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AN INCOMPARABLE ODE

OF

MALHERBE'S*..

Written by him when the Marriage was on foot between the King of France† and Anne of Auftria.

Translated by a great admirer of the Easiness of French Poetry.

Cette Anne fi belle,

Qu'on vante fi fort,
Pourquoy ne vient elle?

Prayment, elle a tort!
Son Louis foupire
Apres fes appas :
Que veut elle dire,

Que elle ne vient pas ?
Si il ne la poffede,

Il s'en va mourir ;
Donnons y reméde,

Allons la querir.

This Anna fo fair,

So talk'd of by fame,
Why don't the appear?

Indeed, she's to blame!
Lewis fighs for the fake

Of her charms, as they say;
What excufe can she make
For not coming away?
If he does not poffefs,
He dies with despair;
Let's give him redress,
And go find out the fair.

• The Tranflator propofed to turn this Ode with all imaginable exactness; and he hopes he has been pretty just to Malherbe: only in the fixth line he has made a small addition of these three words, " as they say;" which he thinks is excusable, if we consider the French poet there talks a little too familiarly of the king's paffion, as if the king himself had owned it to him. The Tranilator thinks it more mannerly and refpectful in Malherbe to pretend to have the only by hearsay.

account of it

Lewis the Fourteenth.

THE FUR METARY,

A VERY INNOCENT AND HARMLESS POEM*,

IN THREE CANTOS.

FIRST PRINTED IN 1699.

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PREFACE.

Fleet-ditch; there to difpenfe furmetary to labouring people, and the poor, at reasonable rates, at three-half-pence and two-pence a dish, which is not dear, the plums being confidered.

The places are generally styled furmetaries, becaufe that food has got the general esteem; but. that at Fleet-ditch I take to be one of the most remarkable, and therefore I have ftyled it, "The " Furmetary;" and could easily have had a certificate of the usefulness of this furmetary, figned by several eminent carmen, gardeners, journeymentaylors, and basket-women, who have promised to contribute to the maintenance of the fame, in cafe the coffee-houfes fhould proceed to oppofe it.

THE author of the following poem may be thought | vers other noted places in the city, especially as to write for fame, and the applause of the town: but he wholly difowns it; for he writes only for the public good, the benefit of his country, and the manufacture of England. It is well known, that grave fenators have often, at the palace-yard, refreshed themselves with barley-broth in a morning, which has had a very folid influence on their counfels; it is therefore hoped that other perfons may ufe it with the like fuccefs. No man can be ignorant, how of late years coffee and tea in a morning has prevailed; nay, cold waters have obtained their commendation; and wells are fprung up from Acton to Illington, and crofs the water to Lambeth. These liquors have feveral eminent champions of all profeffions. But there have not been wanting perfons, in all ages, that have fhewn a true love for their country, and the proper diet of it, as water-gruel, milk-porridge, rice-milk, and especially furmetary both with plums and without. To this end, feveral worthy perfons have encouraged the eating fuch wholesome diet in the morning; and, that the poor may be provided, they Virgil had a Homer to imitate; but I ftand uphave defired feveral matrons to ftand at Smithfield-on my own legs, without any support from abroad, bars, Leadenhall-market, Stocks-market, and di-I

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I have thought this a very proper fubject for an heroic poem; and endeavoured to be as fmooth in my verfe, and as inoffenfive in my character, as was poffible. It is my cafe with Lucretius, that I write upon a subject not treated of by the an-) cients. But," the greater labour, the greater' "glory."

therefore fhall have more occafion for the reader's' favour, who, from the kind acceptance of this, may expect the defcription of other furmetaries about this city, from his most humble fervant,

AND PER SE AND

THE

FURMETARY.

CANTO I.

No fooner did the grey-ey'd morning peep,
And yawning mortals firetch themfelves from
fleep;

Finders of gold were now but newly past,
And basket-women did to market haste;
The watchmen were but just returning home,
To give the thieves more liberty to roam;
When from a hill by growing beams of light,
A ftately pile was offer'd to the fight;
Three fpacious doors let paffengers go through,
And diftant ftones did terminate their view:
Juft here, as ancient poets fing, there ftood
The noble palace of the valiant Lud;
His image now appears in Portland stone,
Each fide fupported by a god-like fon :
But, underneath, all the three heroes fhine,
In living colours, drawn upon a fign,
Which Thews the way to ale, but not to wine.
Near is a place enclos'd with iron bars,
Where many mortals curse their cruel stars,
When brought by ufurers into distress,
For having little fill muft live on lefs:
Stern avarice there keeps the relentless door,
And bids each wretch eternally be poor.
Hence hunger rifes, difmally he talks,
And takes each fingle prifoner in his walks:
This duty done, the meagre monster ftares,
Holds up his bones, and thus begins his prayers:
"Thou, Goddess Famine, that canft fend us
"blights,

With parching heat by day, and storm by nights,
"Aflift me now: fo many lands be thine,
"And fhoals of orphans at thy altars pine!
26 Long may thy reign continue on each shore,
"Where-ever peace and plenty reign'd before!
"I must confefs, that to thy gracious hand
"I widows owe, that are at my command;
"I joy to hear their numerous children's cries;
"And blefs thy power, to find they've no fupplies.
"I thank thee for thofe martyrs, who would flee
"From fuperftitious rites and tyranny,
"And find their fullness of reward in me.
"But 'tis with much humility I own,
"That generous favour you have lately shown,
"When mien, that bravely have their country'

"ferv'd,

"Receiv'd the just reward that they deferv'd And are preferr'd to me, and shall be starv'd., * Ludgate.

