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The London-Spy Compleat In Eighteen Parts

By the Author of the Trip to Jamaica [i.e. Edward Ward]

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137

On Bridewel.

'Twas once the Palace of a Prince,
If we may Books confide-in,
But given was by him long since,
For Vagrants to reside in,
The Crumbs that from his Table fell,
Once made the Poor the Fatter;
But those that in its Confines dwell,
Now feed on Bread and Water.

138

No Ven'son now whereon to Dine;
No Frigasies nor Hashes;
No Balls, no Merriment, or Wine,
But Woful Tears and Slashes.
No Prince or Peers, to make a Feast,
No Kettle-Drums or Trumpets,
But art become a shameful Nest,
Of Vagabonds and Strumpets.
Where once the King and Nobles sat,
In all their Pomp and Splendor;
Grave City Grandeur nods its Pate,
And threatens each Offender.
Unhappy thy Ignoble Doom,
Where Greatness once Resorted;
Now Hemp and Labour fills each Room,
Where Lords and Ladies sported.