Classic Poem

Though long the capital my fancy charmed;
Allured my folly; my ambition warmed;
Hail, soft retirement! in degenerate days,
Of shameless guilt; of prostituted praise;
When TOPHAM 's writings are admired, for wit;
When TIERNEY 's pistol risks the life of PITT .

Stung with regret, an independent muse
The moral features of our senate views;
Where private passions war with publick weal;
Nor the dread warnings of religion feel;
Where LEWIS , dead to virtue's fair renown,
Corrupts, with tales obscene, a tainted town.

Yet should one man the legislature shame;
Behold another, to redeem their fame!
Pleased is the poet, scenes of vice to flee;
And soothe his soul, oh WILBERFORCE ! with thee!
To read the lectures of THY hallowed page;
Our church's doctrine, in a better age;
Even in the worst with gratitude he owns
That the TRUE CHRISTIAN for the MONK atones.