The Age Reviewed A Satire: In two parts: Second edition, revised and corrected [by Robert Montgomery] |
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 | The Age Reviewed |  |
And mostly put a mask upon her face;
But, see the privilege of modern times,
When thieves and knaves can advertise their crimes!
Furious with plans, large “Companies” unite,
Bait their nice hook, and get the dupes to bite:
For starching bed-gowns and for skimming cream;
For horseless coaches and potatoe flour,
For gin well poisoned, and for wine soon sour;
Or schemes for golden mines,—as yet all clay,
For South Sea Islands—catch 'em if you may!
The future historian, who shall relate the domestic occurrences of eighteen hundred and twenty-six, will certainly present some interesting memoirs for posterity. No doubt, nineteen hundred and twenty-six will be weaving tales to illustrate the national cheats and unblushing bilks of eighteen hundred and twenty-six. The Joint Stock Companies, have presented an original picture of undaunted, unrepented villainy, only to be matched by the bamboozling pirates that purloined the succours from Greece. We must have looked uncommonly glorious in the eyes of surrounding nations a few months since; when every day brought with it an account of some fresh discovered cheats! It was not one solitary thief that shone in the light of infamy; not two; no, not a dozen; —but gallant bands!—Companies of sleek-mouthed rogues, who united to filch and advertised their capabilities!! And yet other Companies, phœnix-like, are beginning to rise from the ashes of the last:—
Defendit numeros, junctæ que umbone phalanges”.
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