Page:The Works of Lord Byron (ed. Coleridge, Prothero) - Volume 1.djvu/375

Rh Bred in the Courts betimes, though all that law

As yet hath taught him is to find a flaw,—

Since well instructed in the patriot school

To rail at party, though a party tool—

Who knows? if chance his patrons should restore

Back to the sway they forfeited before,

His scribbling toils some recompense may meet,

And raise this Daniel to the Judgment-Seat.

Let 's shade indulge the pious hope,

And greeting thus, present him with a rope:

"Heir to my virtues! man of equal mind!

Skilled to condemn as to traduce mankind,

This cord receive! for thee reserved with care,

To wield in judgment, and at length to wear."

Health to great ! Heaven preserve his life,

To flourish on the fertile shores of Fife,

And guard it sacred in its future wars,

Since authors sometimes seek the field of Mars!

Can none remember that eventful day,

That ever-glorious, almost fatal fray,

When 's leadless pistol met his eye,

And Bow-street Myrmidons stood laughing by?