Poems on several occasions | ||
X.—ON THE STREET-ROBBERIES.
I
The robbers every day increase,And streets are nightly plunder'd:
Yet he who takes a thief, oft sees
Not sixpence in the hundred.
628
II
Pay down the hundred pound in court,When culprit is convicted.
This by the cock-pit, men report,
Is fiercely contradicted.
III
No moneys hastily must goTo pay such calls as these are.
What forms and business mean, they know;
What perquisites and fees are.
IV
They value not the public ill;Let them wear gold that win it.
Let some folks rob without-door still,
So some may rob within it.
V
No treasurers prompt-payment love:They speak with fellow-feeling;
The precedent might dangerous prove,
To punish men for stealing.
Poems on several occasions | ||