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vance,

Fainting and weakness threw him in a trance:
Famine took pity on her careful slave,
And kindly to him this affistance gave
She took the figure of a thin parch'd maid,
Who many years had for a husband staid;
And, coming near to hunger, thus she said:

"My darling fon, whilst peace and plenty imie,
"And happiness would over-run this isle,
"I joy to fee, by this thy prefent care,
"I've ftill fome friends remaining since the war:
"In fpite of us, A does on venison feed,
"And bread and butter is for 3 decreed;
"CD combines with E F's generous foul,
"To pass their minutes with the sparkling bowl;
"HI's good nature, from his endless ftore,
"Is ftill conferring bleffings on the poor,
"For none, except 'tis K, regards them more.
"L, M, N, O, P, Q, is vainly great,
"And fquanders half his substance in a treat.
"Nice eating by R, S, is understood;
"T's fupper, though but little, yet is good;
"U's converfation's equal to his wine,
"You fup with W, whene'er you dine:
"X, Y, and Z, hating to be confin'd,
"Ramble to the next eating-house they find;
"Pleasant, good-humour'd, beautiful, and gay, '
"Sometimes with mufic, and fometimes with

"play,

"Prolang their pleafures till th'approaching day.

AND PER SE AND alone, as poets ufe,

The ftarving dictates of my rules pursues ;
No fwinging coachman does afore him shine,
Nor has he any conftant place to dine,
But all his notions of a meal are mine.
Hafte, hafte, to him, a bleffing give from me,
And bid him write fharp things on FURMETRY.
But I would have thee to Coffedro go,
And let Tobacco too thy business know;
With famous Teedrums in this cafe advife,
Rely on Sagoe, who is always wife.
Amidft fuch counsel, banish all despair;
Trust me, you fhall fucceed in this affair :
That project which they FURMETARY call.
Before next breakfast-time fhall surely fall!"
This faid, fhe quickly vanish'd in a wind
fad long within her body been confin'd.
hus Hercules, when he his miftrefs found,
son knew her by her fcent, and by her found.

"

CANTO III.

UNGER rejoic'd to hear the bleft command,
hat FURMETARY fhould no longer stand;
ith fpeed he to Coffedro's mansion flies,
nd bids the pale-fac'd mortal quickly rife.
Arife, my friend; for upon thee do wait
Difmal events and prodigies of fate!
"Tis break of day, thy footy broth prepare,
And all thy other liquors for a war:
Roufe up Tobacco, whofe delicious fight,
Illuminated round with beams of light,
To my impatient mind will caufe delight.
How will he conquer noftrils that prefume
To ftand th' attack of his impetuous fume!
Let handfome Teedrums too be call'd to arms,
For he has courage in the midst of charms:
Sagoe with counfel fills his wakeful brains,
But then his wifdom countervails his pains;
'Tis he fhall be your guide, he fhall effect
That glorious conquest which we all expect :
The brave Hectorvus hall command this
"force;
[worfe,

He'll meet Tubcarrio's foot, or, which is
Oppofe the fury of Carmanniel's horse.
For his reward, this he fhall have each day,
Drink coffee, then frut out, and never pay.”
It was not long ere the grandees were met,
nd round news-papers in full order fet.
hen Sagoe, rifing, said, “I hope you hear
Hunger's advice with an obedient ear;
Our great defign admits of no delay,
Famine commands, and we must all obey:

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Great One-and-all-i gives the firft alarms;
Then cach man fnatches up offensive arms.
To Ditch of Fleet courageously they run,
Quicker than thought; the battle is begun :
Hectorvus firft Tubcarrio does attack,
And by furprise foon lays him on his back;
Thirfto and Drowtho then, approaching near,
Soon overthrow two magazines of beer.

The innocent Syrena little thought

That all these arms against herself were brought;
Nor that in her defence the drink was fpilt:
How could the fear, that never yet knew guilt?
Her fragrant juice, and her delicious plums,
She does difpenfe (with gold upon her thumbs):
Virgins and youths around her ftood; fhe fate,
Environ'd with a wooden chair of state.

In the mean time, Tobacco ftrives to vex
A numerous fquadron of the tender fex; [breath,
With what strong smoke, and with his stronger
He funks Basketia and her fon to death.

