HUMPTY-DUMPTY.

Rich and furr'd was the robe he wore,

And a bright gold chain on his breast he bore;

But, och! his speaking was far beyond

Waithman himself, with his snow-white wand.

"Humpty! do'st thou not fear to stray

With the Lady, so far from the King's highway?

Are Britain's sons so dull or so cold,

As still to be cheated with tinsel for gold?"

"Mistress Dumpty! I feel not the least alarm—

No placemen ever dare do me harm;

For though they vote her and me a bore,

They love their own heads, and their places more."

On he went—in her coach to ride,

While he cozen'd the Lady who sat by his side

And lost for ever was she who was led

By Humpty's honour—and Dumpty's head!