Classic Poem

Of late at Westminster, in order due,
A gracious speech first made, debates ensue.
Ere then, in this full house , our author's fate
Becomes the subject of your warm debate —
Ere yet you opposition-criticks rise
To move for censures, and refuse supplies;
Or partial friends pour down corrupt applause,
By orders pension'd in the author's cause,
From either party — none will sure impeach
My sovereign title to pronounce the speech.

Through me the muse her loyal subjects greets —
Tho' I speak standing, and you keep your seats —
Pleas'd that sOfull a house attends the summons —
Pit — Box — and Gallery — Peers and faithful Commons —
With deep concern she bids me here relate
What dangers threaten the dramatic state —
What hosts of foes her tottering realms invade,
By fashion muster'd, and by folly paid:
While Taste , her old ally, unmov'd we see,
And Spleen preserves an arm'd neutrality .
See first come on — all arm'd in whalebone hoops —
The tuneful leaders of the Italian troops.
Long have they wag'd — too oft with conquest crown'd —
The doubtful conflict betwixt sense and sound.
Allied with these — in hostile bands advance
The light-heel'd legions of invading France.
To point her thunders on our British coast,
Year after year, has been vain Gallia's boast.
Their troops embark — the bold attempt is plann'd —
Their heroes threaten — and their dancers land . —
These only put their threats in execution,
And lay all London under contribution.
Immortal chiefs! who on one leg can do
What yet no warrior has atchiev'd on two.
Like Rome's proud victor, in their fierce attack,
They come, they see, they conquer, and — go back.
And, modern Jasons, as of old in Greece,
Sail home triumphant with the golden fleece.

Before such dangers shall we prostrate fall?
Or, like true Britons, boldly brave them all?
If fairly led, we'll bid their host defiance,
Dissolv'd a late unnatural alliance ;
Our leader too shall now assistance lend,
Not promise succours, and delay to send:
But chiefly here — our hopes and courage lie
In you , our truest friend and best ally —
Support our Bard to-night, and on his part
Receive the tribute of a grateful heart —
Thro' me receive, and here again I'll meet ye,
Act as ambassadress, and sign the treaty.