While, from your noble, gen'rous dealing,
I feel a joy there's no revealing.
"'A Trav'ller is the name I bear,
A well-known, useful character,
Who, through the kingdom's wide-stretch'd bounds,
Ne'er fails to make his yearly rounds.
I for a London house of trade
Employ my necessary aid,
By which its commerce I extend
From Dover to the far Land's End.
Well mounted, or perhaps in chaise,
We quietly pursue our ways;
Lift our heads high, and look so grand
When we have payments to demand,
But bow, and handsome speeches give
When we have orders to receive:
Thus suiting manners, as you see
To our commercial policy.
Nay, when the busy day is o'er,
We meet at night, perhaps a score;
And, in return, give our commands
To humble host, who cringing stands,
In order to prepare the best
For the be-bagg'd and trav'lling guest, |
And bring us wine to aid our cheer;
While, with stump'd pens behind the ear,
Good folks in town may drink their beer— | } |
Nay, may be boasting of our labours
In smoking clubs of sober neighbours. |
"'To what the London Mart supplies,
We give our wings and off it flies:
Thus knowledge, taste, and every fashion
Find a quick way throughout the nation,
And all the wants of high and low
We with a ready zeal bestow.
—The beauties of improving art