Page:Royal riddle book.pdf/13

 At home submissive, but in battle brave.

When the shrill trumpet sounds I take the field,

Laugh at the painted spear and glitt’ring shield;

Bold and intrepid meet the daring foe,

Willing and able to repeat the blow;

To peer or prelate I give health and ease,

The lady, merchant, and the peasant please;

Nay, of such general use is my employment,

Without me life would scarce be worth enjoyment.

I from abroad a pris'ner brought,

Was soon the English language taught,

And pleas’d my lord so well,

He took me home unto his house,

And introduc'd me to his spouse,

Where I in comfort dwell;

For when the sky's serene and clear,

I walk abroad to take the air,

And to observe what passes;

In learning half the tricks in town,

I make remarks on every clown,

And laugh at lads and lasses:

When tired with that I call a coach,

Bold and regardless of reproach)

Then whistle, sing, and coach,

And having teas’d the man awhile,

With the imposture pleas’d I smile,

And bid the knave walk off.

My patron is wisdom—if wisdom you prize,

In me put your confidence, borrow my eyes;

Who into a millstone can see full as far,

As the best of you all by the light of a star.

Could the Royal Society purchase my skill,

Or the wise men of Gresham like me have their will,

They ne'er had admitted pretenders to science,

And for learned members bid Europe defiance.