And thus unto the youth she said, That drove them to the Bell, This shall be yours, when you bring back My husband safe and well. The youth did ride, and soon did meet But not performing what he meant, And made him faster run. Away went Gilpin, and away The postboy's horse right glad to miss. The lumbering of the wheels. Six gentlemen upon the road, With postboy scampering in the rear, Stop thief! stop thief!-a highwayman! Not one of them was mute; And all and each that pass'd that way Did join in the pursuit. And now the turnpike gates again Flew open in short space; The toll-men thinking as before, That Gilpin rode a race: And so he did, and won it too, For he got first to town; Nor stopp'd till where he had got up Now let us sing, Long live the king, And Gilpin, long live he; And, when he next doth ride abroad, TRANSLATIONS FROM VINCENT BOURNE. I. THE GLOW-WORM. BENEATH the hedge, or near the stream, A worm is known to stray, Disputes have been, and still prevail, From whence his rays proceed; Some give that honour to his tail, But this is sure-the hand of might, Perhaps indulgent Nature meant, Nor crush a worm, whose useful light Whate'er she meant, this truth divine Is legible and plain, 'Tis Power almighty bids him shine, Nor bids him shine in vain. Ye proud and wealthy, let this theme Since such a reptile has its gem, II. THE JACKDAW. THERE is a bird who, by his coat, Above the steeple shines a plate, From what point blows the weather; Fond of the speculative height, That оссиру mankind below, Secure and at his ease. You think, no doubt, he sits and muses He sees that this great roundabout, Its customs, and its businesses, And says-what says he?-Caw. Thrice happy bird! I too have seen Much of the vanities of men; And, sick of having seen 'em, Would cheerfully these limbs resign For such a pair of wings as thine, And such a head between 'em. IN painted plumes superbly dress'd, Poll gains at length the British shore, Belinda's maids are soon preferr'd But 'tis her own important charge And make him quite a wit. |