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The Works of Richard Owen Cambridge

Including several pieces never before published: with an account of his life and character, by his son, George Owen Cambridge
Cambridge, Richard Owen (1717-1802)

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321

Mr. WILKES'S SOLILOQUY,

THE DAY BEFORE HIS ELECTION FOR CHAMBERLAIN OF LONDON: A PARODY on Cæsar's Speech in the Boat.

[_]

LUCAN'S PHARSALIA, Lib. 5. l. 559.

THUS far my bark has found a prosp'rous gale,
And though in this my last attempt I fail,
I've done enough. Scotland has felt my pen,
Has felt and trembled in her darkest den.
Horne I've subdued, and Sawbridge to his shame
Is but my second in the lists of fame.
I've taught the mob the senate to defeat,
And, spite of rule and order, kept my seat.
322

Of pow'r and profit I've enjoy'd my share,
Trustee, Receiver, Treasurer, Lord Mayor.
And since by these proud titles made so great
That Charon's boat shall groan beneath my weight,
What is't to me if 'tis ordain'd my lot,
Unburied with some creditor to rot,
I'll still have wine and women whilst alive,
For Christian burial let the vulgar strive.
My corse let bailiffs seize or surgeons tear,
My spirit the surviving world shall fear.
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