 | Songs, comic and satyrical |  |
12
PROLOGUE.
Through
gloomy grove, along the Lawn,
Or by the still Brook's side,
When the Day's sable shroud is drawn,
Then Ghosts are said to glide.
Or by the still Brook's side,
When the Day's sable shroud is drawn,
Then Ghosts are said to glide.
The paly Moonshine's silv'ry gleams
Seem dancing down the glade,
Mingling 'midst shadowy forms it's beams,
Which scare the trembling Maid.
Seem dancing down the glade,
Mingling 'midst shadowy forms it's beams,
Which scare the trembling Maid.
The Trav'ller oft is apt to see,
Through twilight's dusky veil,
A Giant in each Hedge-row Tree,
While Phantoms fill the Dale.
Through twilight's dusky veil,
A Giant in each Hedge-row Tree,
While Phantoms fill the Dale.
So rambling Readers may condemn
This Book of medley Rhimes,
Whose Errors will appear to them
A lift of Giant Crimes.
This Book of medley Rhimes,
Whose Errors will appear to them
A lift of Giant Crimes.
Already mark;—Sir Cynic scowls,
Rage wrinkling on his brow,
To see, O shame! two am'rous Owls,
Instinctive on yon Bough.
Rage wrinkling on his brow,
To see, O shame! two am'rous Owls,
Instinctive on yon Bough.
With outspread hands, and upcast eyes,
As Bigots tell their stories,
Th'o'er-zealous Commentator cries,
O Tempora! O Mores!
As Bigots tell their stories,
Th'o'er-zealous Commentator cries,
O Tempora! O Mores!
But why should Critics carp at Songs?
Or Classic Scales apply?
To them alone this freight belongs,
Who'd rather laugh than cry.
Or Classic Scales apply?
To them alone this freight belongs,
Who'd rather laugh than cry.
For neither Pedant nor for Prude,
These Sonnets took their birth;
But are dish'd up, as pleasant Food,
For Sons of Social Mirth.
These Sonnets took their birth;
But are dish'd up, as pleasant Food,
For Sons of Social Mirth.
| Songs, comic and satyrical | |