Showman!—'tis scandal; I'm by genius led
To join a class who've Shakspeare at their head."
Poor Peter thus by easy steps became
180
A dreaming candidate for scenic fame;
And, after years consumed, infirm and poor,
He sits and takes the tickets at the door.
Of various men these marching troops are made—
Pen-spurning clerks, and lads contemning trade;
Waiters and servants by confinement teased,