Quando fuit melior Tyro, meliorve Magistra! Quando duo ingeniis tam coiere pares! Ardua discenti nulla est, res nulla docenti Ardua; cum doceat Fæmina, discat Avis. VI. THE PARROT. TRANSLATION OF THE FOREGOING. IN painted plumes superbly drest, By many a billow tost; Poll gains at length the British shore, Belinda's maids are soon preferred And 'tis her own important charge Sweet Poll! his doating mistress cries, At first he aims at what he hears; Just catches at the sound; But soon articulates aloud, Much to the amusement of the crowd, And stuns the neighbours round. A querulous old woman's voice And now he sings, and now is sick, Belinda and her bird! 'tis rare To meet with such a well-matched pair, The language and the tone, Each character in every part Sustained with so much grace and art, And both in unison. When children first begin to spell, We think them tedious creatures; But difficulties soon abate, When birds are to be taught to prate, THE DIVERTING HISTORY OF JOHN GILPIN; SHOWING HOW HE WENT FARTHER THAN HE INTENDED, AND CAME SAFE HOME AGAIN. JOHN GILPIN was a citizen Of credit and renown, A train-band captain eke was he John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear, To-morrow is our wedding-day, And we will then repair My sister and my sister's child, Will fill the chaise; so you must ride He soon replied, I do admire I am a linen-draper bold, As all the world doth know, Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, That's well said; We will be furnished with our own, John Gilpin kissed his loving wife; O'erjoyed was he to find That though on pleasure she was bent, She had a frugal mind. The morning came, the chaise was brought, But yet was not allowed To drive up to the door, lest all Should say that she was proud. So three doors off the chaise was stayed, Six precious souls, and all agog To dash through thick and thin. Smack went the whip, round went the wheels, Were never folk so glad, The stones did rattle underneath As if Cheapside were mad. S John Gilpin at his horse's side For saddle-tree scarce reached had he, When, turning round his head, he saw So down he came; for loss of time, "Twas long before the customers Were suited to their mind, When Betty screaming came down stairs, "The wine is left behind!" Good lack! quoth he---yet bring it me, In which I bear my trusty sword Now Mrs. Gilpin (careful soul!) Each bottle had a curling ear, Then over all, that he might be His long red cloak, well brushed and neat, Now see him mounted once again Upon his nimble steed, Full slowly pacing o'er the stones, With caution and good heed. But finding soon a smoother road, So, Fair and softly, John he cried, So stooping down as needs he must, He grasped the mane with both his hands, His horse, who never in that sort Away went Gilpin, neck or nought; The wind did blow, the cloak did fly, Then might all people well discern A bottle swinging at each side, As hath been said or sung. The dogs did bark, the children screamed, Up flew the windows all; And every soul cried out, Well done! Away went Gilpin---who but he? |