Though 'twas render'd as black as an Ethiop's head:
When I've made it as foul as a Scot's ragged tartan,
The rogues gulp'd it down, and all swore it was Spartan.
When they've sat near the fire, in knee squeezing rows,
I have spit out a coal, and demolished their hose:
All my grates have breath'd sulphur to stifle their powers;
I'd a watch at my side to beat minutes and hours:
When I've seen a Blight glide 'twixt the earth and the skies,
I've coax'd in the demon, and ruin'd their eyes:
I've edg'd down a poker on legs swell'd with gout,