POETS AND THEIR PATRONS
THE PAST.
Vast is the difference between the Poets’ Patron of the past and of the present period. Formerly the noble was the encourager of the lofty strains of inspiration, but nowadays Moses is the Mæcenas of the Muses. In times gone by the bard was accustomed to write lays to laud the lazy lordling, but now he sings pæans to the paletot, and invests the vest with the graceful trimmings of fancy.
The poet has turned puffer instead of parasite. Should another Pope arise, he would sing the praises of another Chesterfield; but instead of being the Earl of that name, it would be the wrapper he would take for the subject of his lucubrations. The following is a fair specimen of the style of thing to which a new Pope would most probably devote his poetical talents:—
THE PRESENT.
How happy is the new Mosaic cut!
When Moses opens, let the rest be shut.
Look at the coat! so dashing, yet refined,
In front perfection, and the same behind;
Body and skirt their equal distance keep,
The collar not too narrow, nor too deep;
Grace shines about it with enchanting beams,
And finest workmanship cements the seams.
Taste lurks in every fold, and—Gracious Heaven!
You get the article for two pound seven.
Let others to the western Schneiders fly,
With eastern elegance ’tis vain to vie.