Coffedro then, with Teedrums and the band Who carried scalding liquors in their hand, Throw watery amunition in their eyes; On which Syrena's party frighten'd flies: Carmannio ftraight drives up a bulwark strong, And horfe oppofes to Coffedro's throng. Coledrivio ftands for bright Syrena's guard, And all her rallied forces are prepar'd; Carmannio then to Teedrums' fquadron makes, And the lean mortal by the buttons takes; Not Teedrums' arts Carmannio could befeech, But his rough valour throws him in the ditch. Syrena, though furpris'd, refolv'd to be The great Bonduca of her FURMETRY: Before her throne courageoufly fhe ftands, Managing ladles-full with both her hands. The numerous plums like hail-fhot flew about, And plenty foon difpers'd the meagre rout.

So have I feen, at fair that's nam'd from Horn, Many a ladle's blow by prentice borne; In vain he strives their paffions to afsuage, (gage; With threats would frighten, with foft words enUntil, through milky gauntlet foundly beat, His prudent heels fecure a quick retreat.

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MULLY OF MOUNTOWN*:

FIRST PRINTED BY THE AUTHOR IN 1704.

I.,

MOUNTOWN! thou sweet retreat from

cares,

But this great maxim must be underflood, Dublin" Be fure, nay very fure, thy cork be good!" Then future ages fhall of Peggy tell,

Be famous for thy apples and thy pears;
For turnips, carrots, lettuce, beans, and peafe;
For Peggy's butter, and for Peggy's cheese.
May clouds of pigeons round about thee fly!
But condefcend fometimes to make a pye.
May fat geefe gaggle with melodious voice,
And ne'er want goofeberries or apple-fauce!
Ducks in thy ponds, and chicken in thy pens,
And be thy turkeys numerous as thy hens!
May thy black pigs lie warm in little tye,
And have no thought to grieve them till they die!
Mountown! the mufe's most delicious theme;
Oh! may thy codlins ever fwim in cream!
The rafp and straw-berries in Bourdeaux drown,
To add a redder tincture to their own!
Thy white-wine, fugar, milk, together club,
To make that gentle viand fyllabub.
Thy tarts to tarts, cheese-cakes to cheefe-cakes join,
To spoil the relish of the flowing wine.
But to the fading palate bring relief,
By thy Weftphalian ham, or Belgic beef;
And, to complete thy bleffings, in a word,
May ftill thy foil be generous as its lord .

11.

Oh! Peggy, Peggy, when thou goest to brew,
Confider well what you're about to do;
Be very wife, very fedately think

That what you're going now to make is drink;
Confider who must drink that drink; and then,
What 'tis to have the praise of boneft men :
For furely, Peggy, while that drink does laft,
'Tis Peggy will be toafled or difgrac'd.
Then, if thy ale in glafs thou would't confine,
To make its fparkling rays in beauty shine,
Let thy clean bottle be entirely dry,
Left a white fubftance to the surface fly,
And, floating there, difturb the curious eye.

*It was taken for a ftate poem, and to have many myfteries in it; though it was only made, as well as "Or. pheus and Eurydice," for country diverfion.

A pleafant villa to the fouth of Dublin, near the fea.
Judge Upton,

That nymph that brew'd and bottled ale fo well

111.

How fleet is air! how many things have breath,
Which in a moment they refign to death;
Depriv'd of light, and all their happiest state,
Not by their fault, but fome o'er-ruling fate!
Although fair flowers, that justly might invite,
Are cropt, nay torn away, for man's delight;
Yet ftill thofe flowers, alas! can make no moan,
Nor has Narciffus now a power to groan!
But all thofe things which breathe in different
frame,

By tie of common breath, man's pity claim.
A gentle lamb has rhetoric to plead,
And, when the fees the butcher's knife decreed,
Her voice entreats him not to make her bleed:
But cruel gain, and luxury of taste,
With pride, ftill lays man's fellow mertals waste :
What earth and waters breed, or air infpires,
Man for his palate fits by torturing fires.

Mully, a cow, fprung from a beauteous race, With spreading front, did Mountown's pakart

grace.

Gentle she was, and, with a gentle stream,
Each morn and night gave milk that equal'd cream.
Offending none, of none the flood in dread,
Much lefs of perfons which the daily fed:
"But innocence cannot itself defend
"'Gainst treacherous arts, veil'd with the name of
"friend."

Robin of Derby-fhire, whofe temper shocks
The conftitution of his native rocks;
Born in a place §, which, if it once be nam'd,
Would make a blushing modesty asham'd:
He with indulgence kindly did appear
To make poor Mully his peculiar care;
But inwardly this fullen churlish thief
Had all his mind plac'd upon Mully's beef;
His fancy fed on her; and thus he'd cry,
Mully, as fure as I'm alive, you die:

The Devil's Are of Peak.

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