’Twas on this Vase’s lofty side, &c.
[29] Var.—Two beauteous forms.
First edition in Dodsley’s Miscellany.
[30] Glitters, or Glisters, in other Editions.
[31] Lord Castlereagh, herein satirised, was the chief instrument in procuring the legislative union of England and Ireland in 1800, for which he was severely attacked by Lord Byron in Don Juan. He committed suicide in 1822, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
[32] King Henry the Sixth, founder of the College.
[33] Ranelagh was a famous place of public entertainment erected about 1740, at Chelsea, close to the banks of the Thames, on the site of the gardens of a villa which had formerly belonged to Viscount Ranelagh. The great hall, known as the Rotunda, was opened on April 5, 1742, it was 185 feet in diameter. This was designed by Mr. Lacy, formerly one of the managers of Drury Lane Theatre. Bonnell Thornton’s Burlesque Ode on St. Cecilias’ Day, set to music by Dr. Burney, was performed at Ranelagh to a crowded audience. The last grand fête held at Ranelagh was the installation ball of the Knights of the Bath, in 1802. The site now forms part of Chelsea Hospital Gardens, between Church Row and the river, to the east of the Hospital, but no trace now remains of Ranelagh. A very good description of the Gardens and Buildings will be found in Thomas Faulkner’s Description of Chelsea. London, 1810.
[34] The name given by the founder to the College.
[35] Helm, nor Hauberk’s twisted mail.
The Hauberk was a texture of steel ringlets, or rings interwoven, forming a coat of mail that sat close to the body, and adapted itself to every motion.
[36] As down the steep of Snowdon’s shaggy side.