WHERE grisly spikes surmount the lofty wall, Spotted with chalk from many a whiten'd ball, And long-drawn lines, traced featly on the ground, Where stand three pumps, one while, perforce, the thrones Of B-lk-y, B-r-y, and of bolter (*) Jones; A faded Dandy, once the prime and pride Of Long's, of Bond-street, of the drive and ride, And sigh'd for Cochrane's talent to climb o'er, Or Cochrane's purse to pass him through the door. Not all its native stilishness had lost; And still he seem'd, though shorn of many a ray, Not less than some Arch-dandy in decay. 10 His coat was yet a thing that Stultz might own, Though the slit sleeves long time his shirt had shown, And twice two buttons from the front had flown, And, most legitimate, his neckcloth's tie 20 With e'en an Ultra-dandy's still might vie, And still the sweep with which his trowsers fell Was such as Petersham might envy well; And ill a three-day's beard became that face, Which shone through all the grimness of the place. Before him, as in melancholy mood He paced the ground, a fellow-suff'rer stood, Fearless, or but of bailiff's touch afraid, A Flash in Crawford-street, and known full well At Fielder's and at Forty in Pall-Mall; A jolly Caster, skill'd at billiards, too, His long surtout was button'd close before, And hid his shirt-if any shirt he wore, His neckcloth, faded black, convenient wear, Saved soap, and gave a military air; His hat, though not a new one, cock'd aside, Of smartness what was wanted thus supply'd; 30 And still his bursting boots with iron shod Gave a great sound, as o'er the flags he strode. "I grieve," he cried, " to see you daily wear An aspect that betokens deep'ning care; Bear up with spirit; let not Fortune's frown The jade will change: a brighter card will come; It can't be always black: I've lived to learn 40 50 |