The Works of Peter Pindar [i.e. John Wolcot] :: :: University of Virginia Library

Yet should I imitate the fickle wind,
Or Mister patriot Eden—change my mind;
And for the bard your majesty should send,
And say, ‘Well well, well well, my tuneful-friend,
I long, I long, to give you something, Peter—
You make fine verses—nothing can be sweeter—
What will you have? what, what? speak out—speak out—
Yes, yes, you something want, no doubt, no doubt:’

Or should you, like some men who gravely preach,
Forsake your usual short-hand mode of speech,
And thus begin—in Bible-phrase sublime;
‘What shall be done for our rare son of rhime?
The bard who full of wisdom writeth?
The man in whom the king delighteth?’

Then would the poet thankfully reply,
With fault'ring voice, low bow, and marv'ling eye
All meekness! such a simple, dove-like thing!
‘Blest be the bard who verses can indite,
To yield a second Solomon delight!
Thrice blest, who findeth favour with the king!

Since 'tis the royal will to give the bard
In whom the king delighteth, some reward,
Some mark of royal bounty to requite him;
O king! do any thing but knight him.’