CHARLES JENNER. 1774. Rector of Claybrooke, Leicestershire; ECLOGUE II. Time was. THE spring had now enliven'd every scene, On a dull day which, every week, affords When sober families resort to prayer, And cits take in their weekly meal of air; Whilst, eastward of St. Paul's, the well-dress' spark Runs two long miles, to saunter in the Park: [ Prudentio strolling down the mall was seen, And thus, in grumbling strains, the veterans greet, AVARO. Well met, Prudentio- - - Come man, sit you down; How fare you? PRUDENTIO. Sick, of this confounded town. AVARO. Aye, so am I; time was when it was said, door; But now, the bakers get each week a rise, PRUDENTIO. How should it happen otherwise? look here That fellow with the tarnish'd suit of lace, To dress himself on Sundays, like a lord; AVARO. Time was, when sattin waistcoats and scratch wigs, Enough distinguished all the city prigs, Whilst every sunshine Sunday saw them run To club their sixpences, at Islington; When graver citizens, in suits of brown, Or led the children and the loving spouse, PRUDENTIO. I grant, that even prudence' self allows The man of wealth his coach and country house; By common justice every man is taught, Hence, whereas fills each page of the Gazette. AVARO. Time was, when tradesmen laid up what they gain'd, And frugally a family maintain'd; When they took stirring house-wives for their spouses, To keep up prudent order in their houses; Who thought no scorn, at night to sit them down, And make their childrens cloaths, or mend their own; Would Polly's coat to younger Bess transfer, Whilst Miss despises all domestick rules, PRUDENTIO. Time was too, when the prudent dames would stay And met at cards, at that glad time alone, AVARO. Hence spring assemblies with such uncouth names, At Deptford, Wapping, Rotherhithe, and ShadThames, Where every month the powder'd white-gloved sparks, Spruce haberdashers, pert attornies' clerks, Their suit to many a sighing millener : |