XVIII.

The father finished with "Remember this."

And Hopeful answer'd with assenting bow,

66

"Be prudent, modest, sober," Tom said Yes,"

And then the sire retired, contented now.

(As well he might be.) Having eased his breast

Of such a load of morals he could rest.

XIX.

Tom used this counsel as might be expected,
That is, as if he had not heard a word,
To think it could be other than neglected,
Would be a thing exceedingly absurd;
Would show in my opinion little knowledge
Of some of the advantages of College.

XX.

Now at the play;-the Hells and one more place,
Which in the neighbourhood of "ears polite,"

I will not mention, Tom in pleasure's chase
Consumes his days, and each succeeding night;
And fix'd a fashionable name to get,
Gets fashionably very deep in debt.

XXI.

What more to make a Dasher of the west

Is needful?-Nothing-I had almost said, Yet one thing's needful-those say who know best The Dashing Tailor's never failing aid. Should he his cash demand-perhaps he mayThe rascal with another order pay.

XXII.

To silence that's the way. So Tom was told,

And he in matters of this sort no dunce

To put off importunity, made bold,

With little ceremony, more than once,

"To settle now, I can't forego my pleasures, I want more clothes-to-morrow bring your measures."

XXIII.

His bidding was obey'd, but I should first
Say Takeall at the bottom honest still,
(Let no rude citizen suppose the worst,)
Was evermore content to give his bill,
This met the Tailor's.-Each bill had a brother,
One good turn always must deserve another.

XXIV.

In ancient times law gave for eye an eye,

And tooth for tooth. This rule from law-courts driven

To Fashion's haunts has been compell'd to fly,

Where bill for bill is uniformly given.

The dealer's bill is given for double pay,
The purchaser gives his-to run away.

XXV.

Snip took his measures-Snip his bill had got,

I mean Tom's bill, ('twas over due some moons,) And now appear'd to measure for a coat,

And inexpressibles-or pantaloons.

I have you now," said he,-" I've made a hit,

"I

I know you 're partial to a good close fit."

XXVI.

So he departed, and another came,

"His man," thought Tom. He was beyond dispute.

Your name is Takeall, I presume."

"I come to you about a little suit."

"The same."

Some parchment slips he shew'd which made Tom stare,

For these seem'd broader than the others were.