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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| XIX. | ODE XIX. |
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 | The Works of Peter Pindar [i.e. John Wolcot] |  |
ODE XIX.
The Poet hinteth to Artists the Value of Time.
The man condemn'd on Tyburn-tree to swing,
Deems such a show, a very dullish thing;
He'd rather a spectator be, I ween
Than the sad actor in the scene.
Deems such a show, a very dullish thing;
He'd rather a spectator be, I ween
Than the sad actor in the scene.
He blames the law's too rigid resolution:
If with a beef-steak stomach—in his prime,
Lord, with what rev'rence he looks on time!
And most of all—the hour of execution!
And as the cart doth to the tree advance,
How wondrous willing to postpone the dance!
If with a beef-steak stomach—in his prime,
Lord, with what rev'rence he looks on time!
And most of all—the hour of execution!
87
How wondrous willing to postpone the dance!
Believe me, time's of monstrous use;
But, ah! how subject to abuse!
It seems that with him, folks were often cloy'd:
I do pronounce it, time's a public good,
Just like a youthful beauty—to be woo'd,
Made much of, and be properly enjoy'd.
But, ah! how subject to abuse!
It seems that with him, folks were often cloy'd:
I do pronounce it, time's a public good,
Just like a youthful beauty—to be woo'd,
Made much of, and be properly enjoy'd.
Time's sand is wonderfully small;
It slips between the fingers in a hurry:
Therefore, on each young artist let me call,
To prize it as an Indian does his curry ;
Whether his next rare exhibition be
Amidst the great R. A.'s—or on a tree.
It slips between the fingers in a hurry:
Therefore, on each young artist let me call,
To prize it as an Indian does his curry ;
Whether his next rare exhibition be
Amidst the great R. A.'s—or on a tree.
| The Works of Peter Pindar [i.e. John Wolcot] | |