purposes and ends he was pursuing; Though separate between by distance great, Yet never intercepted was his viewing: Some say his glance, upon such strange occasions, Pervades even Nature's secret operations. Hence to a certainty he can discover How any one the various organs seizes; tion. Another, under this mysterious spell With fifty other nameless feats, they say, As Rhyme's capricious whims we must obey, Make not these truths your topics for diversion; As children milk, implicitly receive them— You've had the various facts all clearly stated— Its different items narrowly inspected; But should your brain with doubts be still inflated, By reason may your views be soon corrected: Let reason, candour, coolness, be your guide, I'll pawn my honour, for it you'll decide. Hence, reader, I am tired, and so are you; No doubt you think we both have had enoughIt is agreed then, to our thread adieu, Home-spun and long, you see, and rather rough. Perhaps you judge its merits are but few, Then with your sweeping censure call it stuff: But oh beware of such foul profanation, Which might provoke your Poet's imprecation! But judge and censure, damn it, if you please, |