The Works of Peter Pindar [i.e. John Wolcot] ... With a Copious Index. To which is prefixed Some Account of his Life. In Four Volumes |
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 | The Works of Peter Pindar [i.e. John Wolcot] |  |
Build not, alas! your popularity
On that beast's back yclep'd vulgarity;
A beast that many a booby takes a pride in—
A beast beneath the noble Peter's riding.
On that beast's back yclep'd vulgarity;
A beast that many a booby takes a pride in—
A beast beneath the noble Peter's riding.
How should the man who loves to be unchaste,
To feed on carrion dread his hound-like paunch,
Judge of an ortolan's delicious taste,
Or feel the flavour of a fine fat haunch?
Or, wont with bitter purl to wet his clay,
How should he judge of claret or tokay?
To feed on carrion dread his hound-like paunch,
Judge of an ortolan's delicious taste,
Or feel the flavour of a fine fat haunch?
84
How should he judge of claret or tokay?
Teniers's devils, witches, monkeys, toads,
That make me shudder whilst I pen these Odes,
Most truly painted, to be pure, you'll find:—
How greater far the excellence, to paint
With heaven-directed eye, the beauteous saint,
And mark th' emotions of her angel-mind!
Envy not such as have in dirt surpast ye;—
'Tis very, very easy to be nasty!
That make me shudder whilst I pen these Odes,
Most truly painted, to be pure, you'll find:—
How greater far the excellence, to paint
With heaven-directed eye, the beauteous saint,
And mark th' emotions of her angel-mind!
Envy not such as have in dirt surpast ye;—
'Tis very, very easy to be nasty!
| The Works of Peter Pindar [i.e. John Wolcot] | |