Charles Dibdin Nongtongpaw JOHN BULL for pastime took a prance, And knowledge gained in foreign parts. John to the Palais Royal come, Its splendour almost struck him dumb. "I say, whose house is that there here?" "House? Je vous n'entends pas, monsieur." "What, Nongtongpaw again!" cries John; "This fellow is some mighty Don; No doubt he's plenty for the maw. I'll breakfast with this Nongtongpaw." John saw Versailles from Marle's height, The fellow's richer than a Jew; Next tripping came a courtly fair. "What lovely wench is that there here?" A palace, lands, and then a wife, 66 "But hold! whose funeral's that?" cries John. I'd with him breakfast, dine, and sup, Good-night t'ye, Mounseer Nongtongpaw." Mrs. Thrale The Three Warnings THE tree of deepest root is found That love of life increased with years This great affection to believe, Be pleased to hear a modern tale. When sports went round, and all were gay, With him into another room, And looking grave-" You must," says he, "Quit your sweet bride, and come with me." "With you! and quit my Susan's side? With you!" the hapless husband cried. "Young as I am, 'tis monstrous hard! Besides, in truth, I'm not prepared; My thoughts on other matters go; This is my wedding-day, you know." What more he urged I have not heard. His reasons could not well be stronger; So Death the poor delinquent spared, And left to live a little longer. Yet calling up a serious look, His hour-glass trembled while he spoke: To give you time for preparation, In hopes you'll have no more to say, Well pleased the world will leave." What next the hero of our tale befell, He chaffered, then he bought and sold, Nor thought of Death as near. His friends not false, his wife no shrew, Many his gains, his children few, He passed his hours in peace. But while he viewed his wealth increase, Brought on his eightieth year. And now, one night, in musing mood, The unwelcome messenger of Fate Half-killed with anger and surprise, 'Tis six-and-thirty years at least, And you are now fourscore." So much the worse," the clown rejoined; "To spare the aged would be kind; However, see your search be legal; And your authority-is't regal? With but a secretary's warrant. Besides, you promised me three warnings, Which I have looked for nights and mornings; But for that loss of time and ease I can recover damages." "I know," cries Death, "that at the best I seldom am a welcome guest; But don't be captious, friend, at least; |