“Showman!” said Peter, “did not Quin and Clive,
And Roscius-Garrick, by the science thrive?
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
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;