Classic Poem

Address'd to a Lady at the H OR -W ELL , B RISTOL , wrote in Wales .

Pardon, Madam, this Intrusion,
But of Rhime I've such Profusion,
Write I must, in my own Way, —
Why to Me? — I hear you say:
Troth, because at friendly Board
You regal'd me like a Lord;
And your Treatment so polite,
Grateful thus my Muse will write:
Ever since I landed here,
Scarce a single Hour fair;
Rain and Wind without Cessation;
If a Moment's calm Vacation,
Quick a gloomy wint'ry Sky,
Hovers with malignant Eye,
Strait ensues a beating Rain,
(Noah's Flood renew'd again)
Nothing but a House Employ;
Hunting, Shooting, manly Joy!
Both forbid — to active Mind,
Galling thus to be confin'd;
Indeed (as at the present Time)
I steal away to fav'rite Rhime;
Dearest Muse! thou best Support,
To visit thee I quit a C OURT . —
I know you wish my Clio's Fame;
A Proof — I'm honour'd with your Name;
My List swells nobly; good Report;
Nay, further, owing to the C OURT .
On Tuesday next (please Heav'n) I mean,
To quit this friendly, — wat'ry Scene,
And, as you pre-advis'd, suppose
I take at W ELL a resting Dose;
After the Perils of the Sea ,
So snug a Birth must well agree;
O! how I love your Garden Spot,
And eke your little Grotto-Cot:
Our sweet Review can't be forgot.

But soft! the Post is going out,
Per-force I quit my jingling Rout;
Then fare you well — with much Esteem,
I greet our Friends at Hot-Well Scene.