Classic Poem

A FRAGMENT

Nature! thy laws no longer we obey,
Extremes we study: — Fashion leads the way:
We scorn to tread the old and hackney'd road,
And seek not what is right, but what is odd.
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Our ladies now disdain their nat'ral size,
Lace upon lace, on ribbons ribbons rise;
Protub'rances stick out before, behind,
And ev'ry where the marks of art we find.
Nor fashion's rage to dress confines its pow'r,
The ball is lengthen'd till the midnight hour:
To pleasure ladies now devote their cares,
And leave to hirelings family affairs.
To manly talks the youth no more applies;
Mamma wont have him read, 'twill spoil his eyes.
If he can prattle French, swear, and look smart,
What needs he more to gain a lady's heart.
In ev'ry rank th' infection now takes place,
The tradesman hastes to imitate his Grace;
And down the steep of fate alike all run,
And press with eagerness to be undone.

Alas, my country! dissipation reigns,
And not one trace of antient faith remains;
Religion, honesty, are now no more,
And liberty forsakes her favour'd shore.
Heedless of cure, we of the ill complain,
Laws to reform are made, but made in vain:
From you, ye great! must the example rise,
Recalling virtue, or confirming vice.
O! might th' appointed guardians of our laws
Enforce by conduct, as by voice, their cause!
The virtues patronized by those, who sway,
They soon would learn, and practise, who obey:
Thus only, rising from its native source,
Can reformation flow with steady course.
Illustrious Prince, whom Britons anxious view
Their future hope, be this reserv'd for you,
Your country's former honours to reclaim,
And add the patriot to the monarch's name!