No More Learning

VI.

I '11 have a new London instead of the old.
With wide streets and uniform to my old mould ;
But if they build too fast, I '11 bid 'em hold.

VII.

The ancient nobility I will lay by,

And new ones create their rooms to supply,

And they shall raise fortunes for my own fry.

VIII.

Some one I '11 advance from a common descent.
So high that he shall hector the parliament^
And all wholesome laws for the public prevent,

IX.

And I will assert him to such a degree

That all his foul treasons, though daring and high.

Under my hand and seal shall have indemnity.



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298 THE POEMS



X.

And, whftte'er it cost me, I'll have a French

wliore,
As bold as Alice Pierce, and as fair as Jane

Shore;
And when I am weary of her, I *11 have more.

XI.

Which if anj bold commoner dare to oppose,
I '11 order my bravos to cut off his nose,*
Tliough for 't I a branch of prerogative lose.

XII.
My pimp shall be my minister premier,
My bawds call ambassadors far and near,
And my wench shall dispose of Conge d'Elire.

XIII.

I 'II wholly abandon all public affairs,

And pass all my time with buffoons and players.

And saunter to Nelly when I should be at prayers.

XIV.

I '11 have a fine pond witli a pretty decoy,
Where many strange fowl shall feed and enjoy.
And still in their language quack Vive le Roy !

* Alluding to the barbarity acted on Sir John Ck>ventry.



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OF MARVKLL. 299



A HISTORICAL POEM.

Of a tall statuiHJ, and of sable hue,
Much like the son of Kish, that lofly Jew,
Twelve years complete he suffered in exile,
And kept his father's asses all the while ;
At length, by wondeiful impulse of fate.
The people call him home to help the state,
And, what is more, they send him money too,
And clothe him all, from head to foot, anew.
Nor did he such small favours then disdain.
Who in his thirteenth year began his reign :
In a slashed doublet then he came ashore,
And dubbed poor Palmer's* wife his royal whore.
Bishops, and deans, peers, pimps, and knights, he

made ;
Things highly fitting for a monarch's trade !
With women, wine, and viands of delight,
His jolly vassals feast him day and night.