And leaves the House of Commons unto me.

*  *  *  *  *

Full many a country gentleman and squire,

The hinder seats and those back benches bear;

Full many a one who represents a shire,

There wastes his sweetness on the desert air:

Some city member, with his meal opprest,

May there, perhaps, in sleep digest his food;

Some mute inglorious Alderman may rest,

Some grocer, guiltless of his country’s good.