The Ballard.
“The Ballad” was the favourite dance of the Italians. This word now used only to designate the words of a peculiar species of song, is derived from the Italian “ballare” to dance, and originally signified a dance accompanied by a chaunt. This dance was probably pantomimic, exhibiting the story of the accompanying verse by that expressive gesticulation in which the Italians of all ages have excelled.
On a Lady not celebrated for cleanliness—The late Lord Chancellor, The Lord Erskine.
On a Lady not celebrated for her attention to cleanliness.
Accept, dear Peg, in moral lays,
The thanks a grateful heart repays;
Oft has my soul, puff’d up with pride,
The truths of sacred writ denied,
And to myself I still have said,
Sure mankind ne’er of dust was made,
Till thou, dear Peg, revers’d my creed,
And shew’d me, we are dirt indeed.