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] |  |
90
ODE XXII.
The following Ode was written just after the great Crashes and Falls at Somerset House.— Peter is charmingly ironical.
Sir William! cover'd with Chinese renown,
Whose houses are no sooner up than down,
Don't heed the discontented nation's cry:
Thine are religious houses!—very humble;
Upon their faces much inclin'd to tumble;
So meek, they cannot keep their heads on high.
Whose houses are no sooner up than down,
Don't heed the discontented nation's cry:
Thine are religious houses!—very humble;
Upon their faces much inclin'd to tumble;
So meek, they cannot keep their heads on high.
I know the foolish kingdom all runs riot,
Calling aloud for Wyat, Wyat, Wyat!
Who on their good opinion hourly gains.
But where lies Wyat's merit?—What his praise!
Abroad this roving man spent half his days,
Contemplating of Rome, the great remains.
Calling aloud for Wyat, Wyat, Wyat!
Who on their good opinion hourly gains.
But where lies Wyat's merit?—What his praise!
Abroad this roving man spent half his days,
Contemplating of Rome, the great remains.
This Wyat's works a classic taste combine,
Who studied thus the ancients o'er and o'er;
But, lo! the greater reputation thine,
To do what no man ever did before.
Who studied thus the ancients o'er and o'er;
But, lo! the greater reputation thine,
To do what no man ever did before.
| The Works of Peter Pindar [i.e. John Wolcot] | |