The spirit-stirring drum will cease to roar,
The prompter's whistle will be heard no more;
But echoing sounds of rustic toil prevail,
The winnowing hiss, and clapping of the flail:
Hither once more may unhous'd vagrants fly,
To shun the inclement blast and pelting sky:
On Lear's own straw gipsies may rest their head,
And trulls lie snug in Desdemona's bed."
The original picture is in the possession of Mr. Wood of Lyttlecote, who purchased it for twenty-six guineas!
