Page:Trivia (John Gay) to which is added London (Samuel Johnson) (1809).djvu/12

2 For thee the scavenger bids kennels glide Within their bounds, and heaps of dirt subside. My youthful bosom burns with thirst of fame, From the great theme to build a glorious name; To tread in paths to ancient bards unknown, And bind my temples with a civic crown: But more, my country's love demands the lays— My country's be the profit, mine the praise.
 * When the black youth at chosen stands rejoice,

And "Clean your shoes" resounds from ev'ry voice; When late their miry sides stage-coaches show, And their stiff horses through the town move slow; When all the Mall in leafy ruin lies, And damsels first renew their oyster cries; Then let the prudent walker shoes provide, Not of the Spanish or Morocco hide;— The wooden heel may raise the dancer's bound, And with the scallop'd top his step be crown'd;— Let firm well-hammer'd soles protect thy feet Through freezing snows, and rains, and soaking sleet. Should the big last extend the shoe too wide, Each stone will wrench th' unwary step aside;