The Author describes his Subscription Canvass, and takes Leave of his Friends.
When first my Muse, perhaps more bold than wife,
Design'd this Trifle for the public Eyes,
Thus she resolv'd — Enough of Canvass Routs, —
To treat with equal State both Ins and Outs:
Steel'd with Resolves of this well-temp'd Kind,
I chose this Plan, pre-fraught with equal Mind:
Mark the Result — accept a brief Detail,
Believe me, 'tis a " Round unvarnish'd Tale. "
T RICK'D and abus'd by Publishers in Town,
October last to Bath I trip'd me down;
There the Whim seiz'd me, by Subscription Mode,
(Assur'd that it must prove a better Road)
To give these Trifles to the public Eye,
And print 'em here — I've Reasons by the bye —
But should you ask a damning Proof, I quote
The faithful W* B ** Y , of true Coxcomb Note.
W ELL , my Proposals first appear'd — let's see —
With Specimens affix'd (some two or three)
About the Close of bleak October's Reign;
Inviting all, who lov'd poetic Strain,
To honour with their Names, and best Regard,
Th' impartial Scribbler — a mere Mushroom Bard.
Some Days elaps'd — my Books as Maiden-fair,
As if they never were expos'd to Air:
I heeded not; indeed I gave a Hint,
To Friends profess'd , of what I meant to print;
But they, kind Souls , thro' Prudence choose to stay;
" 'Tis Time enough, when others lead the Way,
We'll join the Corps " — as if they meant to fight
The Battle o'er; theyr'e doubtless in the right:
'Twas S******* E'S Plan: we all allow his Merit ;
For though he halted, 'twas not Want of Spirit —
At length some unknown Volunteers began,
To patronize this same subscribing Plan:
A grateful Public is the best to trust,
For prudent Friends are clog'd with Envy's Rust:
How do I laugh to hear these Worthies cry,
(Whilst Spleen struck Fury maddens in their Eye)
I wish Success, with all my friendly Heart ,
And really should be glad to help in Part;
But — — here the Canker of such dirty Souls
Sticks in their Throat — a selfish Blank controuls;
They cannot, for their Life, declare the Cause;
No Need of Words — 'tis plain what gives 'em pause.
Still my List swell'd, in spite of Soul-gall'd Elves,
Who hurt not Me — they only stung themselves .
And here, with Gratitude for Favours shown,
I thank my num'rous Friends in Norfolk's Round:
I thank you ALL ; perhaps another Year,
(If Heav'n so grant my Life and Health to spare)
A second Volume of the Medley-kind,
May furnish Laughter for the gen'rous Mind:
At present, I resign my public State;
Why should not Scribblers love (as well as Great)
To quit the Bustle of — a Press Resort —
Farewell — for Rest — I'll hie me to the Court .
When first my Muse, perhaps more bold than wife,
Design'd this Trifle for the public Eyes,
Thus she resolv'd — Enough of Canvass Routs, —
To treat with equal State both Ins and Outs:
Steel'd with Resolves of this well-temp'd Kind,
I chose this Plan, pre-fraught with equal Mind:
Mark the Result — accept a brief Detail,
Believe me, 'tis a " Round unvarnish'd Tale. "
T RICK'D and abus'd by Publishers in Town,
October last to Bath I trip'd me down;
There the Whim seiz'd me, by Subscription Mode,
(Assur'd that it must prove a better Road)
To give these Trifles to the public Eye,
And print 'em here — I've Reasons by the bye —
But should you ask a damning Proof, I quote
The faithful W* B ** Y , of true Coxcomb Note.
W ELL , my Proposals first appear'd — let's see —
With Specimens affix'd (some two or three)
About the Close of bleak October's Reign;
Inviting all, who lov'd poetic Strain,
To honour with their Names, and best Regard,
Th' impartial Scribbler — a mere Mushroom Bard.
Some Days elaps'd — my Books as Maiden-fair,
As if they never were expos'd to Air:
I heeded not; indeed I gave a Hint,
To Friends profess'd , of what I meant to print;
But they, kind Souls , thro' Prudence choose to stay;
" 'Tis Time enough, when others lead the Way,
We'll join the Corps " — as if they meant to fight
The Battle o'er; theyr'e doubtless in the right:
'Twas S******* E'S Plan: we all allow his Merit ;
For though he halted, 'twas not Want of Spirit —
At length some unknown Volunteers began,
To patronize this same subscribing Plan:
A grateful Public is the best to trust,
For prudent Friends are clog'd with Envy's Rust:
How do I laugh to hear these Worthies cry,
(Whilst Spleen struck Fury maddens in their Eye)
I wish Success, with all my friendly Heart ,
And really should be glad to help in Part;
But — — here the Canker of such dirty Souls
Sticks in their Throat — a selfish Blank controuls;
They cannot, for their Life, declare the Cause;
No Need of Words — 'tis plain what gives 'em pause.
Still my List swell'd, in spite of Soul-gall'd Elves,
Who hurt not Me — they only stung themselves .
And here, with Gratitude for Favours shown,
I thank my num'rous Friends in Norfolk's Round:
I thank you ALL ; perhaps another Year,
(If Heav'n so grant my Life and Health to spare)
A second Volume of the Medley-kind,
May furnish Laughter for the gen'rous Mind:
At present, I resign my public State;
Why should not Scribblers love (as well as Great)
To quit the Bustle of — a Press Resort —
Farewell — for Rest — I'll hie me to the Court .