224 BURNING LORD MANSFIELD'S LIBRARY. VII. Then, shifting his side, (as a lawyer knows how) But what were his arguments few people know, VIII. So his lordship decreed, with a grave solemn tone,, Decisive and clear, without one if or but.... That, whenever the Nose put his spectacles on, By day-light or candle-light....Eyes should be shut! ON THE BURNING OF LORD MANSFIELD'S LIBRARY, TOGETHER WITH HIS MSS. BY THE MOB, IN THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1780. I. So then....the Vandals of our isle, Sworn foes to sense and law, Have burnt to dust a nobler pile Than ever Roman saw! And MURRAY sighs o'er Pope and Swift, And many a treasure more, The well-judg'd purchase and the gift That grac'd his letter'd store. III. Their pages mangled, burnt, and torn, The loss was his alone; But ages yet to come shall mourn ON THE SAME. I. When wit and genius meet their doom In all devouring flame, And bid us fear the same. II. O'er MURRAY's loss the muses wept, They felt the rude alarm, Yet bless'd the guardian care that kept III. There mem'ry, like the bee that's fed From Flora's balmy store, The quintessence of all he read IV. The lawless herd, with fury blind, THE LOVE OF THE WORLD REPROVED; OR HYPOCRISY DETECTED.* Thus says the prophet of the Turk.... There is a part in ev'ry swine * It may be proper to inform the reader that this piece has already appeared in print, having found its way, though with some unnecessary additions by an unknown hand, into the Leeds Journal, without the author's privity. Had he the sinful part express'd, What joint the prophet had in mind. He meant not to forbid the head; Thus, conscience freed from ev'ry clog, You laugh....'tis well.... The tale applied May make you laugh on t'other side. Renounce the world....the preacher cries. We do....a multitude replies. While one as innocent regards A snug and friendly game at cards; And one, whatever you may say, Can see no evil in a play; Some love a concert, or a race; And others....shooting, and the chase. Revil'd and lov'd, renounc'd and follow'd, Thus, bit by bit, the world is swallow'd; Each thinks his neighbour makes too free, Yet likes a slice as well as he; With sophistry their sauce they sweeten, Till quite from tail to snout 'tis eaten. THE LILY AND THE ROSE. I. THE nymph must lose her female friend II. Within the garden's peaceful scene Appear'd two lovely foes, Aspiring to the rank of queen.... The Lily and the Rose. III. The Rose soon reddened into rage, IV. The Lily's height bespoke command.... A fair imperial flow'r; She seem'd design'd for Flora's hand, V. 'This civil bick'ring and debate The goddess chanc'd to hear, And flew to save, ere yet too late, |