Mirth and Metre consisting of Poems, Serious, Humorous, and Satirical; Songs, Sonnets, Ballads & Bagatelles. Written by C. Dibdin, Jun |
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THE RIGMAROLE. |
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 | Mirth and Metre |  |
THE RIGMAROLE.
When coxcombs lay claim to the title of men,
Or modesty's mein prudes have carried;
When bachelors cry, “We are happy!” and when
Maids say they don't long to be married:
When vot'ries of fashion to reason pretend,
Or beauties to hate admiration;
When the courtier in writing subscribes himself “Friend!”
And placemen bawl out for the nation;
All this is mere body without any soul,
And that's the plain English of Rigmarole.
Or modesty's mein prudes have carried;
When bachelors cry, “We are happy!” and when
Maids say they don't long to be married:
When vot'ries of fashion to reason pretend,
Or beauties to hate admiration;
When the courtier in writing subscribes himself “Friend!”
And placemen bawl out for the nation;
All this is mere body without any soul,
And that's the plain English of Rigmarole.
When the full titled name of his grace you survey
At the head of an ample donation,
In a charity list meant for public display,
Or his blush at the bard's dedication;
In vermillion and muslin when volunteers drest,
On parade smell of scent so inviting,
Or arm'd cap-a-pee among ladies a nest,
In a pastry-cook's shop talk of fighting.
All this, &c.
At the head of an ample donation,
In a charity list meant for public display,
Or his blush at the bard's dedication;
In vermillion and muslin when volunteers drest,
On parade smell of scent so inviting,
Or arm'd cap-a-pee among ladies a nest,
In a pastry-cook's shop talk of fighting.
All this, &c.
66
When authors all critics to scorn make parade,
Or critics lay claim to good-nature;
Bucks of ton bounce of honour their tradesmen unpaid,
Or courage when kicking a waiter;
When a miser to honesty, feeling, or shame,
Pretends; or to Credit a minion;
A doctor who don't keep his carriage to fame,
Or a lawyer unwigg'd to opinion;
All this is mere, &c.
Or critics lay claim to good-nature;
Bucks of ton bounce of honour their tradesmen unpaid,
Or courage when kicking a waiter;
When a miser to honesty, feeling, or shame,
Pretends; or to Credit a minion;
A doctor who don't keep his carriage to fame,
Or a lawyer unwigg'd to opinion;
All this is mere, &c.
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