This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1774 edition. Excerpt: ... THE NIGHTINGALE, THE OWL, AND THE CUCKOW. A FABLE. ADDRESSED TO DAVID GARRICK, ESQ. ON THE REPORT OF HIS RETIRING FROM THE STAGE, DEC. I760. Critics, who like the scarecrows stand Upon the poet's common land, And with severity of sense, Drive all imagination thence, Say that in truth lies all sublime, ...
Read More
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1774 edition. Excerpt: ... THE NIGHTINGALE, THE OWL, AND THE CUCKOW. A FABLE. ADDRESSED TO DAVID GARRICK, ESQ. ON THE REPORT OF HIS RETIRING FROM THE STAGE, DEC. I760. Critics, who like the scarecrows stand Upon the poet's common land, And with severity of sense, Drive all imagination thence, Say that in truth lies all sublime, Whether you write in prose or rhyme. And yet the truth may lose its grace, If blurted to a person's face; Especially if what you speak Shou'd crimson o'er the glowing cheek: For when you throw that slaver o'er him, And tumble out your praise before him, However However just the application, It looks a-squint at adulation. I would be honest and sincere, But not a flatterer, or severe. Need I be surly, rough, uncouth, That folks may think I love the truth? And She, good dame, with Beauty's Queen, Was not at all times naked seen: For every boy, with Prior, knows, By accident she lost her cloaths, When Fallbood stole them to disguise Her misbegotten brood of lies. Why should the prudish Goddess dwell Down at the bottom of a well, But that me is in pitious fright, Lest, rising up to mortal sight, The modest world shpu'd fleer and flout her, With not a rag of cloaths about her? Yet me might wear a proper dress And keep her essence ne'ertheless. So Delia's bosom still will rise, And fascinate her lover's eyes, Tho' round her ivory neck she draws, The decent shade of specious gauze. I hear I hear it buzz'd about the table, What can this lead to? Sirs, A FABLE. When Birds allow'd the Eagle's sway, Ere Eagles turn'd to fowls of prey, His Royal Majesty of Air Took Mufic underneath his care; And, for his queen and court's delight, Commanded Concerts ev'ry night. Here every Bird of Parts might enter, The Nightingale was made Praecentor; Under whose..
Read Less