Classic Poem

I' VE been often much puzzled perfection to find,
Of enjoyment I mean, in the body or mind:
I have look'd for it here , I have look'd for it there —
It 's to ride a full trot on a capital mare .

I confess, that a cutlet, or chops, at an Inn,
Are ambrosia to me, and I hope it 's no sin;
But my appetite gives me a taste for the fare,
And the appetite comes from this trot on the mare.

When the taylor, with buttons, with cloth, and with tape,
On the pockets or liberties threatens a rape;
No expedients against him I ever compare
To adjournment of Court, and full trot on the mare.

If a man is in love, and is going to kiss
Amarillis , or Kate , in the arbour of bliss;
The delectable feast with more spirit he 'll share,
Having swung twenty miles a full trot on the mare.

If the lady is false, and may chance to elope,
Let him pause, ere a pistol he takes, or the rope:
I 've a much better cure for his loss of the fair,
Let him shake his blue devils full trot on the mare.

If the Poet intends Mr. Pope to supplant,
Or the Orator like Mr.******* to rant;
Let him exercise take, let him snuff up the air,
For a Tully or Homer no school but the mare.
Disappointed ambition, though folly at best,
Very often, I 'm told, Mr. Pitt has oppress'd;
Of his nerves and affections the tone he 'll repair
With a bump round the Parks, though on Addington's mare.

Should the Curate perceive thirty pounds rather short,
And should envy the Vicar his ale or his port —
If his lower apparel is tatter'd and bare,
Let him ride sans-culottes , though he borrows the mare.

If the world in a fit of caprice turns its rump,
Some advise the receipt of a hop, step, and jump:
But the cure to make perfect, and cut your despair,
Take, in place of the world, a full trot on the mare.