MISCELLANEOUS.

A FRAGMENT IN IMITATION OF POPE.

So, (if great things may be compared with small,) Some drowsy fiddler at a midnight ball,

Lulled by his own dull strains and well-marked

time

To sure returns of one expected chime;

(While frequent draughts of potent ale conspire,
With late fatigue, to quell his minstrel fire,)
Feels o'er each sense a growing stupor creep,
Till his closed eyelids sink at last in sleep ;-
Yet ceases not the strain,—the unwearied sound
With method just prolongs its measured round;
For still, impelled by habit's mighty sway,
The tuneful dreamer plays or seems to play;
Just to each string his practised fingers rove,
And his curved elbow moves, as wont to move;
The restless fiddlestick still plays its part,

True to the precepts of its master's art;

Th' unconscious crowd applaud the sprightly tone,

And the man's praised for quavers not his own.

FRAGMENT OF A MORAL EPISTLE.

I KNOW there are to whom the world appears
To grow in folly as it grows in years;

Who think each age finds out, in crime more bold,

New modes of sinning, or improves the old.

Let the just Muse give praise where praise is due,
So shall she seem to blame with justice too;
One vice at least has this our age redrest:

Oh could our age as well reform the rest!

Time was, when fashion's fools would almost

loathe

The poor dull soul, who spoke without an oath :

Mere affirmation could not credence gain;

Would you seem serious, take God's name in vain;

Oaths mark'd in repartee the lucky hit,
Embellish'd narrative, and pointed wit.

Nor epithets could strength or grace bestow,

Which were not summon'd from the realms below, Through all discourse the impious folly ran,

Till swearing formed the finished gentleman.

Now, without blasphemy may men converse, Nor need, for talk, themselves or neighbours curse. The vulgar vice may still our ears appal,

Where draymen jostle, and where drunkards brawl;
But if, in better scenes, by use grown strong,

It still maintains some empire o'er the tongue,
Oh! let the laws of polished life prevail,

And fashion work a change where precepts fail!

Feb. 22nd, 1826.