Classic Poem

HELD AT THE SHAKSPEARE TAVERN, COVENT GARDEN .

Since our lives are so short, and our joys are so few!
Let's assemble together a sociable crew,
Where worth shall be present, good humour preside,
Nor no mortal be black-ball'd but folly and pride.
There Taylor shall pun, and we'll laugh at his jest,
Which often is new, and when old's well express'd:
By Apollo I swear that his name I'll transmit,
As a fellow whose humour is very like wit!
Tom Morton shall there make his smart repartee,
Fred Reynolds be whimsical, lively, and free;
And Holman, our chairman, with voice loud as thunder!
While he laughs at Fred's whim shall keep his noise under.
Miles Peter shall tell how Pitt smil'd when he spoke —
He shall frank all our letters, and we'll frank his joke:
Sam Rogers, whose talents are dear to the Nine!
Shall cease to complain that we ne'er " keep the Line; "
And the Tuftons, two honest good fellows and true!
In our club shall be plac'd, though they're both buff and blue;
And Wroughton be welcom'd, that cunning, sly elf!
Who found us all out soon as seated himself.
When absent Tom Twistleton oft will be miss'd,
Who convinces alike with his tongue and his fist!
Of the rest of the Club all that's handsome I'd say,
Of Hoare, Wilson, Burgh, Sharp, and modest Moutray;
And each could I hitch in my rhyme, I'd commend,
As a pleasant companion, and sociable friend.